Planning tops industry agenda at RWM

A simplification of the planning process should be the number one issue for new environment secretary Owen Patterson MP, according to a survey of visitors to the RWM in partnership with CIWM show.

The results show that almost 30% (28.25%) of people questioned at last week’s annual industry gathering at the NEC, Birmingham, feel that the UK’s planning rules need to be simplified in order to make it easier to build waste management infrastructure.

The research, undertaken by environmental communications consultancy Pelican PR, also highlighted that nearly a fifth of the industry: 18.75%, want to see the introduction of landfill bans for specific materials.

Another 16% of those questioned wanted to see the introduction of a national campaign to educate the public about what happens to the materials they recycle whilst another 16% are keen for the Minister to introduce export bans on valuable materials which could be reused and reprocessed in the UK.

Only 6.25% of people questioned at the show were keen to see a return of weekly bin collections.

Commenting on the result, Michael Bennett managing director of Pelican PR said: “The issue of planning is top of the waste management industry’s agenda. The UK will require a significant expansion of waste management infrastructure, this is a major strategic issue and one which Mr Patterson needs to look at closely.

“Many in the industry would also welcome landfill bans and a nationwide education campaign to keep the importance of recycling front of mind with the public.”

He added: “This survey shows the waste management sector is clear about the key issues it faces. Hopefully the new Minister will engage effectively to help address some of the industry’s concerns as quickly as possible.”