Defra decides against woodwaste landfill ban
22 February 2013Defra has decided against a ban on landfilling woodwaste after it transpired that the volumes of wood being thrown away were less than previously thought.
The news has been welcomed by the British Woodworking Federation (BWF), describing it as a "real pat on the back" for the timber industry, underpinning the sector's work on material rescource efficiency.
"We do not believe that the time is right to introduce a restriction on woodwaste to landfill as that will result in additional costs to businesses," Defra said.
It said its call for evidence supported its analysis suggesting that woodwaste to landfill has been falling since 2009 and would continue to decline further in the coming years without intervention. But Defra will continue to monitor the situation.
The BWF and Timber Trade Federation wrote a joint response to Defra's call for evidence, presenting information gathered from members and highlighting the work of the Timber Resource Efficiency Partnership in reducing woodwaste produced by the timber sector.
BWF members indicated they were generally supportive of a landfill ban, with most respondents saying they could already find a sustainable use for much of their woodwaste.
