Weak leadership is proving more of a brake on the introduction of modern waste treatment methods than commonly cited constraints such as the planning system or technical difficulties, according to a new study.
Risk-averse politicians in both central and local government – as well as leaders in the waste industry – are shying away from the key decisions needed to put latest technologies into practice, preferring to wait for others to take the first steps before they join the bandwagon, the report claims.
Long-range uncertainties in the waste sector, including the lack of long-term recycling targets, inconsistent regulation, and doubts surrounding government policy on incineration and other treatments, are said to be partly to blame for wait-and-see attitudes. Unexpectedly, the study, by Mouchel Parkman and Cranfield University’s waste management centre, found that neither local authorities nor technology providers saw land-use planning as a major barrier.
And although waste contractors did point a finger at the planning system, it was unclear whether the main problem was poor planning policy or poor-quality applications, comments their report.
Other obstacles to progress, despite the demands of the EU’s Landfill Directive and other push factors, are poor-quality local authority waste strategies, over-complex procurement processes, and lack of public support for new waste treatments.
‘The clock is ticking. Local authorities can see the landfill Directive targets ahead, but many still aren’t putting in place the technologies and services needed,’ said Mouchel Parkman’s head of waste policy, Chris Lee.
The unwillingness of banks and their credit committees to support unfamiliar treatments, even if these are technically feasible, may be one reason why mechanical biological treatment and incineration have been the favoured solutions in PFI projects, suggests the report.
The study investigating barriers to new and emerging technologies canvassed views from across the waste sector, with the help of an advisory group chaired by former Worcestershire County Council environment director, Richard Wigginton.
Funded by Grantscape, under the landfill tax credit scheme, it was supported by the GLA, ALG and East of England Development Agency.
Mouchel Parkman has produced a separate decision-making guide for local authorities, and an investors’ guide to new waste technologies, by Cranfield University, is due out in October.
• Understanding the barriers to new and emerging waste technologies. www.mouchelparkman.com