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Archived press release

English waste levels rise again

24 March 2006

Friends of the Earth has today called on the Government to set a waste prevention target for municipal waste as official figures revealed that it increased by 2.1 per cent last year [1]. In 2003/04 municipal waste arisings actually decreased for the first time since 2000 - but disappointingly this trend has not continued [2].

The Government is currently reviewing the national waste strategy for England but no waste minimisation targets are proposed [3]. Instead the Government says that there is insufficient information or evidence to introduce a waste prevention target. But even the Government's own research has shown that a waste strategy based on waste prevention would have greater environmental benefits than the proposals in the current review [4].

Dr Anna Watson, Waste Campaigner at Friends of the Earth said:

"Tough new policies and targets are needed to cut the amount of waste thrown away in England every year. Recycling targets have led to a substantial increase in our recycling rates - why can't we do the same with waste prevention? Unless the Government acts to reduce the levels of waste produced by companies and households the situation will only get worse."

Friends of the Earth is calling on the Government to implement a three-step plan to deal with England's waste crisis:

• Reduce the amount of waste generated: the Government needs to set an ambitious waste prevention target and adopt policies to ensure that it is met.

• Redesign: The Government should put regulatory and financial pressure on manufacturers and retailers to ensure that they design-out waste from their products, or make them recyclable or compostable if prevention is not possible.

• Recycle and compost at least 75 per cent of England's waste: England currently recycles 23 per cent of its domestic waste; one of the worst rates in Europe

Friends of the Earth is encouraging the public to respond to the Government's consultation.

Notes

[1] Municipal waste management statistics 2004/05

[2] Municipal Waste Management Survey 2003/04