New blueprint for development of UK composting industry
11-DEC-2007
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.
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:
* 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.
* 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
* 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.
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.
'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.
'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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