The waste hierarchy
The new
European Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) 
came into force on 12
December 2010 with aim of turning EU member states into “recycling
societies”. The Directive shifts the focus away from waste as an
unwanted burden towards being a valued resource, which can provide
opportunities for sustainable growth in a low carbon economy.
This resource centred approach is summarised
in the 5 step Waste Hierarchy. Driving waste management up the
waste hierarchy is central to the development of sustainable waste
management in Scotland and the ambition of a Zero Waste
society.
Preventing waste through using resources and
raw materials efficiently is the best option, followed by re-using
goods such as clothing, books and furniture. Recycling materials
such as paper, glass and plastic into new products is the next
preferable option and evident in the kerbside services provided to
householders by Local Authorities. If unable to reuse or recycle
then recovering value, often in the form of energy, from the
remaining waste is promoted. A Zero Waste society is one where
waste is managed as far up the hierarchy possible with disposal,
such as landfill, being the option of last resort.
The
Waste (Scotland) Regulations 2011 and the
Waste Management Licensing (Scotland) Regulations 2011
place a duty on all persons
who produce, keep or manage waste, including Local Authorities, to
apply the waste hierarchy.
To supplement this duty the Scottish
Government intends to issue guidance in 2012 on the waste
hierarchy. The guidance, which will be developed in close
consultation with industry, will include information on:
- what the waste hierarchy means in
practice;
- how it should be applied to a range of common
materials and products;
- what public bodies and businesses need to do
when applying the waste hierarchy.
