The UK cannot afford to waste any time in tackling its national waste problem sustainably, say cross-party MPs in support of a new report today, calling for a more “Scandinavian” approach linking energy and waste policy.

The new report – No Time to Waste: Resources, recovery & the road to net-zero – is backed by 13 cross-party politicians. Even as the UK progresses to its ambitious 2035 recycling targets, a valuable untapped potential for energy-from-waste technologies exists if government pivots residual waste policy away from landfill and export and towards domestic EfW heat networks and carbon capture. MPs say stronger policy signals from government could unlock billions of pounds of private investment and see UK energy from waste capacity increase to become the nation’s solution for non-recyclable waste, generating low carbon heat for half a million homes. 

Welcoming the report, Environment Minister Rebecca Pow said: “Now more than ever, it is crucial we move from a ‘throw away’ society to one that always looks at waste as a valuable resource. We want to be a world leader in tackling this challenge, which is why we’re transforming our waste system to ensure products are built to last and easier to recycle or repair. We will consider the recommendations in this report as we drive forward our ambitious waste reforms and meet our net zero emissions goals.”