Businesses urged to take part in waste review

The coalition government has called on all sectors of society to contribute to the review of waste policy in England that has been launched today (29 July).

The review looks at ways to reduce packaging on products as well as the practice of having multiple bins for waste collection as part of achieving the overall goal of a "zero-waste" economy.

There are several ways to contribute to the review including a short online survey and a detailed evidence submission.

Launching the review, environment secretary Caroline Spelman said it was "an exciting opportunity to look at how we can increase recycling, reduce landfill and help unlock the real economic value of items people no longer want".

"We are  committed to working towards a zero waste economy because it makes environmental and economic sense. Reducing waste needs to be made as easy as possible for people, it should be driven by incentives not penalties and common sense rather than coercion."

For more on the waste review click here to link to the Defra website.

"This will be a comprehensive review of all waste policy from product packaging to waste collection and I would urge everyone to get involved."

The review will be completed in the autumn and the results available next year.

WASTE ISSUES UNDER CONSIDERATION

• How voluntary 'Responsibility Deals' with businesses can play a role in waste reduction and more efficient use of resources
• How best to encourage and incentivise individuals, businesses and communities to produce less waste and recycle more
• How government can work with local councils to increase the frequency and quality of rubbish collections
• Future infrastructure needs, including the role of energy from waste and anaerobic digestion
• How business and household waste is collected, sorted and recycled.

 What do you think of the waste review? Do consumers have to deal with too many wheelie bins? Should the Courtauld Commitment be extended to non-food items?

Leave your comments below or email packagingnews.editorial@haymarket.com