Date:              21 May 2008
Embargo:       None

Targets for construction waste

The sustainable management of construction waste arisings was the subject of a recent meeting between ESA and WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme). Following its internal reorganisation earlier this year, one of WRAP’s key objectives for the construction and demolition sector will be the launch of the “Construction Industry Commitment”, a new voluntary agreement that is expected to see the construction industry commit to halving waste to landfill by 2012.

This target was first signalled by the Government in Waste Strategy for England 2007, which highlighted construction, demolition and excavation waste as the largest single source of waste arisings in England.

At the meeting, the essential role of the waste management industry in meeting any target was discussed, in addition to the potential benefits of the industry being a signatory to the forthcoming Commitment. WRAP also outlined its future plans for stimulating development of new infrastructure for construction and demolition waste, which are expected to include funding for material separation and processing facilities.

ENDS