Thursday 21st February 2008
Press Statement

Proper assessment of financial incentives to encourage household waste prevention and recycling is now a priority

Responding to the Communities & Local Government Committee report on waste reduction pilot schemes, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) says that while Government plans might be ‘too little too late’, the use of household financial incentives must be properly explored before they are given the go ahead.

“The CIWM has been calling on the Government to look at the issue of charging and financial incentives for some years. What we have now is an awkward compromise and another four years before any further decisions can be taken,” says CIWM Chief Executive Steve Lee. “However, we have been debating this issue for long enough; it is time to do the work that should have been done at the outset and find out whether financial incentives can work for councils and residents.

“The Government must show leadership now by ensuring that the pilot schemes thoroughly assess the role that financial incentives could play in encouraging all of us to prevent waste where we can and recycle as much as possible. The strong public and media response to something that has not yet happened – and may not ever happen – proves how important it is for everyone that we get this right.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:
1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 7000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

2. Household financial incentives should not be seen as a quick and easy solution. The CIWM believes first class recycling services and good communications are essential. Councils would need to make sure that residents can recycle a number of materials easily, explain clearly the aim of the scheme and how it will work, and put in place the right support for potentially disadvantaged people in the community, such as elderly and disabled residents and large families.

Careful attention would also need to be paid to managing the negative behaviour that could result from the introduction of a financial incentive scheme, such as flytipping, illegal burning and recycling contamination, as well as the potential increase in amount of waste being taken to Household Waste Recycling Centres.

Contacts:

Pat Jennings
Communications Manager
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07912 288260
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk