Government Interruptions Are Delaying Transformation of the Waste Sector

The executive director of the Environmental Services Association (ESA), Jacob Hayler, has voiced concerns the government could delay the process of reforming the waste sector due to the “political issues of the day”.
His statement comes in reaction to much-delayed consultations on the introduction of a deposit return scheme (DRS), extended producer responsibility (EPR) for packaging, and consistency in recycling collections in 2021. Defra is expected to publish its responses “early” this year but local authorities have expressed confusion over the timeline.

Mr Hayler estimates a £10 billion investment in recycling infrastructure and services over the next 10 years is required to enact the reforms. Until then though, it’s the responses to the consultation which will shape waste management strategies and the ESA is urging businesses to focus on “more recycling, less carbon and higher standards” within their ESG strategies.

Encouraging more ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’ and committing to using greener products are a given in today’s society, as employees and customers become ever more demanding and savvy when it comes to sustainability. Reducing carbon is non-negotiable and businesses of all sizes are on their own journeys to achieving net zero. But what does it mean to have ‘higher standards’ and how can businesses level up their green credentials?

It’s time to think smarter about waste management, explore innovation and consider the possibility of a local solution to a global issue. There are several changes organisations can make to accelerate their sustainability journey – without waiting on the government to take action.

Sort and separate waste on site

Sorting waste into three main streams – clean organic (food waste), residual (mixed waste) and segregated recyclates – at source helps businesses to better understand their waste and the disposal routes that are appropriate and available. This is far from innovative, but a surprising number of organisations still don’t do this. Moreover, they need to learn that if organic matter is present within the recyclates, they will not be recycled and are headed to landfill or incineration.

Treating some waste streams on site

Taking waste off site comes with an additional environmental cost as lorries generate carbon emissions, so there are real benefits to treating waste at the source. Biotechnology has come into its own here, particularly with the residual waste that can’t be recycled because it comprises an organic fraction. Biotechnology makes it possible to reduce the mass of this waste stream by typically 50% on-site – which means fewer collections and less road-related carbon, as well as cost savings. Perhaps most significantly, it results in considerably less waste going to landfill or Energy for Waste (EfW) incineration plants.
Send separately collected food waste for anaerobic digestion

This process can be used to treat completely organic waste streams and create green energy (electricity, gas or fuel) and considerable carbon savings. The circle is completed perfectly when organisations buy that green energy back.

Think beyond recycling

Of course, recycling is essential but it’s important to consider other routes to sustainability – reduce, reuse, recycle isn’t a silver bullet. Even when you present people with recycling provision outside the home, they’ll often go for the simple option and put all waste in the same bin. Or they’ll put plastics in the recycling bin without realising that organic matter – remnants of a sandwich or a half empty drinks bottle for example – can render it unsuitable for recycling. Tackling this stream of waste, known as mixed residual waste, will help businesses accelerate their road to net zero but it often gets overlooked.

Educate your staff

One of the more straightforward sustainability measures businesses can put in place is thorough training to make sure their people understand the implications of their waste decisions. Consider launching internal green initiatives, poster-campaigns, introducing better signage and clearly communicating sustainability targets.

Consider your community

Organisations must think outside of their workplace and employees and ask how operations impact surrounding communities. Removal of waste from site affects local roads, increases carbon emissions and diminishes air quality. By taking more responsibility for waste on-site, businesses can demonstrate they care for the local area, as well as boosting their own green credentials.

If you’re ready to update your ESG strategy and take action today, contact us and let’s transform the way you think about waste.