The waste problem

The amount of resources we use and waste that we produce as individuals, as a nation and globally is increasing each year. This is leading to problems in disposing of the waste produced. The solution for most waste has been to bury it in the ground in landfill facilities. We now realise that we need to make much better use of our resources and recycle waste where possible to recover resources. Where waste has to be disposed we need to ensure that we undertake this in a way that minimises any harm to the environment.

Legislation is being developed and implemented at both a European and national level that is changing the way we view and treat waste. Developing and improving sustainable waste management practices in the UK is a high priority at both a national and local level. The UK Government is committed to sustainable development in which, environmental, economic and social objectives are integrated. New European legislation has been a key driver in promoting waste management that aims to minimise, re-use or recycle wastes. The UK Government has produced a National Waste Strategy which has eight key commitments, shown below:

Three of the largest waste management companies in the UK: Veolia Environmental Services and SITA UK formed APEX in association with Freeland Horticulture in 2001.

Veolia Environmental Services and SITA UK offer composting services to local authorities and commercial organisations nationally as part of service packages. Between Veolia Environmental Services and SITA UK over 250,000 tonnes of green waste is composted each year across a network of 15 composters to manufacture Apex green compost for use in landscaping, soil blending and retail growing media. As a result of Apex, all three companies are able to guarantee and provide records to demonstrate that green waste composted at an APEX composter is manufactured into a product and sold within a sustainable market. This ensures that green waste is counted towards recycling targets with records provided as proof. You can even find out which customer your green waste has ended up with as compost!!

All three companies are expanding their green waste composting services. As a result it may be possible for you to use a composter operated by Veolia Environmental Services or SITA UK as part of the APEX partnership.

The EC landfill Directive sets out targets for the reduction of biodegradable organic waste that may be put into landfills. The targets that have been set are:

This is being backed by the implementation of national legislation. For example in the UK government has also set statutory recycling targets for local authorities. These targets are:

Composting will play an important role in helping to achieve these targets as waste is processed in an environmentally sustainable manner to produce a beneficial product.