Council recycling schemes are too confusing and the Government should take the lead in promoting best practice, according to MPs.
The call came in a report by the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee triggered by Defra’s decision to ‘step back’ from waste management.
Progress towards hitting a target of recycling at least 50% of household waste by 2020 has slowed, it warned. MPs said that while local authorities should tackle issues on the ground, Defra has an important role in highlighting successful approaches.
‘On a household level there is too much confusion about what can or can’t be recycled-and very little confidence in the process,’ said committee chair Anne McIntosh.
‘Communication must improve and be tailored to local circumstances, but Defra should provide support at a national level-particularly in relation to common issues and problems.’
In April Defra announced it had ‘stepped back in areas where businesses are better placed to act and there is no clear market failure’. Ms McIntosh said the decision could not have come at a worse time.
‘Defra “stepped back” from waste management at a time when we need both a more ambitious approach to waste management and stronger Government leadership to drive up static recycling rates in England and make better use of energy recovery options such as local heating for homes. Ministers must now show that waste policy remains an important priority.’
