Defra Waste Review 2011 - results of industry survey by RGR and Beasley Associates

NEWS RELEASE

8^TH September 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AFTER THE DUST HAS SETTLED INDUSTRY UNITES IN NEGATIVE RESPONSE TO DEFRA WASTE REVIEW 2011 - RESULTS OF INDUSTRY SURVEY

A survey of waste and resources industry leaders has revealed the continuation of a significantly widespread and deep disappointment with the outcome of the Defra Waste Review.  The survey, designed and organised by long standing industry experts Dr Jane Beasley and Ray Georgeson and commissioned during the summer, shows over 80% of respondents view the Review as not at all or not very ambitious and with over half expressing concern about the value of the Review as a foundation for the forthcoming Waste Management Plan 2012.

Beasley Associates and RGR devised the survey to capture reflections and opinions on the Defra Waste Review 2011 at a point where industry leaders would have had a chance to read the Review in more detail and reflect on its contents. The survey was produced electronically and sent to 172 leading figures from all parts of the waste and resources sector.  Over 30% responded to the survey, coming from a wide cross-section of the industry, including CEOs and leaders of major waste and recycling companies, trade bodies, equipment providers, senior figures from local government, the third sector, NGOs and professional service providers.

Director of RGR, Ray Georgeson said: “Waste and resources industry leaders may have spent their summer holidays reading it properly on the beach, but their reaction to the Defra Waste Review has not improved since the initial reactions when it was launched in June.”

Director of Beasley Associates, Dr Jane Beasley commented: “It is notable that the Review appears to have disappointed so many across all sectors.  It seems to have displeased almost everyone for different reasons and we hope that Ministers and officials will take stock before embarking on the Waste Management Plan 2012.”

The report, titled The Defra Waste Review 2011: Reflections from the Industry is available for download at www.beasleyassociates.com and www.raygeorgesonresources.co.uk .

ENDS