Embedding resource efficiency across the economy vital to deliver environmental improvements

Reacting to the UK Government’s reforms to the waste system, Rachel Solomon Williams, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group, said: “We welcome these steps to streamline the recycling system and strengthen regulation to address waste crime. Bringing the public and businesses along in efforts to reduce waste through practical policy is fundamental to ensuring that results can be delivered on the ground. To build on this progress, Government should now look to embed resource efficiency across the economy to deliver environmental improvements and carbon reduction. This means implementing the measures set out in the Resources and Waste Strategy, such as mandatory eco-design standards and extended producer responsibility, as well as adjusting tax and VAT rates to incentivise circularity. Government should make resources and waste policy a cross-departmental priority: collaboration will be key to ensuring all sectors of the economy can reduce waste at the pace that is required.”