OPINION: Waste needs to be priority for new government

Now that the UK general election has reached its conclusion, it’s time to hold the new government accountable for the nation’s waste management.

The shift towards sustainable practices has become a red-hot emergency and this administration needs to pay attention to the alarm bells and make significant strides.

Industry leaders demand a firm plan of action in order to invest confidently in the UK’s desperately needed recycling and energy recovery infrastructure. And we need it yesterday.

Everything we’ve got

The solution to the nation’s waste management woes is not about favouring one strategy over the other; it should be approached holistically to maximise benefits and minimise environmental impact.

There’s been a lot of talk from all sides about new initiatives to get the UK on the right track for Net Zero 2050, but very little in terms of action. For example, the long-talked-about Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) is still on hold until 2027 (two years after the original launch date). While I see value in taking the time to get things right, it’s just another example of not prioritising sustainability.

It’s just like putting off Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). We need to stop making excuses and start eliminating non-recyclable, single-use plastics at the source and make manufacturers accountable for the waste they continue to lump onto the nation’s plate.

Similarly, sustainable product design needs to be properly incentivised to encourage manufacturers to consider the entire lifecycle of their products, because a true circular economy reduces reliance on raw materials altogether. Just look at SunEnviro client Frugalpac. The company’s innovative paper wine bottle designs have proved a hit, with both domestic and international manufacturers signing up for their innovative solution.

 

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But all these ideas are useless if they remain languishing in the planning stage. So what exactly is it going to take to get these long-awaited schemes fast tracked?

A marathon and a sprint

The UK has a long way to go before it can declare victory over its Net Zero by 2050 plan, and we need to pick up the pace.

Both residents and the nation’s waste management stakeholders need to see momentum on the 2018 Resources and Waste Strategy. A clearer, more actionable pathway to Net Zero in 2050 is going to build faith in the government’s ability to deliver it and bolster the partnerships and capital required to get it done.

After everything the nation has had thrown at it in recent years, there are plenty of obstacles in the way of getting environmental initiatives off the ground. But it’s time to simplify and streamline the approval processes for sustainability schemes. We need to reduce bureaucratic red tape by establishing clear guidelines and fast-track pathways for eco-friendly initiatives.

This might involve setting up dedicated task forces or committees focused on expediting green projects. Better coordination among government departments, local authorities, regulatory bodies and industry leaders can also help address potential obstacles early and encourage investment.

OPINION: No time to waste for new sustainability schemes

Lack of consistency and total changes in direction are only going to delay progress from an uncertain industry. We need a unified vision to make sure political differences don’t keep derailing the momentum.

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It’s an understatement to say the nation is divided on a lot of key policies, something that’s reflected in each party’s diverging views on sustainability. But achieving comprehensive waste management strategies requires stable, long-term policies to foster investment in the necessary infrastructure.

Financial incentives also work to encourage companies to adopt new waste management technologies, lowering the initial cost barrier so it’s easier for businesses to implement sustainable practices.

And we can’t keep flip-flopping on energy-from-waste, one of the UK’s best chances of a greener future.

Why aren’t we embracing energy from waste?

The UK exports significant amounts of waste to Europe for use in other countries’ energy production.

I see this as a missed opportunity for the UK to harness this resource and reduce landfill use while generating much-needed energy. EfW offers a dual benefit: it addresses waste disposal issues and contributes to our energy supply. We have an energy crisis, so why stop a process that removes waste from landfill, reduces emissions, and produces energy? And why should we export valuable waste to Europe?

Recycling and better packaging is crucial, but it has its limitations. Some materials are simply uneconomic to recycle and should be used for energy production instead. Despite this, the previous government planned to halt progress on building the UK’s energy from waste (EfW) infrastructure altogether.

Once the SunAggregates site in Thetford is up and running, SunEnviro will no longer be sending any waste to landfill directly.

SunEnviro boss Mat Stewart with wash plant machinery suppliers McLanahan at Hillhead (international quarrying, construction + recycling show) in June 2024

But creating obstacles for energy recovery through incineration will mean one step back for that huge achievement. The push for nuclear, solar, and wind is vital, and some materials are being considered for conversion into secondary fuels for industries like aviation. But this is highly specialised and not a catch-all solution for general waste.

EfW should not be dismissed. It’s an important part of the journey to Net Zero as new technologies push us closer to an emission-free world.

We need to evolve. Fast

Digital technologies such as AI and IoT should be incentivised in both the public and private sector to optimise waste management processes. These technologies are already improving waste sorting, monitoring waste levels, and enhancing the efficiency of collection and processing systems.

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But businesses don’t even need to be employing the latest tech to boost efficiency. By integrating digital solutions, waste management operations can become more streamlined and data-driven, leading to savings in costs, energy and time.

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However the government approaches this difficult period ahead, it needs to be swift and decisive so we can start looking to the horizon of a greener future for the UK.

SunEnviro prides itself on being at the forefront of forward-thinking waste management and is excited to work with the government, local authorities and other stakeholders to continue to push for better sustainability for the UK.