« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
Annex D Landfill Bans
1. The Landfill (Scotland) Regulations 2003 already lay down that a number of materials cannot be landfilled. These materials include: waste in liquid form, waste which in landfill is explosive, corrosive, oxidising or flammable, infectious clinical waste, chemical substances which are new or not identified and the effects of which on man or on the environment are not known, tyres other than tyres used as engineering material, bicycle tyres and tyres with an outside diameter above 1400mm. In addition, Animal By-Products legislation prohibits retail outlets from sending raw eggs, meat and fish and rare cooked meat, Parma ham and smoked salmon to landfill.
2. Other countries have introduced more widespread landfill bans, often in relation to material which can be recycled, composted or incinerated. In the UK, major landfill bans have been a difficult policy option to pursue, given our heavy reliance on landfill. However, recent moves towards sustainable waste management means that more extensive landfill bans may be appropriate.
3. In the Scottish Ministers' view, further landfill bans, using the powers under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 should be introduced for clear environmental or health reasons or to help divert further waste away from landfill. Before introducing further landfill bans to support the strategic aim of reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, we would need to be clear that there are alternative ways of dealing with the waste, such as recycling, composting or thermal treatment. In addition, time would have to be given to allow markets to develop and adjust. Consultation would be required. Landfill bans would also need to be enforceable.
4. It could be argued that there is already scope for landfill bans for some materials where there is already a strong recycling or composting market: such materials include clear container glass, scrap metals, green waste, paper/card, plastic bottles, untreated wood and textiles. There might also be scope to ban material which can be re-used (eg second-hand furniture) from being sent to landfill.
5. The Scottish Ministers intend to produce an annual report on the scope to introduce more landfill bans. The first such report will be produced by 31 December 2007.
« Previous | Contents | Next »