Three Changes Driving Innovation in the Waste Sector
]The waste management industry is poised for seismic change. At a recent Let’s Recycle conference, Michael Topham, CEO of Biffa, stated, “There is a tsunami of legislation coming.”
The tides of change are not stopping, and waste handlers are under increasing pressure to seek innovative and sustainable solutions to minimise landfill dependency, enhance recycling efforts, and reduce environmental impact, all while trying to stabilise operating costs.
But how will these imminent changes in legislation and compliance impact waste operations, and what are the implications?
Key legislative updates include:
1. Inclusion of Energy Recovery from Waste in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS):
ETS is a carbon tax on emissions from Energy From Waste (EfW) Plants. This change aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and incentivise waste handlers to adopt cleaner technologies and practices—a step in the right direction but one that will lead to rising fees.
If gate fees increase by £40 per tonne, and a handler sends 10,000 tonnes to EfW per year, costs will increase by a staggering £400k per year.
Where will that extra money come from? Passing costs onto customers? Or will waste handlers need to find an alternative solution?
2. Rising Landfill Gate Fees:
The cost of landfill disposal is set to increase, further discouraging the use of landfill sites and promoting alternative waste management methods. The current tax of £103.70 is set to rise to £126.15 – a drastic increase, especially when gate fees are added on top.
This price hike will be a major catalyst for innovation in waste processing and recycling technologies as operators seek cost-effective solutions.
3. 2025 Biodegradable Landfill Ban in Scotland:
Scotland’s upcoming ban on biodegradable municipal waste from landfill will come into force in 2025 – and is widely understood to take effect in England by 2028. This ban will necessitate the development of new waste treatment and recycling infrastructure to handle biodegradable waste streams effectively.
There’s no denying that the waste management industry is at a crossroads. With so much happening, it can feel overwhelming for those looking for solutions. But there is an alternative.
By embracing innovation and sustainability, waste handlers can navigate these changes effectively and contribute to a more sustainable future.
So, what now? It’s time to innovate, adapt, and lead the way in responsible waste management.
How Advetec’s XO technology can help
Our technology is transforming the recycling landscape by providing an innovative approach to waste management. Advetec’s XO solutions act as mechanical biological treatment plants ‘in-a-box’, accelerating the breakdown of organic waste, which results in a 50% reduction in treated waste mass and empowers waste operators to turn the remaining non-recyclable floc into alternative fuels.
By embracing such innovation and producing fuel, independent waste operators can tap into a unique and more cost-effective off-take market that is not only better for the environment but could also save up to £30 per ton of waste or a massive £300,000 per year for the average waste handler sending 10,000 tonnes to EfW each year.
Times are changing and while the status quo is costing significantly more, innovation is costing significantly less. The incentive to change can no longer be ignored.