LARAC has praised the work of local authorities in raising the recycling rate in England to 45% but has voiced concern at the large increase in overall waste arisings shown in the latest waste figures released by DEFRA. LARAC says that the 6% increase in the tonnage of material recycled illustrates that local authorities are continuing to expand and promote recycling services. However LARAC is worried by the associated rise in residual waste and points out this could be the result of people increasing spending on the back of a potential economic recovery.
LARAC states the increase shows councils’ dedication as they battle with budget cuts and uncertain market conditions. However LARAC acknowledges that the increase in the recycling rate is also slowing down and that without government and wider industry support local authorities face a battle to achieve that next 5% by 2020.
Sally Talbot, Vice Chair LARAC, said “Local authorities continue to work hard to increase recycling levels and these figures show that work is still progressing. However the rise in overall waste is worrying and could undermine the recycling efforts if it continues. This shows that national leadership is needed in waste policy and that resources need to be put into communications, both at a national level through WRAP and Recycle Now and at a local level.”
LARAC Chair Andrew Bird recently warned that waste services could suffer yet more cuts as other services like education and social care are given preference in the face of diminishing finances. With the recent CIWM austerity report highlighting that communication budgets tend to be the areas where cuts are made first; LARAC reiterates the call for others in the industry, such as those with producer responsibilities, to help local authorities in communicating the recycling and waste minimisation message to the public.
For further information please contact Lee Marshall, Chief Executive Officer LARAC, on 01982 382 650.
Twitter: @LARACspeaks
