As a result, work is yet to start on over a quarter (26%) of the polices originally detailed over six years ago
The reasons cited for this slow rate of progress include frequent ministerial changes post 2018, preparing for the UK’s exit from the European Union and responding to the Covid-19 pandemic.
CIWM makes the point that while delivery of some aspects of the 2018 Resources and Waste Strategy, such as EPR (Extended producer Responsibility) and Consistent Collections, must be prioritised, the world has moved on. As a result, this strategy is now outdated will be unable to deliver a zero-waste economy which has the ability to deliver significant growth in UKGDP, increase jobs and maximise resource efficiency. CIWM believes there is an urgent need to produce a new Resource Resilience Strategy aimed at delivering a circular economy and helping the UK to achieve net zero.
The outstanding 2018 policy with the potential to have the biggest impact is Consistent Collections, which would see weekly food waste collections services provided by the 50% of councils in England not already providing this service. This will help all households to recycle more and will reduce carbon emissions as a result of less biodegradable waste entering the residual waste stream. It is estimated that carbon savings could be as high as 58MtCO2 up to 2035. The overall recycling rate in England could increase from the current 44% to around 60% and cost-effective societal benefits are estimated to be around £3bn up to 2035.
