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New blueprint for development of UK composting industry
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In a move that aims
to shape the future direction of the UK industry, the
Composting Association launched its manifesto for achieving sustainable biodegradable
waste management at its annual conference. The manifesto outlines the key
challenges the industry faces over the next decade and what needs to be done
to support its sustainable growth.
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The manifesto
outlines the key challenges the industry faces over the next decade and what
needs to be done to support its sustainable growth. The manifesto urges UK
Government action to help the sector move forward by:
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* Supporting the
development of new infrastructure. Development of new biowaste processing
infrastructure is often unnecessarily impeded by delays in the land use
planning process and resistance by local communities. The Composting
Association recommends that Government helps the industry by establishing a
task force to review current policies and practices and by making clear
recommendations regarding a delivery timetable to establish new
infrastructure. The Government should also establish a waste planning
'Education Programme' to improve knowledge and understanding by elected
members and local residents.
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* Managing residual
waste. As numerous local authorities are seeking to contract the development
of mechanical biological treatment facilities as a means of meeting their
landfill diversion targets, there is currently little guidance on the use of
compost-like outputs. The Composting Association proposes that Government
initiates work on developing quality criteria and revised guidelines for
land-spreading in its current review of waste management licensing
exemptions. The Association also urges Government to consider a reduced rate
of landfill tax for treated residual waste to reflect its reduced methane
generating potential in landfill
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* Supporting
sustainable agriculture. As Government strives to implement its sustainable
farming and food strategy there is a real need to establish policy drivers
that provide a coherent link between bio-resource and soil management
practices. The Composting Association recommends that Government provides
clarity about compost use in soil management plans as part of keeping land in
Good Agricultural and Environment Condition under Cross Compliance. It recommend
that specific reference to the use of quality composts and digestate in the
Rural Payments Agency and DEFRA's guidance on Cross Compliance Guidance for
Soil Management should be made. In addition, it calls for policies which are
aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change should incorporate
a cohesive biowaste management strategy alongside emissions targets, taxation,
renewable energy and transport policies.
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Jane Gilbert, Chief
Executive of the Composting Association commented 'This Manifesto for
Achieving Sustainable Biodegradable Waste Management is the crystallisation
of hundreds of conversations that the Composting Association has had with
members who are actually producing compost on a daily basis.
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'The composting
industry is extremely healthy at the moment. There is public and private
support, the industry is innovative and passionate about what it does and
there is a real desire for it to build on current successes and to move to
the next level.
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'However, the
industry cannot move forward without the support of the Government. Without
the support of the Government the industry will not realise the potential
that we all know exists within it. We are calling, in the strongest possible
terms, for the Government to prove its commitment to making this country
environmentally sustainable and to support the future development of the
composting industry.'
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To access this article, go to:
http://www.waste-management-world.com/articles/article_display.cfm?ARTICLE_ID=314381&p=123
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Copyright © 2007: PennWell Corporation, Tulsa, OK; All
Rights Reserved.
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