Zero waste
About
Read our introduction to zero waste article. See also the Deposit Return Scheme section.
Correspondence
We wrote to local MPs to make the social, environmental, and economical case for zero waste. The correspondence with Robert Buckland includes details on the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS).:
2022
We wrote to local MPs in December 2022 to provide Gaia's Zero Waste to Zero Emissions report. It shows the urgent need to develop a zero waste system(s) to deal with global warming and mass extinction.
23rd December 2022
Mr Buckland,
The Zero Waste to Zero Emissions report by GAIA demonstrates the importance of developing zero waste strategies in dealing with urgent ecological crisis. I urge you to read this important report and share it with your colleagues.
Ben Bell
Plastic Free Swindon co-ordinator
Awaiting response...
23rd December 2022
Mr Tomlinson,
The Zero Waste to Zero Emissions report by GAIA demonstrates the importance of developing zero waste strategies in dealing with urgent ecological crisis. We urge you to read this important report and share it with your colleagues.
Ben Bell
Plastic Free Swindon co-ordinator
Awaiting response...
2021
We wrote to local MPs in February 2021 to describe problems with how we currently deal with waste and make the case for transitioning to zero waste.
19th February 2021
Dear Justin Tomlinson / Robert Buckland,
I am writing to you to ask that you oppose waste incineration, instead supporting the actions required to transition to a zero waste system.
It is understood that waste incineration has no place in a healthy system of production. The need for incineration comes about through the use of toxic substances which cannot be dealt with, such as fossil fuel derived plastics. The idea that incineration makes the waste disappear is a fallacy, as is the notion that our air is not further polluted. Incineration furthers climate change, which is obviously not good considering the current situation. I refer you to the excellent resources on the UK Without Incineration Network (UKWIN) and Global Alliance Against Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) websites which clearly make these points:
UKWIN: https://ukwin.org.uk/
GAIA: https://www.no-burn.org
Additionally, I would like to convey the realities of using Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) and Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), Swindon Borough Council claim in their Carbon Reduction Strategy that, the Cheney Manor SRF plant is one of “a number of initiatives that continue to benefit the Council, its residents and the wider borough”. They also claim in their video on the SRF plant at Cheney Manor that SRF is better for the environment than burying waste.
The pollution of our environment benefits no-one except for the industries profiting from the continued use of toxic materials. The use of SRF is an indirect means to burn waste including plastics. This supposed standard was set up by industry for industry, including plastics. SRF is not an efficient fuel, is highly toxic, contributes to climate change, requires energy to produce and fuel for transportation. Swindon’s SRF is sold to Eastern Europe for use in cement kilns. What harm are we causing those communities and the environment through its use? Please read the following article which relays the experience of burning SRF in cement kilns in Spain:
https://zerowasteeurope.eu/2014/03/when-waste-ends-up-in-acement-kiln
Supporting waste incineration spreads the wrong messages and allows an unhealthy system to continue. A system of zero waste is ideal; good for people, animals, local economies and the environment. That is made clear in the following report. I urge you to support such a system, in which incineration would not be needed.
Zero waste and economic recovery: The job creation potential of zero waste solutions:
https://zerowasteworld.org/zerowastejobs
Your sincerely,
Ben Bell, Plastic Free Swindon co-ordinator.
16th March 2021
Many thanks for this and I apologise for the delay in getting back to you.
Your thoughts and comments on waste incineration and the actions required to transition to a zero waste system are noted and I will share them both with my Government colleagues and the relevant Cabinet Member on Swindon Borough Councillor for their consideration.
Your sincerely,
Robert Buckland MP.
17th March 2021
Thanks for responding on waste incineration and zero waste. To clarify, the points made provided the case for a system of zero waste over the current system of recycling, waste incineration (including waste-to-energy) and landfill. They did not provide, "the actions required to transition to a zero waste system", as you've conveyed. Did you read the email and links?
The Policing, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill is of particular concern. Little time has been given for scrutiny and, hence, understanding of the 307 page proposal. 245 organisations including Friends of the Earth, of which Plastic Free Swindon is part, have signed a letter to the government expressing concerns that, if enacted, the Bill would threaten the ability to peacefully protest. Is that the case?
Sincerely,
Ben Bell, Plastic Free Swindon co-ordinator.
--- Email sent on 10th March 2021 ---
Hi Robert,
A reminder that we await your response in follow up to our recent phone conversation:
- To our email highlighting the importance and many benefits of a system of zero waste.
- To provide information about the current status of the proposed DRS scheme.
Good to get clarification that groups such as ours and Extinction Rebellion will not be labelled extremists for questioning and protesting about the current economic system. I'm pleased to hear that you welcome discussion and debate on this important subject rather than labelling, marginalisation and criminalisation.
Also good to hear that campaigns such as ours will not be restricted from communicating our views. However there are concerns about possible abuse through the diminution of human rights realised through the Coronavirus Act, and the proposed Policing, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill. Court cases so far confirm those concerns, as evidenced by Liberty human rights organisation.
However, it is discouraging to receive no assurances regarding the impact of trade deals on plastic pollution and our ability to introduce effect measures to deal with it. The feelings and thoughts that you conveyed about what might be provide no assurance. These simple yes or no questions remain unanswered:
- Will trade deals further plastic pollution in any way?
- Will trade deals make it more difficult to introduce effective legislation to reduce plastic pollution?
Sincerely,
Ben Bell, Plastic Free Swindon co-ordinator.
---
Sincerely,
Ben Bell, Plastic Free Swindon co-ordinator.
Awaiting response...
19th February 2021
Dear Justin Tomlinson / Robert Buckland,
I am writing to you to ask that you oppose waste incineration, instead supporting the actions required to transition to a zero waste system.
It is understood that waste incineration has no place in a healthy system of production. The need for incineration comes about through the use of toxic substances which cannot be dealt with, such as fossil fuel derived plastics. The idea that incineration makes the waste disappear is a fallacy, as is the notion that our air is not further polluted. Incineration furthers climate change, which is obviously not good considering the current situation. I refer you to the excellent resources on the UK Without Incineration Network (UKWIN) and Global Alliance Against Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) websites which clearly make these points:
UKWIN: https://ukwin.org.uk/
GAIA: https://www.no-burn.org
Additionally, I would like to convey the realities of using Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) and Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF), Swindon Borough Council claim in their Carbon Reduction Strategy that, the Cheney Manor SRF plant is one of “a number of initiatives that continue to benefit the Council, its residents and the wider borough”. They also claim in their video on the SRF plant at Cheney Manor that SRF is better for the environment than burying waste.
The pollution of our environment benefits no-one except for the industries profiting from the continued use of toxic materials. The use of SRF is an indirect means to burn waste including plastics. This supposed standard was set up by industry for industry, including plastics. SRF is not an efficient fuel, is highly toxic, contributes to climate change, requires energy to produce and fuel for transportation. Swindon’s SRF is sold to Eastern Europe for use in cement kilns. What harm are we causing those communities and the environment through its use? Please read the following article which relays the experience of burning SRF in cement kilns in Spain:
https://zerowasteeurope.eu/2014/03/when-waste-ends-up-in-acement-kiln
Supporting waste incineration spreads the wrong messages and allows an unhealthy system to continue. A system of zero waste is ideal; good for people, animals, local economies and the environment. That is made clear in the following report. I urge you to support such a system, in which incineration would not be needed.
Zero waste and economic recovery: The job creation potential of zero waste solutions:
https://zerowasteworld.org/zerowastejobs
Your sincerely,
Ben Bell, Plastic Free Swindon co-ordinator.
25th February 2021
Thank you for your email and sharing your thoughts re: waste incineration etc.
Robert Buckland MP as your MP can raise it directly with the relevant Minister to get a full response.
Kind regards,
Justin Tomlinson MP.
27th February 2021
Hi Justin,
Thanks for the acknowledgement that you have read this. To clarify, these aren't just thoughts, I linked reports / facts to show that a system of zero waste is better for local ecomonies, health and the environment than a system of landfill, waste incineration and plastic recycling. Especially important information for someone in your position to understand.
Ben Bell, Plastic Free Swindon co-ordinator.
