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Services to Local Authorities

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:

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 An integrated approach to waste management.
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 A reduction in the quantity and hazardous nature of waste.
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 Increased levels of waste re-use.
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 Increased levels of recycling and composting.
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 Increased energy recovery.
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 Further development of alternative recovery technologies (e.g. pyrolysis, gasification and anaerobic digestion.
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 Greater public participation in decision making.
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 Effective protection of public health and the environment.

APEX was formed in association with Freeland Horticulture in 2001.

APEX offers composting services to local authorities and commercial organisations nationally as part of service packages. 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!!

 

 

 
 
Reducing waste
to landfill

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:

• A 25 % reduction of 1995 tonnages by 2010.
• A 50 % reduction of 1995 tonnages by 2016.
• A 65 % reduction of 1995 tonnages by 2020.

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:

• To recycle 25 % of household waste by 2005.
• To recycle 30 % of household waste by 2010.
• To recycle 33 % of household waste by 2015.

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.