The UK cannot afford to waste any time in tackling its national waste problem sustainably, say cross-party MPs in support of a new report today (16 June), calling for a more “Scandinavian” approach linking energy and waste policy. The report from UK think-tank Policy Connect argues that diverting the UK’s 27.5m tonnes of residual (‘non- recyclable’) waste for green heat is better for the economy and the environment than current solutions of overseas export or landfill.
It finds widespread deployment of energy-from-waste (EfW) plants across UK regions is needed to deliver a coherent circular and sustainable waste policy that heats and powers UK homes and avoids expensive shipping of waste abroad, and carbon intensive landfill. The report builds on findings from Policy Connect’s plastic policy roadmap published in 2019 calling for the UK to halt plastic exports and boost UK recycling infrastructure. This new report concludes that – if plastics are removed and carbon capture technology applied – EfW technology is the ‘safest, cheapest and most environmentally responsible solution to the UK’s residual waste problem’.
“A more ‘Scandinavian’ approach is needed to remove waste plastics and roll-out the next generation of EfW plants, heat recovery networks for factories, homes and horticulture with carbon capture technologies. “This will save local authorities and taxpayers’ money, cut emissions and boost UK jobs and economic recovery, post-COVID19. Harnessing the low carbon energy potential of ‘non-recyclable’ waste benefits. “This next generation of EfW plants will likely be among the last, so without clearer policy signals as we reboot our economy, the UK will waste this valuable opportunity to build back better.”
Source: Circular Online
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