Zero Waste Future for Scotland
Environmental update 07/12/2011
On 14th October 2011, the Scottish Government
published its Zero
Waste Policy Statement along with the Zero
Waste Draft Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA).
The Policy Statement outlines the final legislative framework for
realising the Government's Zero Waste ambitions. Its estimated
impact on local authorities, business and waste producers is
examined in the context of three implementation options within the
BRIA. A new consultation period regarding these implementation
options is open until 25th November 2011.
The key regulatory provisions are:
- Source segregation and separate collection of key
recyclable materials. Local authorities will separately
collect: paper, card, plastics, glass and metals from businesses
and households from 31st December 2013. Food waste will
also be targeted in the future. Local authorities will be allowed a
2-year roll out period for household food waste collection between
2013 and 31st December 2015. Most businesses involved in
food production, food retail and food preparation must present food
waste for separate collection from 31st December 2013.
Small businesses will benefit from an extra two years lead-in time
(i.e. 31st December 2015).
- A ban on non-domestic use of macerators and food waste
disposal units. This will maximise the food waste
available for separate collection and treatment.
- A ban on mixing separately collected recyclable
materials. To ensure high quality recycling, from
31st December 2013, segregated materials will remain
separate throughout the waste management cycle. There are minor
exceptions to this provision, intended to maximise the potential
for anaerobic digestion (AD). Garden waste may be collected along
with food waste, and other organic waste may be blended
post-treatment where the environmental benefits are at least
equivalent. The Regulations stipulate that dry recyclables may only
be co-mingled where the waste hierarchy is not undermined (in the
sense that valuable materials such as glass have been separated)
and materials recovery facility (MRF) outputs are of a similar
quality to outputs produced from separate kerbside collection.
- A ban on landfilling key recyclable materials from
31st December 2013. This will ensure that the
most valuable waste types are recovered.
- A ban on landfilling biodegradable waste. This
ban will now be introduced on 31st December 2020.
- A restriction on the inputs to thermal treatment
facilities from 2013. This back-up restriction will ensure
residual waste sent for incineration undergoes pre-treatment to
ensure the practicable removal of all key recyclable
materials.
- Local authorities will be required to provide a
biennial report demonstrating their treatment of recyclables to the
public.
Several industries will be affected by the new Regulations
including waste services, retail businesses, energy production,
agriculture, food production and retail, and public services
including health and education.
- It is considered that Scottish businesses, such as waste
producers, will benefit from an improved waste management
service. The BRIA anticipates reduced costs associated with
waste disposal, utilities, labour, handling and transportation, and
a resulting increased turnover of around 1% on average.
- It is thought that resource efficient companies will also
benefit from a competitive advantage based on enhanced recruitment
and retention and better customer service. After all, consumers are
now looking for more environmentally friendly products and
services.
- The waste management industry, including local authorities,
will be significantly affected. Substantial investment is required
to equip Scotland with essential waste disposal and treatment
infrastructure.
A series of guidance papers and a new Duty of Care Code of
Practice will accompany the Regulations. In addition, support will
be provided by Zero Waste Scotland to businesses. Scotland's
food and drink industry will receive cost-cutting advice through a
free Resource Optimisation Review. The construction industry will
also benefit from targeted support including training courses,
procurement document reviews, management system reviews, supply
chain workshops and online resources.
A series of programmes are aimed specifically at the waste
industry. To ease the transition, grants will contribute to the
costs associated with setting up commercial food waste services,
and new waste facility infrastructure. AD operators will be
eligible for free PAS accreditation consultancy advice. In
addition, the Recycling
Innovation Fund and the Waste Prevention Fund will provide
grants to innovative recycling and waste minimisation products and
technologies.