The changing mindset in the management of waste

There are strong drivers at all levels towards a culture of more sustainable waste management. These drivers include those at an international level, such as the Rio Earth Summit, at a European level, such as the Fifth Action Programme (1993–2000) and national drivers, such as the strategy for sustainable waste management in England and Wales. The business response to these drivers has led to an emerging interest in moving away from a waste disposal mentality towards a materials management mentality in which waste is reused, recycled, reduced and minimized. This is considered to be a fundamental shift which will create a huge challenge for the waste management industry, requiring a robust and flexible strategically driven approach at the household, local authority and business levels.