The future of a 'Brexit' waste and resource management industry

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Brexit Image Vote OUTIt’s happened. Britain has chosen to leave the EU.

However, the successful Brexit campaign may create uncertainty within the waste management industry. What is clear is it is very unclear what will happen to Britain’s existing resource legislation and targets.

The vast majority of UK resource management legislation is led by the EU, including policies such as the Landfill and EU Waste Framework Directives. In recent years the objectives set out in these policies have encouraged our nation to meet recycling targets and focus on efficient resource management.

Will a new ‘Brexit’ government apply the same influence that the EU has done to help meet these objectives? Resource management targets should remain high up on the political agenda because it has a bearing on the UK’s future. Diminishing natural resources and increased landfill taxes currently push us to look for more sustainable solutions regarding waste and we need targets to ensure we meet our ambitions.

The EU Waste Framework Directive incorporates the important ethos of reducing, reusing, recycling, recovering energy and finally disposing of waste. Will these policies still be enforced in a UK that has split from the EU? Simply put, it is unknown.

Pallet Image for BlogsThe UK would likely maintain policies already in place however there is no guarantee that legislation such as the EU’s circular economy package, introduced in December 2015, would be enforced in the UK unless we implement it independently. This could result in our 2020 recycling target, albeit an EU target, not being met.

By 2025 the UK waste industry is estimated to contribute £29 billion to our economy, potentially creating 175,000 jobs. This should be considered when the UK reviews its policies. Although we’ve departed, implementing similar waste industry legislation as governed by the EU could ensure effective resource management and economic sustainability.

It’s a combination of our attitudes towards waste and what the law dictates that secures our future. The UK can and will continue the great work already accomplished by the waste management industry, something demonstrated by the businesses nominated in this year’s National Recycling Awards.

What ever happens, we’ll keep you up to date with the latest news and how the waste management and resource industry may be affected.