WASTE management rules need a radical overhaul, warns the manufacturers’ organisation EEF.

In a review of the Government’s Waste Strategy: Six Months On, published today, the organisation claims out-of- date legislation, limited access to waste facilities and a looming resource crunch need addressing, claiming that the shortage of materials was now the biggest threat to manufacturers.

EEF identified three priorities, including a call for a clear and long-term resource management strategy; simplification of waste legislation and guidance to allow businesses to contribute to sustainable waste and resource management; and the speedy delivery of infrastructure and advisory services to combat a lack of convenient and affordable recycling facilities. An EEF survey claims 80% of manufacturing sector leaders regard a shortage of materials as a risk to their business.

North West director, David Ost, said: “Waste policy has, for some time, been the forgotten element of the green agenda. But, with global demand for resources expected to soar and manufacturers rating raw material shortages as their biggest risk, we must not miss the opportunity to make the best of what we have.”