Recent documents, such as the Waste Strategy Review Consultation and the Energy Review, have offered some encouragement but been extremely short on detail, particularly compared with the type of information that has emerged on other types of energy production.

CIWM chief executive Steve Lee says: ‘The waste sector wants to play its part in achieving security of energy supply, and to ensure that residual waste is managed as effectively as possible. However, contractors and local authorities will need much more certainty and direction from Government policy before they are willing to make the long-term commitment involved. 

‘As the months go by, the sector’s ability to gear up in time to meet pressing energy and waste challenges will be significantly compromised.  Consequently, CIWM is pushing hard for practical and policy support for recovery of energy from our residual (ie post-recycling) waste.

‘The next round in national waste strategy development and budget development by the Treasury should be the opportunities to show this support. Changing the way we manage waste and energy takes time, and we have no more time to waste in delivering a more sustainable future.
 
‘Public concern has been a major factor in energy from waste failing to achieve its full potential in the UK to date. For this reason, any Government policy plan should include a national communications strategy aimed at raising understanding of the benefits and dispelling misconceptions. What works for the rest of Europe should work just as well here.’