At FRM we undertake waste composition analysis – ranging from surveys of residual waste (to inform potential impacts of ETS or the effectiveness of recycling and impact of EPR), to full surveys of all collected streams over multiple seasons.
This primary data feeds into other work we undertake, like wasteflow modelling, options appraisals and can also be used to raise public awareness of what is actually left in the rubbish bin, which could be used more effectively for the benefit of the environment, society and the Council Tax!
We have partnered with Integrated Skills on this aspect of our work, they have been undertaking waste composition analysis for over a decade, and we are combining our experience to draw out the strategic and policy implications of managing resources and waste to benefit our local authority and private sector clients.
This work will add to our existing database of waste composition analyses, giving us greater insight into the macro trends of changing consumer habits and producer responses and what that means for waste composition over time. It will also provide intelligence for assessing the impacts of Extended Producer Responsibility, product bans and other policy measures on waste arisings.
As we await further detail on how the emissions trading scheme will be implemented, waste composition can provide insight into liabilities or the degree to which they can potentially be mitigated.
As the next generation of infrastructure develops, including EfW plant, sustainable aviation fuel plant, chemical recycling, advanced MRFs and other new technologies, those processes seeking higher efficiencies or more advanced treatment will be more sensitive to changes in composition of the feedstock. Matching appropriate feedstock to technology choice is one of the key risk areas in technology viability.
If you are looking to explore waste composition to inform policy decisions, technology development and future impacts, please contact emily@frithrm.com or call 01746552423. More details on what we do are here: www.frithrm.com