The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) is calling on waste service providers, waste disposal authorities, merchant plant owners, waste advisors, consultants, utility companies, energy organisations and other interested parties to submit evidence to its upcoming State of the Nation inquiry on how to deliver radical change in the waste sector.
2010 is a significant year for the waste and resource management sector as the first year the UK's performance on meeting EU Landfill Directive targets will be reported. Current projections show the UK is on course to meet its 2010 obligations for diverting waste from Landfill, however there is uncertainty as to whether 2013 and 2020 targets can be reached. 2010 will also see the revised EU Waste Framework Directive transposed into UK law.
Politicians across all parties are also committed to facilitating a transition to a low carbon economy, delivering energy security and in the wake of the financial crisis a more balanced economy. These are all areas where the waste and resources sector can make a significant contribution.
ICE believes these factors create an opportunity to radically reshape the traditional waste management sector, so that it supports the more effective use of material resources, whatever their source.
Evidence submitted for the inquiry should be based on the following questions:
In an ideal world, what would be the defining characteristics of the UK's waste and resource management system in 2020, 2030 and 2050?
What are the opportunities and barriers for managing materials in a systematic, "joined-up" fashion across the economy?
How can can/should we measure and manage the carbon impact of waste and resource management?
Are you confident that the UK's infrastructure for managing waste and resources will be fit for purpose over the next 10, 20 and 40 years? If not, why not and what should be done.
Which innovations will be most important in ensuring maximum value is extracted from resources as they move through the economy?
The deadline for written evidence is Monday 17 May 2010. Oral evidence sessions will be held between the 18 and 20 of May. For further information on how and where to submit evidence go to www.ice.org.uk/evidence or contact Andrew Crudgington, T: 020 7665 2219 E: andrew.crudgington@ice.org.uk