1.3 Developing an Integrated Plan

The AWP seeks to adopt an integrated approach which:

• Ensures that all waste streams are considered together and the solutions chosen for individual waste streams are considered in the light of how they impact on the management of others.
  

• Considers waste minimisation, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, disposal, promotion and education and local market development in a coherent and planned way.
  

• Ensures consistency with adjoining areas and national integration of the plan within the National Waste Strategy: Scotland.

The Tayside WSAG has primarily considered the management of MSW. At this stage it has not been possible to take the fully integrated approach as suggested in SEPA’s BPEO decision-making guidance, because of issues associated with data availability on the quantity, sources, and content of commercial, industrial and construction and demolition wastes dealt with by the private sector. This will require ongoing consultation with the Tayside waste industry to develop a fully integrated plan for non-MSW waste streams and a number of action points to take this forward are set out later in this plan. It is recognised that there is a need for an integrated approach to collecting and managing information to meet the many demands for waste management data. Data is required for European reporting requirements, policy planning, reviewing performance, assessing the impacts of new legislation, regulating effectively, aiding research and communicating with stakeholders.

As part of this process, regular annual surveys of MSW and licensed waste management sites are being brought forward by SEPA. In addition, work is ongoing to improve the quality of data on special waste, priority waste streams and general industrial wastes. Significant improvement will need to be made to the quality of data on waste arisings if the shift to an effective resource management culture in Scotland is to be achieved.

Action 1
Using national methodology plan the strategic management of Tayside non-MSW.

Action 2
Develop a data collection and management system for non-MSW streams.

Action 3
Develop an AWP for Tayside that fully integrates all waste streams.

Action 4
Develop a waste analysis strategy for MSW arising in Tayside.

When completed and integrated across Scotland, the 11 AWPs will require to collectively meet national legislative requirements. In order to achieve consistency of approach across the Waste Strategy Areas, a broad methodology and guidance was established through the following key documents: ‘Supporting Guidance for Area Waste Plans’ and ‘Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO) Decision-making Guidance’. An important element was to seek the involvement of all key stakeholders (waste industry, local authorities and the general public) at various stages of the process. Consistency between adjoining areas is also important. For Tayside this means integration with the North East, Fife, Highland and Forth Valley Waste Strategy Areas and continuing dialogue with the other Waste Strategy Area Groups.

The AWP establishes a broad approach to waste management in the Tayside area. However, it must not be seen in isolation, but as part of the wider drive of improved environmental and community awareness and sustainability objectives. The AWP will therefore influence and in turn be influenced by a raft of other policy documents and initiatives and has a key role in integrating the investment programmes and other plans, strategies and initiatives developed by central and local government, partner agencies and the waste industry generally. A list of potential linked documents is outline and summarised in Annex 3.