Northampton Electronic Collection of Theses and Research

English county councils and their agenda for waste minimisation

Read, A. D., Phillips, P. S. and Murphy, A. (1997) English county councils and their agenda for waste minimisation. Resources, Conservation and Recycling. 20(4), pp. 277-294. 0921-3449.

Item Type: Article
Abstract: Minimisation is the top priority of the waste management hierarchy, which is one of the guiding principals for national solid waste management planning throughout the developed world. As such it should be encouraged as a means for reducing wastes which require treatment and disposal, whether they be household, commercial or industrial in source. This paper suggests that minimisation is not being given the necessary policy frameworks or legislation within which to develop in the UK, and questions whether minimisation is being afforded the respect and attention, from all levels, that is due the most preferable waste option according to the hierarchy. This theme is investigated by surveying the county councils of England as a representative sample of waste disposal authorities in England, and former waste regulation authorities. They are responsible for guiding local and district waste policy and are the regional waste planners in the UK. If they are not seriously taking on board the message of minimisation, then there is little chance that it will succeed without further legislative developments. Some 59% of English counties have a minimisation policy, whilst only 47% have participated in and supported a minimisation programme or trial within their region. The majority of these developments have occurred within the last three years, and 78% of counties who have participated in a programme have found it a successful venture. By 1999 79% of English counties will have been actively involved in a minimisation programme in their region, which is a positive scenario. This trend must continue if waste minimisation is to become the key theme of future sustainable waste management in the UK as was intended by declarations at the Rio '92 conference and in subsequent UK Government policy and strategy.
Uncontrolled Keywords: Waste, minimisation, minimization, council, councils
Subjects: T Technology > TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering > TD783 Municipal refuse. Solid wastes > TD793.9 Waste minimisation
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences > GE300 Environmental management
G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences > GE170 Environmental policy
Creators: Read, Adam D, Phillips, Paul S and Murphy, Alice
Publisher: Elsevier
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes: University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Research Centre > Centre for Research into Sustainable Wastes Management
University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > School of Science and Technology (2010-2016)
Faculties > Faculty of Arts, Science & Technology > Environmental Science
Research Centres > Environment Research Group
Date: August 1997
Date Type: Publication
Page Range: pp. 277-294
Journal or Publication Title: Resources, Conservation and Recycling
Volume: 20
Number: 4
Language: English
DOI: doi.org/10.1016/S0921-3449(97)00023-2
ISSN: 0921-3449
Status: Published / Disseminated
Refereed: Yes
URI: http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/6231

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