A Revised Waste Framework Directive enters UK law by 12 December 2010, but landowners who want to promote their land for waste management uses should consider taking advice now.

Recycling and waste is a high priority for discussion this spring in Brussels and the issues of modernising waste management infrastructure, reducing the volume of waste and encouraging reuse and recycling are key issues.
 
The European Commission sees legislation such as the Revised Waste Framework Directive as an invaluable tool to achieve much higher rates of reuse and recycling.

The Directive, which will be transposed into UK law by 12 December 2010, sets new recycling targets: By 2020, Member States must recycle 50% of their household and similar waste and 70% of their construction and demolition waste.

It also lays down a five-step hierarchy of waste management options which must be applied by Member States when developing their national waste policies:

• waste prevention (preferred option)
• re-use
• recycling
• recovery (including energy recovery)
• safe disposal, as a last resort

Despite the 2010 deadline, many local planning authorities are already seeking sites for waste management facilities. Landowners with land suitably located for waste management uses may wish to consider seeking formal allocation of these sites in the emerging Local Development Frameworks.
 
Waste producers should be aware that disposal will continue to increase in cost and that waste minimisation and treatment at source will reduce costs in the long-term.
 
Carter Jonas’ Minerals & Waste Management Team has a wide range of experience and can advise on matters from site allocation and waste minimisation through to the submission of applications for a wide range of waste management and treatment facilities.

For more information contact Jane Spence, T: 01939 210135.