Oct 3 2006
An online toolkit aimed at providing local authorities with practical guidance for the application of waste prevention measures at a local level has been launched by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) and the National Resource and Waste Forum (NRWF).
The toolkit, which can be found at www.wrap.org.uk/WPToolkit, aims to help local authorities to implement realistic and successful waste prevention programmes, by: describing the environmental, economic and social benefits resulting from well-managed waste prevention initiatives; outlining how initiatives can be set up and their impact measured; focusing on specific, proven approaches to waste prevention; explaining how to ensure local households respond positively; and incorporating tips, checklists and examples of good practice.
Written by the NRWF and hosted by WRAP, the toolkit is the result of strong joint working. WRAP acted as project managers for the website and also contributed to some of the content based on experience gained from their programmes aimed at waste prevention.
Dan Cooke, Chairman of the NRWF, says: “Waste prevention is a fast moving and challenging field. This toolkit can provide a significant part of the framework that is necessary if a strategic impact is to be made in preventing and reducing household waste in the UK. The toolkit offers an important step forward, although due to the complex task before us it could not be the definitive word on household waste prevention. The NRWF, through its cross-sectoral approach, will continue to develop this toolkit, ensuring it remains a useful resource for local authorities and other practitioners.”
Phillip Ward, Director for Waste Implementation Programmes at WRAP, says: "WRAP is running waste prevention programmes in home composting, real nappies and the retail sector. We also provide training courses and advice to local authorities. So, it was natural for us to want to work with the NWRF to get this toolkit into a more accessible form on the web. We are pleased with what has been achieved and we will be looking to see how we can develop other practical support for local authorities who want to run waste prevention programmes."