INTRODUCTION
This is a local policy statement, produced by Trafford Green Party. It reflects national Green Party policy on waste and sets specific targets for local action in Trafford.
We must move away from a ‘predict and provide’ approach to waste disposal. Instead we should decide what we want and devise plans that will get us there.
Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council should adopt a ‘Zero Waste Strategy’.
We can expect tighter EU legislation in the future. At the moment we’re still aspiring to existing legislation. By setting ambitious targets we will be ahead of the game.
WASTE TREATMENT
Set a target of 70% recycling and composting by 2015 (currently Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority are looking at 50% by 2020).
This should be achieved by separation at source, i.e. doorstep collection, as it provides a better quality of recyclate. In Trafford we currently collect metal, glass, paper and some green waste. We’d need to introduce collection of textiles, plastic, cardboard, kitchen waste and hazardous waste like batteries borough wide.
Education and promotion will be important in achieving the high participation rates necessary to reach the 70% target. Once doorstep collection facilities are in place variable charging could be considered to maximise participation.
Mechanical and Biological Treatment (MBT) of Residual Waste
Remaining recyclables are recovered before treatment of the rest to make it safe for landfill.
The Importance of Proximity and Flexibility
MBT and composting facilities should be small scale and local. Proximity means less transport and communities can take responsibility for the waste they produce. Flexibility (the avoidance of large scale plant and long term contracts) is important as the waste stream reduces.
No Large Scale Incineration
Apart from other problems associated with incineration and its unpopularity it is irrelevant in the above plans as it relies on a mixed waste stream – a certain proportion of paper and plastic is required for combustion. We’d want to recycle this. Recycling saves more energy than that captured from incineration. Large scale incineration also lacks the required flexibility. Notably, authorities with existing incinerators have poor recycling levels.
WASTE MINIMISATION and RE-USE
Legislation is important here and has started, for example the EU Packaging Directive and the introduction of PRN’s (packaging recovery notes) and initiatives like WRAP (a government funded think-tank on reducing packaging). However, there are still important steps Trafford MBC should take on a local level, including:
- Help set up waste minimisation clubs and waste exchanges for business
- Provide ‘recycling centres’ as a physical version of ‘freecycle’
- Conduct a council audit on council waste and establish best practise, e.g. ensuring that longevity and reparability inform council purchasing
- Continue and extend promotion of Real Nappies
BUILDING THE MARKET FOR RECYCLED MATERIALS
Again legislation is important but Trafford MBC should
- Audit council purchasing and favour recycled products
- Investigate ways of encouraging recycling businesses
For example here are two potential schemes that that close the resource loop:
- A community-composting scheme that collects kitchen waste, composts it and supplies the compost back to local residents.
- An office paper collection scheme that supplies a local paper mill. Recycled paper is then supplied back to the offices.
Bridget Green for Trafford Green Party
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