This figure includes collections and disposals of waste materials by private companies, but excludes internal spending by local authorities and sewage treatment by water authorities. The market is in a period of strong change, with a move away from landfill and sea disposal to reuse and recycling.
Metal recycling is covered in a separate Key Note report.
The disposal methods examined include landfill, sea disposal, incineration, composting, reclamation and recycling. The numerous trade associations involved in the market are also included in the study. The major factor affecting the market has been legislative change, including the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Packaging Waste Regulations 1997. The latter has defined the responsibilities of organisations within the packaging chain towards recycling of waste and requires certification of the discharge of their duties. Recycling targets have been specified for most packaging materials and for other commercial waste, which will lead to substantial operational changes in the market if they are to be met by their deadline of the year 2000.