The UK Waste Reduction Targets
The UK targets are the driving force behind the current surge of interest in composting. The Government has agreed to implement a set of waste reduction targets.
The UK Waste Reduction targets (in Article 5 of the Landfill Directive) are :
- By 2010 to reduce biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 75% of that produced in 1995.
- By 2013 to reduce biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 50% of that produced in 1995.
- By 2020 to reduce biodegradable municipal waste landfilled to 35% of that produced in 1995.
(The above includes a four year derogation (EU permitted delay) which the UK has announced it will use.)
Biodegradable waste is waste which will degrade either in the presence of air or without air. It comprises waste such as card, paper, food and green waste and natural textiles. As this waste degrades in landfill it produces methane which is a powerful greenhouse gas.
|
