Now is not the time to backpedal when it comes to recycling. Thats the message due to be spelled out at the next Waste Action Forum WAF conference in Barnsley, July 7 8.
As the economic downturn continues to affect more and more of us, concern has been expressed that the message of sustainable waste management could be in danger of being overlooked. WAF argues that far from undermining the case for recycling, current financial constraints make the need for action all the more urgent.
Set up in 2003, WAF is a not for profit organisation which aims to strengthen the relationship between industry, the public sector and government to improve sustainable recycling performance and waste minimisation.
Part of WAFs remit has been to consider how local authorities, government and the waste processing industry could better work together to develop sustainable recycling policies for the future. In particular, the Barnsley conference will address the need for local authorities to communicate better to the public how the waste chain works, so people understand it is worth making the effort to recycle.
Industry too can help with this, argues WAF, by keeping the public better informed on areas such as packaging, where making the best use use of materials can simplify sorting and separation, reducing waste significantly.
Local authorities and industry will also be encouraged to adopt a partnership approach, with less talk of 'contracts' and 'penalties' and more of 'partnerships' and 'rewards'. WAF's views are set out in a position paper that is published at its website: www. wasteactionforum.org.uk.
The next WAF conference takes place at the Ardsley House Hotel in Barnsley on July 7 and 8 July. For information visit www.wasteactionforum.org.uk.