New research shows 53% of people in the UK support an outright ban on waste exports, with only 11% disagreeing.
The poll of a nationally representative sample of 2,000 UK adults was undertaken by Savanta and published by UK energy from waste (EfW) operator enfinium. It found that 72% of the public believed the UK should “deal” with the waste it creates rather than exporting it overseas.
70% of the public also said the government should aim to divert all waste from landfill. While 75% agree that the UK Government should ensure the maximum amount of energy is recovered from unrecyclable waste.
Mike Maudsley, CEO of enfinium, commented: “The UK has a waste problem. To fix it we need to consume less and reuse more, we must increase recycling rates, and we need to put that which is left over to good use here in the UK, not bury it in a hole in the ground or send it overseas.
By diverting waste from climate-damaging landfill, and putting an end to waste exports, we can reduce our emissions while generating homegrown baseload energy.
“By diverting waste from climate-damaging landfill, and putting an end to waste exports, we can reduce our emissions while generating homegrown baseload energy. This is better for the environment and better for the UK.”
Last week (21 November), the European Commission and European Council agreed to ban exports of plastic waste to non-OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries.
81 NGOs (non-governmental organisations) called on the UK government to back a “comprehensive ban” on UK plastic waste exports earlier this year. The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee has also previously called for a ban on exporting all plastic waste from the UK by 2027.
However, the Refuse Derived Fuel Industry Group (RDFIG) has said a blanket ban on waste exports would be more damaging to the environment in many scenarios than allowing the international movement of waste. The Recycling Association has also warned that waste crime will continue to happen, even if exports of plastics for recycling are banned.
