That was the main conclusion of a recent study into the UK's waste sector published by the Institution of Civil Engineers.
In the State of the Nation: Waste and Resource Management 2011 report, the ICE calls for a waste sector evolution – and for a progression to a 'circular economy' where recovered and recycled materials are high enough quality to be routinely brought back into use.
Reducing the demand for goods made from raw materials could see the waste industry be part of a resource efficiency drive that could contribute 10% to carbon dioxide reduction, the report argues. This programme examines the key issues to overcome in unlocking the value of waste.
About the contributor
Andrew Crudgington is Head of Policy at the Institution of Civil Engineers and has led the ICE's Policy Team since its formation in 2005. During that period, he has worked on projects in a range of policy areas, including flood defence, transport, infrastructure resilience and skills. Prior to the creation of the Policy Team, he managed ICE's Environment and Health and Safety team, working on the development of CEEQUAL and the ICE Health & Safety Register. Andrew has also worked in local government and at the London School of Economics.
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