Roles And Responsibilities Of Waste Management In England and Wales

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As most of you probably know, there are three major waste management authorities in England and Wales. You have the Environmental Agency, that plays the role of regulator. Waste Collection Authority serve as local authorities. And finally, there’s the Waste Disposal Authority. The process of waste collection and disposal is controlled by unitary authorities, while two-tier authority responsibilities belong to District Councils (waste collection) and County Councils (waste disposal). Waste management policies are set by Central Government.

The Environment Agency As Waste Regulator

Waste management legislation is enforced by the Environment Agency. This means the Agency is responsible for issuing licenses for waste carriers and sites. They make sure every detail is in compliance with standard regulations, such as the Radioactive Substance Act and the Duty of Care and Special Waste regulations. The Agency also has an advisory role – it often assists Central Government with the formation of different policies, and offers assistance to businesses and industrial sites. They can give you advice on waste management practices, recycling, and waste minimisation.

Local Authorities As Waste Collection Authorities (WCA)

Local Authorities are responsible for collection of household, commercial, and industrial waste in their area. Usually, waste from households is collected free of charge but there are some exceptions. On the other hand, household waste from different sources, such as college and universities, is often charged. If any waste is collected by the WCAs, it must be transported to a site which has been designated by the Waste Disposal Authority (WDA). Also, the WCAs are to come up with recycling plans and figure out what types of waste can and will be put to use.

Waste Disposal Authorities

The responsibility of ensuring provisions for disposal facilities lies in the hands of local authorities, who also act as Waste Disposal Authorities (WDAs). Back in 1990, it was decided that waste disposal facilities should be ran either by a Local Authority Waste Disposal Company or by a member of the private sector, not by the local authority itself. WDA ensures required provisions for the waste disposal process and provides the necessary facilities for homeowners to dispose of their own refuse.

The Government urges the WCAs and WDA in Englad to come up with Municipal Waste management Strategies for their areas. These plans set out the strategy for municipal waste management in each area serviced by the WDA, including resources for recycling. Statutory recycling plans are produced when the MWM strategies are to be considered mandatory.

If the litter in question is in your neighborhood, and it happens that you live in London, a quick call to your council should get it sorted. By going to this site you can find the information necessary to report litter to your council.