Gypsum waste from flue gas desulphurisation plant in some coal-fired stations is sold for the manufacture of plasterboard and other plaster products. The UK Government's waste management strategy reflects a hierarchy of options which, guided by the principle of the Best Practicable Environmental Option, aims to use less raw material, maximise re-use or recovery of waste and minimise waste disposal. The legislative framework on waste is becoming tighter and responsibility for waste control is increasingly being placed on the waste producer. Significant economic and environmental benefits can accrue from effective waste management. The UK electricity industry recycles nearly all its furnace bottom ash and gypsum and a third of its pulverised fuel ash.
Electrical technologies play an increasing role in waste prevention, minimisation and recycling.
The Waste Minimisation Act 1998 gave local authorities powers to promote waste minimisation. Amendments to the packaging waste regulations in 1999 changed the turnover threshold for liability to 2 million in 2000. From April 1999 the landfill tax on active' waste was increased to 10 per tonne, and will rise progressively to 15 by 2004. The Government issued a draft revised Waste Strategy for England and Wales in June 1999, entitled A Way with Waste , setting out recycling and recovery targets for 2005 and 2010 and objectives to 2020. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency are also developing a National Waste Strategy for Scotland.