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The production of waste not only has a significant impact on the environment but it also has substantial cost implications to the Department. European legislation requires us to manage our waste in a more sustainable manner in order to protect human health and the environment, and over the next few years the majority of waste destined for landfill will have to be pre-treated before final disposal is authorised.
This strategy applies to all commercial and industrial waste produced solely by Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR). It excludes construction/demolition waste which is addressed in the Estates Management & Construction Strategy (Part G) of the Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate. Waste which is created by contractors and/or commercial companies who operate on defence land must manage their waste in accordance with the law and under their own waste management strategy. This strategy excludes non-directive wastes such as radioactive and explosives wastes.
To actively support the Government's Waste Management Strategy, and to manage waste in a more sustainable manner using the requirements of the waste hierarchy and the EU Waste Principles. To achieve and exceed wherever possible, each of the targets published in the Framework for Sustainable Development on the Government Estate: Part D.
From 2006 onwards, a reduction in the total amount of waste produced by BERR at every major site, unit and/or establishment by a minimum of 1%. With the waste that remains, recycling levels must have been increased by a minimum of 5% per annum.
Total waste and total waste recovered. The figures for solid and liquid waste are to be given in metric tonnes.
Resources to deliver this Strategy will be allocated on an individual basis from bids made against the Departmental Plan SD requirements for waste.
1 - A definition of 'commercial' waste can be found in the Environmental Protection Act 1990, S.75.
2 - A definition of 'industrial' waste can be found in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 S.75
3 - A definition of 'domestic' waste can be found in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 S.75
4 - A definition of 'non-directive' waste can be found in the Waste Management Licensing Regulations 1994 , as amended S.I.No. 1056 /1994.
The key policies of the managed Waste Strategy are summarised below. The waste strategy covers the BERR HQ estate buildings.
Rubbish is to be considered as a resource to ensure that the waste hierarchy is successfully implemented.
The Best Practical Environmental Option (BPEO) - is recommended for adoption to ensure the most benefits and least damage to the environment in both the long and short term, at an acceptable cost.
The Proximity Principle - Waste will be managed as close as possible to its place of origin to minimise the impacts of transporting waste, and ensuring that local solutions are used.
The Sustainable Principle - Aiming to ensure that we are able to meet the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
The principle of Best Value - Employing the Best Value principles will ensure waste will be managed economically, efficiently, and effectively.
The Waste Strategy aims to ensure that BERR complies with waste management legislation and meets its statutory targets. This will be achieved through monitoring the Environmental Management System, waste legislation updates and government targets
Waste prevention and minimisation is the first priority of the BERR Waste Strategy. Through BERR managed contracts minimise waste arising though maintenance, cleaning, stationery and waste contracts.
The BERR, through procurement and onsite induction & refresher training will ensure that contractors and suppliers fully understand that waste will be reduced, re-used, recycled and then recovered.
Waste prevention and minimisation initiatives will be sustained, strengthened and further developed, with the objective of decreasing waste growth. For example, BERR will work with the Stationery Contractor to ensure that packaging is kept to a minimum.
BERR will work towards achieving the targets established by the Sustainable Development in Government (SDiG) programme and will be monitored through monthly waste meetings.
BERR will identify and increase the amount of waste that is recycled such as that of metal cans and plastics drinks bottles.
BERR will review and update as necessary the "green purchasing policy", which will include the purchase of products made from recyclable materials.
In implementing this Waste Strategy, all of the options for managing residual waste (the waste remaining after recycling and composting), including for example incineration with energy recovery, gasification, mechanical biological treatment and landfill, will be considered equally against environmental, social and economic criteria, taking into account the whole lifecycle of waste.
Emerging and innovative technologies, and international best practise for the treatment and disposal of waste will be sought and assessed against established technologies. This will be reviewed at the quarterly waste meeting.
Landfill will continue to be used to manage the waste remaining after recycling and composting, at least in the short term whilst the amount of waste recycled and composted is increased, and until the statutory targets for the reduction of waste to landfill are implemented.
BERR will seek ways to achieve an aspirational target of zero waste disposed of direct to landfill.
Through the efficient and sustainable transfer of waste, such as intelligent transfer stations and alternatives to road transport.
By formally agreeing and adopting to this Waste Strategy, the BERR is committed to achieving it.
BERR and its stakeholders will review progress annually, with a full review of the Waste Strategy every three years to allow growth and development of the strategy as well as data collection for realistic benchmarking.
BERR is to include in waste specifications data gathering criteria preferably contracting a waste company that has on board weighing facilities. This will ensure the department has accurate figures for reporting against the SDIG programme.
BERR will ensure any waste company contracted to the BERR fully understands the BERR waste strategy through the tender exercise.
The following waste types will be reduced, re-used and then recycled/recovered.
All waste that is not recycled or re-used will be sent to a 'waste to energy' plant.