For immediate release

13 September 2007

The Composting Association, the UK leading's membership organisation for the composting and biodegradable resource management industries, has welcomed the publication of the report from the Conservative Party's Quality of Life Group, Blueprint for a Green Economy

Jane Gilbert, Chief Executive of the Composting Association said "The Composting Association was closely involved with the Quality of Life group and we provided them with an insight into the current situation affecting composting and the management of biodegradable resources.  We welcome the final document and are particularly pleased to see the proposed ban on the landfilling of untreated biodegradable waste material and the importance that the report places on the issue of planning.  Without an overhaul of the planning system, there is going to be a major capacity shortfall for composting in the UK, especially for the in-vessel plants needed to treat catering waste.  Unless a number of new facilities are built soon, this country will not be able to meet the binding targets set for it by the EU Landfill Directive.  We hope that current and future Governments will take a good look at the work being done in this area, will support composters who want to build new sites and will help existing composters who want to expand their operations." 

ENDS

Notes for Editors

1. The Composting Association is the UK’s leading membership organisation for the composting and biological waste treatment industries.  It is committed to the sustainable management of biodegradable resources.  It promotes the benefits of composting and other biological treatment techniques and the use of biologically treated materials for the enhancement of the environment, business and society. 
2. For more information, please contact: Peter White, Communications Manager, tel: 0870 160 3270, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.compost.org.uk