Councils waste support extended

A scheme designed to help local authorities in England deal with waste management and divert material from landfill sites has been extended for two years, following successful results since its 2003 launch.

Defra’s Waste Implementation Programme (WIP) will be taking applications for ‘Direct Consultancy Support’ for 2006/07 and 2007/08.

“Almost 95% of local authorities have at some stage received support, and the feedback we have received from those is that it has made a big impact on their performance. Indeed, higher recycling rates are now being delivered by the great majority of councils, with some heading towards the 30 or 40% mark,” said John Enright, Head of Local Authority Support for WIP.

“However, we cannot afford to stand still. As a nation we are still in second gear compared to many of our European neighbours who recycle and compost up to 60% of their waste. And if we are to meet our challenging waste targets then local authorities must take advantage of programmes like this.”

The UK’s household recycling rate current stands at around 25% on average, representing an improvement on earlier years, however the performances of individual councils varies greatly.