Written question asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Independent Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Rooker (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 May 2007.

Waste Management: Landfill

Question: Whether, in light of the difficulties faced by a number of local authorities in conducting weekly refuse collection, and the possibility of charges being made on households, they have any plans to renegotiate the current targets for landfill disposal contained within the landfill directive.

Answer: No. It is important that the UK continues to reduce its traditional reliance on landfill. It is the least environmentally acceptable way of disposing of most wastes and, because of the methane that it produces and the materials wasted, it makes a significant contribution to climate change. There are a range of measures in place and available to local authorities to help them to reduce the amount of waste that they send to landfill, which will enable the UK to meet landfill directive targets.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 3513; 692 c102WA
Session: 2006-07
Subjects: EU law Landfill Domestic waste Local government Standards Waste disposal
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk