Examination of Witnesses (Question Numbers
480-482)
DR PAUL
LEINSTER, MS
LIZ PARKES
AND MR
DAVID JORDAN
4 NOVEMBER 2009
Q480 Miss McIntosh: The point I am
trying to make is that Denmark has a higher take-up of energy
from waste and distance warming and their government states it
is positively a good thing, that there are no environmental side-effects.
We are not saying that in this country. As soon as you mention
chimney stack emissions, then in local areas local planning authorities
tend to get inundated with objections. How are we going to meet
our landfill obligations if we do not overcome these fears?
Ms Parkes: There is evidence out
there about the health impacts of alternative ways of dealing
with waste and that demonstrates that there is no significant
increased health impact resulting from these facilities. Defra
has made that evidence widely available. You do raise a very important
point about public confidence, public understanding. I think that
is a challenge we have as a society where waste is still seen
as a negative and a problem rather than as a provider of nutrients
or energy and that we do need these alternative facilities if
we are going to manage waste more responsibly.
Q481 Miss McIntosh: On the green
list, you said that the majority of the movements are the green
list. What are non-green waste products? How labour-intensive
is it going to be for you to implement the new duty of care?
Ms Parkes: The waste that moves
under the notifiable controls is predominantly hazardous waste;
it is a relatively small community with about 180,000 tonnes of
waste moved last year. It is hazardous waste that is moving for
recovery, whereas the green list rules apply to recyclables, dry
recyclable materials. In terms of duty of care, it is intended
to be a self-policing system. One of the key aspects will be making
sure that all parties in the chain are clear as to their obligations,
and that is an area where we would work closely with government
to help promote the new requirements as and when they come in.
Q482 Miss McIntosh: I know that some
local authorities may seek to contract out some of the waste disposal/waste
collection. I understand that there is a problem with definitions
of municipal waste for this purpose. Is that strictly a matter
for Defra rather than you?
Ms Parkes: It is, yes.
Chairman: Thank you very much indeed.
We are most grateful to you for your further help to this committee.
You have sent us lots of further additional submissions, for which
we are very grateful. We are still wading through those. Nonetheless,
we are glad that you have been able to assist us further. Thank
you all very much indeed.
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