The next few years look set to be rather turbulent for the waste and resources sector. New legislation, which will fundamentally impact how we work, will be coupled with the race to net zero and the need to adapt to a post Covid-19 world, will undoubtedly present many challenges for us.
To better understand these challenges, but to also understand the opportunities for the industry in the run up to 2024 General Election, we launched our report, ‘Mapping the Politics of Waste’.
The main changes for our sector are coming in the form of the Resources and Waste Strategy, which are coming to the fore with no less than four consultations live at the time of writing. These will coalesce to shape how we as a nation recycle for years to come.
What’s clear is Government remains highly committed to implementing the Strategy, and there has been progress made on this. However, there is not scheduled to be a review and revision until late 2023/early 2024 and the recent Waste Management Plan for England does not refer to Covid-19 and its impacts on society, so there may be a requirement for a further review, or deviation from the existing strategy from Government in the coming years as society adapts to the post-Covid world.
We must be seen to be part of the solution
Of course, these changes are being made for one reason – the race to net zero. Government is seeking to reduce the UK’s emissions by at least 78 percent by 2035, an ambitious target. The waste and resources sector has been playing its part in this, cutting our emissions by almost 50 percent since 2008. However, we still have work to do but, unless we do more, calls for further decarbonisation will inevitably gain more traction. We must be seen to be part of the solution, actively seeking ways to reduce and offset our carbon emissions – at FCC Environment we’re looking to invest in electrifying our refuse collection fleet as well as significant tree planting efforts through the launch of our Neutrality programme.
Whilst further decarbonisation will of course be a challenge, there are opportunities to take advantage of. We firmly believe that waste and resource management companies can play a key role in helping the UK ‘Build Back Better’, by investing in new infrastructure. This will not only provide jobs across the country but can play a key role in helping Government succeed with its levelling up agenda. Additional to this, new initiatives such as the Deposit Return Scheme may also create demand for jobs.
... we must mention Brexit
Of course, we must mention Brexit and the likely impact that will have on the sector. Much of the existing EU waste legislation and targets have been transposed unto UK law, meaning that much of the current requirements remain. However, the Government wants to go further and faster in promoting its green credentials ahead of COP26, but finds itself bound by level playing field rules that mean it cannot diverge too far from the EU’s existing regulations.
Whatever Britain’s political future, I am confident that the waste and recycling sector can be instrumental in helping the UK achieve its goals and get back on its feet. Legislative and economic drivers will be required to help drive investment in new infrastructure and market growth, but over-regulation could be damaging to competition and the long-term viability of the sector.
Opinions expressed in this blog belong to the blogger and not necessarily to LARAC
