’s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands -- Rising consumption and demand for raw materials driven by the growth of the global population will put major pressure in the coming decades on the supply of raw materials and deplete natural resources. The scarcity of raw materials makes sustainable raw materials management more important than ever. The members of the Dutch Waste Management Association are assuming their responsibility by taking action now. On 23 May the DWMA published its 2011 annual report, which dwells extensively on this topic.

The latest DWMA statement runs: It is vital for raw materials to remain in the recycling loop. The Dutch waste sector has been working towards this objective for many years. With the sustainable management of raw materials by prevention, recycling and energy production, the sector is making a major contribution to combating the scarcity of raw materials. This sector is an industry like any other, a fact underlined by the processing of foreign waste, which has been on the increase since last year. This international cooperation is contributing to a cleaner environment around the globe. The high quality treatment of substances that would otherwise have been landfilled gives a boost to the international recycling society.

The policies proposed by the state secretary for the environment, Joop Atsma, in his white paper ‘More Value from Waste’ will help to further strengthen the recycling society. The Dutch Waste Management Association wholeheartedly supports this policy. The entire sector and the government must work together to turn these ambitions into concrete action. A major contribution have to come from an increase in the separate collection of household waste, especially vegetable, garden and fruit waste (VGF), paper and board, plastics and bulky household waste. More vigorous efforts in pursuit of this policy can deliver considerable benefits. The Dutch Waste Management Association trusts that the new government will continue the policy instigated by Joop Atsma.

A healthy and safe working environment is an indispensable element of sustainable raw materials management. Last year the Dutch Waste Management Association again took a major step forward in cooperation with many parties: employers, employees and industry associations. The Association is working on a Health and Safety Catalogue approved by the Labour Inspectorate and a project for strengthening the safety culture in the sector.

More information can be found at the recently published 2011 annual report under wastematters.eu.

Quelle: Dutch Waste Management Association

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