UK resources and waste sector consults on net-zero transition plan
The consultation, launched by WRAP, seeks feedback from businesses, investors and stakeholders.
The consortium behind the draft plan includes WRAP - the Waste and Resources Action Programme; ADEPT - the Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport; the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management; enfinium; the Environmental Services Association, FCC Environment, the National Association of Waste Disposal Officers, SUEZ and WRA - the Wood Recyclers' Association.
The consortium says the plan is necessary as the resources and waste sector is at the mercy of what enters the waste stream and emissions are a resultant mix.
It highlights that the sector currently accounts for 6% of the UK's greenhouse gas emissions. These are said to come from a complex mix of the sectors’ own operations combined with influences upstream from a range of factors, such as product design and consumption, packaging choices, construction activity, food waste, recycling markets and public behaviour.
The plan lists five key areas for action to reduce emissions from managing resources and waste:
- Reducing biodegradable waste sent to landfill.
- Increasing landfill methane capture.
- Diverting plastics from energy-from-waste facilities.
- Capturing fossil carbon from energy-from-waste through carbon capture and storage.
- Transitioning collection and transport fleets to zero-emission vehicles.
Responses to the consultation are due by 23 July 2026.
