FOCUS ON: Infrastructure Shortfalls

Company Director Luke England talks about his view that public & private synergy is the only way to fill infrastructure shortfalls in recycling industry.

There is currently a massive focus in the recycling industry on looming recycling targets, which are setting demanding milestones to national and local government on how they handle their waste. Current progress has been encouraging, and recognition must go to those in within government who have devised policies to address the need for increased recycling rates. However, more recently it seems as though the rate of progress is slowing, and I now believe it is time for the private sector to step up to the plate and fill the gaps.

Environment minister for Wales, Jane Davidson, has already issued warnings that we must continue to work hard amid good periods of progress, while the Environmental Services Authority has warned that without the private sector the country would soon struggle to meet increasing targets.

The relationship between the public and private sector needs to focus on mutual benefits; working together to help each other. Only with this synergy will both succeed in their future recycling goals. As a private enterprise we invest large percentages of our profits back into our infrastructure and services to protect our future as a company. If you think about it the math presents a simple equation; To deal with greater amounts of recycling we need more facilities and specialist infrastructure.

From our own experience the private sector is ready and waiting to step into the breach, but require planning policy and local government to support their aspirations of growth. I know this sentiment has been echoed by Matthew Farrow, Director of Policy at the Environmental Services Authority and it is encouraging that discussions around such topics are taking place already.

I truly believe in the fantastic efforts that both the public and private sector have been putting in up to this point, but stress the need for a collaboration of this determination and drive to meet inevitable future challenges.