Waste Management-Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and
Threats
In the UK, waste management is classified under section O of the
SIC (2003) code — other community, social and personal service activities. More
specifically, the most relevant sections are SIC90 (sewage and refuse disposal,
sanitation and similar activities) and subsection 90.02 (collection and treatment
of other wastes).
In terms of business activity, waste management is often
considered to be part of the utility sector, along with energy and water
services. Some of the leading waste-management companies operating in the UK
are part of water/waste-water companies.
In other developed countries, the position of the
waste-management market is generally similar to that in the UK, although the
extent of private-sector involvement may be different. The EU is the region
with the greatest similarities to the UK due to common legislation. A major
difference is the greater use of recycling in other major EU countries compared
with the UK. French companies (Veolia and SITA) and a Spanish company (FCC)
have
significant stakes in the UK waste-management market.
During the past 25 years, waste management has developed
dramatically in terms of technology, practices and image. In the UK, waste was
very much a ‘behind the scenes’ activity, with low technology and a downmarket
image. Key changes in attitude towards waste have led to a more responsible attitude
towards waste management. It is now recognised that the continuation of a
highly-developed society such as the UK must be based on sustainable resources.
At present this is not the case and a reduction in waste is an important factor
in moving towards a more sustainable foundation.
By making better use of resources, costs can be reduced, another
reason for cutting down on waste. Waste disposal is another vital issue.
Historically, the UK has relied heavily on landfill, but important changes have
to take place here because this form of waste disposal is not a good use of
land, and landfill gives rise to pollution and carbon emissions. To bring about
a reduction in waste generation, and an increase in recycling, the Government
has implemented strategies, numerous initiatives and legislation (mostly based
on EU Directives). In its Waste Strategy for England 2007, the Department for
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) lists five main activities.
STRENGTHS
• Waste management has a fundamental strength, due to its role
as a key part of the infrastructure of a developed society such as the UK.
• Increasing awareness of ‘green’ issues is focusing attention
on waste generation and its treatment.
• Due to global pressure on resources of all kinds, there is now
growing attention to reducing waste as a means of conserving resources.
• The UK waste-management market is being driven by EU
Directives that are increasing in scope and severity, thus providing more work
for waste management companies.
WEAKNESSES
• The UK still landfills a high proportion of its waste (at a
level well above that of other major highly-developed EU countries).
• While recycling is increasing in the UK, the infrastructure
for it still needs further development.
• Further cultural development is needed in the UK to make wider
progress with the principles of waste reduction, re-use and recycling.
• Illegal dumping and fly tipping has increased, an indication
of the lack of proper response to waste-management legislation.
OPPORTUNITIES
• Increasing legislation provides opportunities to develop
businesses to address the needs of current and future legislation and regulations.
• Some existing legislation is not very well served by
commercial companies, again providing scope for business development.
• The waste generated by developed countries such as the UK is
becoming technically more complex. This provides scope for technological
innovation to deal with waste, whether for recycling or final disposal.
• As waste management becomes more complex, it provides more
interesting and varied prospects for career development.
• UK companies with relevant management, financial resources and
preferably specialist skills/technology could consider setting up activities outside
the UK.
THREATS
• Recycling is increasing, a trend that will reduce the need for
final disposal of waste.
• It is important that planning permission for the recycling and
(EfW) facilities is obtained with minimum delay. Failure to do so could mean that
the UK experiences difficulties in achieving its landfill-reduction targets.
• The development and retention of a skilled workforce is
important if the UK waste-management sector is to be successful in coping with
future demand.
