Taking action on waste is essential, since we are consuming natural resources at an unsustainable rate and contributing unnecessarily to climate change.
In 1999 the EU Landfill Directive set out ambitious targets to reduce the amount of biodegradable municipal waste sent to landfill. In response to this Directive the Government produced Waste Strategy 2000.
Since Strategy 2000 was published, England has made significant progress towards its waste targets. Recycling and composting of waste has nearly quadrupled since 1996-97, with 27% being achieved in 2005-06. Less waste is being landfilled, with a 9% reduction between 2000-01 and 2004-05. Waste growth has also reduced.
Last year the Government published the Waste Strategy for England 2007. This new strategy builds on Waste Strategy 2000, but is more ambitious and aims to address the key waste challenges of the future.
More information on specific waste legislation can be found on the DEFRA website.
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