DEFRA publishes terms of reference and call for evidence for review of waste policies.

Defra has published it’s terms of reference for the next review of waste policies which was announced by Environment secretary Caroline Spellman last month. It has also opened a call for evidence.

As part of this review, the government will consider:

• How best government, informed by whole life-cycle thinking, can incentivise the delivery of the waste hierachy (prevention > preparing for re use > recycling > disposal), in particluar in the light of the current fiscal constraints so that we:

1. do more on waste prevention and reuse – stopping waste at it’s source;
2. continue to increase recycling rates, when it’s the best option, though incentivising and making it easier for both households and businesses to take action;
3. maximise the cost effective generation of renewable energy from residual waste; and
4. move towards zero waste to landfill.

The terms of reference can be viewed at  http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/waste-review/100729-waste-review-tor.pdf

In addition, defra have also issued a Call for Evidence.  The purpose of the Call for Evidence is to invite the views of interested parties on both the current state of waste policy and waste management in England and what measures should be considered to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of future waste policy in England.

There is an online survey on waste and for those with a specific interest in particular areas of waste policy or delivery, people can join in discussions with Defra officials and other interested parties.

The call for evidence can be found at http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/waste-review/index.htm