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England and Wales

Responsibility for waste management in England and Wales is split between the Environment Agency, as waste regulator, and local authorities in their roles as Waste Collection Authority and the Waste Disposal Authority. Unitary authorities control both aspects of collection and disposal. Two-tier authorities responsibilities are divided between District Councils (collection) and County Councils (disposal). Central Government has overall responsibility for setting waste management policy.


The Environment Agency

As waste regulator, the Environment Agency has responsibility for enforcing waste management legislation. This includes the licensing of sites and waste carriers and ensuring compliance with the Duty of Care and Special Waste Regulations, Radioactive Substances Act etc. The Environment Agency also acts in an advisory capacity, assisting Central Government with policy formation and offering assistance to business and industry on waste management practices, waste minimisation and recycling.


Waste Collection Authorities

Local authorities as Waste Collection Authorities (WCAs) are responsible for arranging the collection of household and commercial waste in their area. Household waste from domestic properties is collected free of charge with the exception of certain items. Household waste from other sources, including universities and colleges, can be charged for (see the Controlled Waste Regulations 1992). The waste collected by WCAs must be taken to sites designated by the Waste Disposal Authority. In addition, WCAs are responsible for investigating the potential for recycling in their area and preparing a recycling plan.


Waste Disposal Authorities

Local authorities are also responsible as Waste Disposal Authorities (WDAs) for ensuring the provision of disposal facilities in their area for controlled waste. Since 1990, these facilities must be run either by the private sector or by a Local Authority Waste Disposal Company (LAWDC) rather than by the local authority itself. WDAs must ensure provision for the disposal of all waste collected in their area by WCAs, provide facilities for householders to deposit their own waste and arrange for the disposal of this waste.

WDAs and WCAs in England are encouraged by Government to develop jointly Municipal Waste Management (MWM) Strategies for their areas. These documents should set out the strategic framework for municipal waste management in each WDA area, including provisions for recycling. Once MWM strategies become mandatory, they will also fulfil the requirement for WCAs to produce statutory recycling plans.

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