The Resources and Waste Strategy for England has significantly escalated the topic of biowaste recycling up the waste policy agenda. For the first time since the introduction of the 2003 LATS initiative, which brought in limits on biodegradable landfill allowances, local authorities are seeing policy drivers from central government to develop strategy for the collection and recycling of household organics.

The policy focus on household organic waste is one with strong foundations. Biological Materials are clearly identified as a specific part of the circular economy model which provides a wider vision on how our society should manage material flows. The commitment to achieve ‘net-zero’ carbon emissions is another underlying driver. Statistics such as those recently reported by Zero Waste Scotland indicate that whilst food waste accounts for just 5% of the household waste stream, its associated carbon emissions account for 25% of the waste sector carbon footprint.

A notable policy in the Resources and Waste Strategy for England is the mandatory requirement for all English local authorities to collect food waste by 2023. Previous estimates have suggested that only 50% of authorities offer residents a kerbside collection of food waste, and the requirement for service development in a relatively short space of time is therefore significant.

Whilst the requirement for mandatory collection of food waste is both clear and welcome, the decision on how to collect and treat food waste is less obvious. DEFRA’s 2019 consultation on the mandatory food waste proposal highlighted the range and complexity of technical, logistical and financial matters to consider when developing an optimal collection and treatment strategy.

With the benefit of a decade of work on organic waste strategy, public sector biowaste procurements, feasibility studies and due diligence projects, WRM are pleased to present this guide to the strategic considerations for developing a best value biowaste strategy.

Download our free guide today to find out more.

Download The Complete Guide

We recognise the multitude of responsibilities involved in environmental management and sustainability.

If your organisation seeks assurance for its next steps, enquire to receive a downloadable copy of the guide today.