Use and misuse of biowastes

The Environment Agency says that, over the next ten years, we face both challenges and opportunities when it comes to dealing with biowastes.

Over 100 million tonnes of biodegradable waste are produced in the UK every year. That's enough to fill approximately 25 Wembley stadiums! Despite the opportunities available for effective use of this waste, most biowastes still end up in landfill.

Biowastes include livestock manures, the biodegradable part of municipal wastes, including food and garden waste, treated sewage sludge, organic industrial waste (such as paper and textiles) and compost. If not managed properly, they are a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution of watercourses.

Under the EU Landfill Directive, the UK must reduce biowastes sent to landfill to 35 per cent of 1995 levels by 2020. A recent Government Consultation into the EU Nitrates Directive could also result in tighter controls on the amount of high nitrogen biowastes spread to land. And, by Autumn 2009, there will be a review of the exemptions from permitting, under which waste landspreading activities are currently regulated. The Environment Agency advises that the right balance of controls and incentives must be found in order to encourage the reuse of waste, while protecting the environment and human health.