LARAC has responded to the news that recent statement released by the Environment Agency states that dedicated street cleansing collections of untreated leaf litter should not be used as a feedstock for composting or used as a feedstock to produce quality compost.
LARAC members have expressed concern over the EA's updated statement, especially the timing of its release as leaf collection operations begin in earnest, and the need to quickly find alternative disposal or processing arrangements at short notice.
There is potential for this to have significant impact on authority recycling performance, as well as the adverse effect on having to send additional waste to landfill, which will lead to significantly higher costs for waste disposal authorities.
LARAC is currently in the process of gathering more detailed information from its members on the effects this will have for them, in order to fully understand the implications. A number of member authorities have expressed willingness to support the Environment Agency in undertaking further more detailed and in-depth trials, which LARAC will fully support.
