Birmingham Friends of the Earth Action Briefing Feb/Mar 99

Kerbside Collection Scheme for Bromsgrove and Redditch

While Birmingham FOE are campaigning for Birmingham to increase its recycling rate from the current 6.7% in 1997 (last known data) to meet the national target of 25% by the year 2000 (excluding energy from waste incineration), neighbouring Worcestershire and Hereford County Councils appear to have done just that.

A new waste management contract will bring huge improvements to household waste management and will increase recycling, in these neighbouring counties, from 6% to 25% by the year 2000. Furthermore, this target will be achieved without including energy from waste incineration.

This contract will include projects such as composting, anaerobic digestion (a process which turns organic waste into agricultural fertiliser) and kerbside collections for cans, paper, plastic, textiles and clothing. Kerbside collections in Redditch and Bromsgrove should be up and running in the next two years. It is also claimed that over 100 jobs will be created over the next five years. Also, as reported in the last copy of Action Briefing, a research report commissioned by the European Commission suggested that kerbside recycling will be the cheapest waste management option in all member states soon after 2001.

Although the details of this scheme have yet to be analysed, it does sound very similar to what FOE are recommending should happen in Birmingham. In turn, such a project in Birmingham would avoid the need for any increase in incineration facilities. This development represents an opportunity for Birmingham to demonstrate it can match best practice elsewhere, including its nearest neighbours. Watch this space!

Incineration contributes to Greenhouse Gases

A new US Environment Protection Agency report shows that recycling is far preferable to incineration, the preferred method of waste disposal in Birmingham, in terms of greenhouse gases. Other advantages of recycling include lower cost, more jobs, less pollution and energy savings.

Waste Minimisation Act

This law, initiated by the Women's Environmental Network, finally got through Parliament in November. Local authorities now have powers to reduce waste as well as recycle it. This again provides an opportunity for Birmingham, where waste is currently increasing at a rate of approximately 5% to 7% per annum, to be proactive and effect change.

What can You do?

If you would like to help Birmingham improve its record on waste reduction and recycling, please write to your MP and Councillor(s), including those on the Environmental Services Committee. Details and standard letters can be obtained from the Warehouse.

Paul Webb