THE CHANGING MINDSET IN THE MANAGEMENT OF WASTE

There are strong drivers at all levels towards a culture of more susta inable waste management. These drivers include those at an internation al level, such as the Rio Earth Summit, at a European level, such as t he Fifth Action Programme (1993-2000) and national drivers, such as th e strategy for sustainable waste management in England and Wales. The business response to these drivers has led to an emerging interest in moving away from a waste disposal mentality towards a materials manage ment mentality in which waste is reused, recycled, reduced and minimiz ed. This is considered to be a fundamental shift which will create a h uge challenge for the waste management industry, requiring a robust an d flexible strategically driven approach at the household, local autho rity and business levels.