Defra is asking waste businesses operating permitted sites in England to complete a survey regarding the impact COVD-19 is having on their businesses.
The survey is so that the department can make “informed policy decisions”, Defra says.
This is a short turnaround questionnaire with a deadline of 23.59 today (Tuesday 14 April).
Defra says that government is seeking to understand what trends and challenges are emerging and so support the sector to maintain its resilience and deliver essential services during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We understand that this is a very challenging time for you and the waste sector,” Defra said.
It is important that the government maintains a good understanding of the impact that the Covid-19 outbreak is having on the industry as the situation develops
“It is important that the government maintains a good understanding of the impact that the Covid-19 outbreak is having on the industry as the situation develops.
“This will enable us to help by making informed policy decisions and aid our contingency planning across Defra and wider government to support you and the sector at large.
“To help us gain as strong a picture as possible, we need your help. Defra has produced a questionnaire which we would like you to fill in.
“The questionnaire will take around 15-30 minutes to complete and includes questions on staff numbers; supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE); volumes of material you are processing; and any changes to capacity you are experiencing.”
The survey follows the decision by both the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales to allow waste facility operators to temporarily store more waste than their permit allows if they cannot remove waste from their site because of COVID-19 restrictions.