ABSTRACT
The Environment Agency (EA) has overall control in relation to the regulation of waste.
The waste disposal authorities may operate their own facilities for waste disposal, as well as control waste disposal facilities. However, their main responsibilities are in relation to household waste disposal and they also regulate and enforce operating standards of all waste disposal facilities, including private sites. They can set up local authority waste disposal committees (LAWDCs) or they can tender for contractors. Waste collection authorities have responsibility for the collection of waste. In unitary authorities, the authority will undertake both functions. Waste planning authorities are responsible for identifying areas for waste treatment or deposal; they also have to develop a waste development plan and municipal waste management strategies. There are a number of policy initiatives, such as the National Waste Awareness Initiative and the Parliamentary Sustainable Waste Group.
