What is TEEP and does it make any difference to local authorities? NERF, Hartlepool 27 February 2014

Discussion points  The spirit vs. the letter of the rWFD  What is the main challenge?  What is quality recyclate?  Myth-busting  Parting thoughts

What did the EC intend..  Collect separately  From residual waste?  Maximise recycling?  Five main recyclates – simple!  Produce high quality recyclates – we all want to!

What is the challenge we face?  The biggest question is ‘Can commingled collections satisfy TEEP?’  A practical, non-legal view:  Technical – safer, tidier, improvements in technology  Environmental – higher recycling rates – FACT; environmental externalities  Economic – Biffa’s data, benchmarking, tenders, distance to MRF  Biffa is agnostic

How will TEEP be assessed?  East Cambs – have they proved commingling?  Decided not TEEP to introduce KSS across area; so rolled out commingling  AWC of commingled dry recyclables and of food waste; weekly refuse sack  Said commingling cheaper, greener and would boost recycling (up to 50% from 34%)  KSS would require 3 more vehicles (8 specialist at £120K each) than commingled (5 conventional); wheeled bins easier / safer A case study to keep our eyes on?

What is quality recyclate?  No formal measure  Meet the specification of reprocessors  Whether it’s met, NOT when it’s met  Poor KSS transfer stations  UPM MRF  Swanscombe  What do Biffa MRFs do?

Time to set the story straight!..  MRFs produce poor quality recyclate  MRFs must meet reprocessor specifications in their outputs  All KSS operations produce high quality recyclate  MRF glass goes to aggregate Bust the myths!

My parting thoughts  A storm in a teacup?  Unnecessary bureaucracy?  Defra guidance required for clarity and consistency?  Common sense should prevail.. what is the spirit of the Regulations?.. Authorities must show they’ve done what’s (probably) needed

What is TEEP and does it make any difference to local authorities? NERF, Hartlepool 27 February 2014