Although the landfill tax, packaging regulations and other economic and legislative instruments directly affect business operation, the Waste Minimisation Act is aimed at mobilising a greater and perhaps more sustainable power i.e. the consumer.

By introducing legislation encouraging local waste authorities to promote waste minimisation initiatives and improving education, consumers and householders become more aware of the impacts of their lifestyle and more amenable to being involved in community re-cycling projects etc.

In addition retailers are being asked to take on the responsibility to improve information flow about the use and disposal of products. These measures are likely to increase pressure on businesses to improve resource management and perhaps gain green credentials for their products.

Our concept of how we deal with and control waste has developed from being concerned with the materials and volumes, to identifying the origin of waste within processes and considering elements such as wasted effort and energy. In simple terms we have moved from looking at waste in from a materials based viewpoint to a holistic one.

By endeavouring to include all the stakeholders in the waste management sphere, from the waste management industry to re-cycling/processing facilities, retailers and consumers changes are more likely to be affected in all areas.

In particular the government has put the waste management industry at the forefront of its waste strategy and wants the industry to grow, develop and diversify to make waste provision more varied, innovative and flexible, i.e. better suited to developing improved waste management nationally.

Companies already committed to waste management and sustainable development are likely to have the best chance to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the changes occurring in the waste industry and in some cases actively develop beneficial links e.g. new treatment technologies and services.