The United Kingdom produces in the region of 30 million tonnes of household rubbish each year. As recently as the 1990s, more than 80% of this waste used to go direct to landfill. The government has recognised that this must change as landfill sites become scarce and demand for recycling gathers pace.

Through various legislative initiatives, recycling is becoming an accepted way of dealing with some of our domestic waste and currently approximately 27% of domestic waste is recycled. 67% still goes to landfill sites for burial, with about 9% having energy or value recovered from it in some way.

Birmingham’s waste strategy reflects the national policy of viewing waste as a resource rather than rubbish. The most recent strategy document states an intention that the current 17% recycling rate achieved in Birmingham will double to 34% by 2011/12. It also sets a goal of achieving 40% recycling by 2026.

Veolia ES Birmingham is committed to supporting Birmingham City Council in achieving its waste strategy goals by bringing its global experience and expertise to bear on the local situation and working in close partnership with the Council to exceed expectations.

For full details of Birmingham’s waste strategy document, click here