National waste strategies

England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland have each developed a National Waste Strategy which outlines how the UK plans to deal with the increasing amount of rubbish produced each year.

The amount of rubbish which is recycled needs to increase so the UK can meet the various European Waste Directives. The strategies aims are similar, they contain information on how the UK will deal with all sorts of waste including packaging, batteries, end of life vehicles and electronics. They also contain waste statistics, and detail the different people responsible for waste management in the UK.

• England
• Wales
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland

England

The 'National Waste Strategy 2000 - England' can be viewed online at DEFRA's website. The strategy describes the vision for managing waste and resources and sets out the changes needed to deliver more sustainable development. The Government has set challenging targets to increase the recycling of municipal waste, to recycle or compost at least 25% of household waste by 2005, 30% by 2010 and 33% by 2015.

Wales

"Wise About Waste": the National Waste Strategy for Wales, published in June 2002, can be viewed online at the National Assembly for Wales' website at www.wales.gov.uk. The strategy sets the direction for developing sustainable waste management practices in Wales. Minimum targets have been set to increase the recycling and composting of municipal waste to 25% by 2007 and 40% by 2010.

Scotland

Scotland's Waste Strategy was launched in late 1999 to provide a framework within which Scotland can reduce the amount of waste it produces and deal with the waste it has produced in a more integrated and sustainable way. This is the first time waste management issues have been bought togther at a strategic level in Scotland. You can download a copy of the National Waste Strategy - Scotland or visit the Scottish Parliament's web site.

Northern Ireland

The National Waste Strategy - Northern Ireland was launched in April 2000. Primary strategy goals include the recovery of 25% of household rubbish by 2005, 40% by 2010 and a reduction in the landfilling of industrial and commercial rubbish to 85% of 1998 levels by 2005. Contact the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) on 028 9054 0540 for further information.