25/06/2004
Government to choose green alternatives to landfill
Government departments will re-use and recycle more of their rubbish in a drive to cut the amount of waste buried in landfill sites.
Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett said that England currently produces enough waste to fill the Albert Hall every hour, and everyone must move away from relying on landfill.
She said that it was time for the government "to lead by example in its own back yard".
"We will ensure our own waste management is sustainable and this means turning our backs on landfill. Dumping everything in a giant hole in the ground is no longer acceptable environmentally or socially," she said.
All government departments will have to increase their recycling and composting by at least 5% every year, with an aim of 75% overall.
The government will aim to purchase greater proportions of re-usable and recyclable products and materials with recycled content, and will also aim to return used products to manufacturers.
"Each department will have to justify publicly its actions and the timescales it sets itself to deliver the targets," said Margaret Beckett.
(gmcg)
Environment Secretary Margaret Beckett said that England currently produces enough waste to fill the Albert Hall every hour, and everyone must move away from relying on landfill.
She said that it was time for the government "to lead by example in its own back yard".
"We will ensure our own waste management is sustainable and this means turning our backs on landfill. Dumping everything in a giant hole in the ground is no longer acceptable environmentally or socially," she said.
All government departments will have to increase their recycling and composting by at least 5% every year, with an aim of 75% overall.
The government will aim to purchase greater proportions of re-usable and recyclable products and materials with recycled content, and will also aim to return used products to manufacturers.
"Each department will have to justify publicly its actions and the timescales it sets itself to deliver the targets," said Margaret Beckett.
(gmcg)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 February 2006
Government consults on waste proposals
Among the Government's proposals put forward in a major consultation on the waste problem in England is giving a greater strategic role to local authorities.
Government consults on waste proposals
Among the Government's proposals put forward in a major consultation on the waste problem in England is giving a greater strategic role to local authorities.
18 October 2004
Britons urged to get on board for 'the Big Recycle'
Britain's national week for recycling, 'the BIG recycle', has been officially launched by comedian and impressionist Alistair McGowan today. The message for the week of action is recycling awareness must be turned into recycling action, as research for 'the BIG recycle' found that while awareness is high it does not necessarily equate to action.
Britons urged to get on board for 'the Big Recycle'
Britain's national week for recycling, 'the BIG recycle', has been officially launched by comedian and impressionist Alistair McGowan today. The message for the week of action is recycling awareness must be turned into recycling action, as research for 'the BIG recycle' found that while awareness is high it does not necessarily equate to action.
14 September 2005
Household waste recycling doubles
The amount of household waste being recycled has doubled in the last four years, the latest figures from Defra have found. More than a fifth (23%) of household waste produced by homes in England was recycled in 2004/05, according to the latest figures. However, there were variations in different regions around the country.
Household waste recycling doubles
The amount of household waste being recycled has doubled in the last four years, the latest figures from Defra have found. More than a fifth (23%) of household waste produced by homes in England was recycled in 2004/05, according to the latest figures. However, there were variations in different regions around the country.
04 November 2014
Landfill Site Closed Over Smell Of Waste
The Environment Agency has confirmed that a landfill site has been shut down after nearby residents complained about the smell. It is understood that Dorket Head in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, has been closed after residents complained that the smell from the site was keeping them awake at night.
Landfill Site Closed Over Smell Of Waste
The Environment Agency has confirmed that a landfill site has been shut down after nearby residents complained about the smell. It is understood that Dorket Head in Arnold, Nottinghamshire, has been closed after residents complained that the smell from the site was keeping them awake at night.
14 February 2014
Torbay Council Back £22m Budget Cut
Torbay's mobile library service is to be scrapped as part of a council approved package of cuts. The council has backed some £22 million in cuts, which they say they have "no choice" but to implement.
Torbay Council Back £22m Budget Cut
Torbay's mobile library service is to be scrapped as part of a council approved package of cuts. The council has backed some £22 million in cuts, which they say they have "no choice" but to implement.