The way the Island deals with its waste will be more clearly defined, if a strategy document presented by the Department of Infrastructure is approved by Tynwald Members at this month’s sitting.
The Isle of Man Waste Strategy has been established following a review of the 2012-2020 Waste Policy and Strategy.
The format of the 2018 Strategy is based around core policies, to ensure the island is self-sufficient in waste management, and an annual statement of need. They will be backed up with a series of technical reports prepared in consultation with key stakeholders to advise decision-making. The documents would be published online and replaced when updated.
Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer MHK said:
‘The Island’s residents, commercial and industrial sectors need to know that when waste is produced there are facilities and schemes in place to manage it sustainably, both now and in the future.
‘The review undertaken last year highlighted the importance of gathering reliable data – a vital component of any strategy – and the need to take into account projects that had started since 2012, particularly work with Local Authorities through the Waste Working Groups and a project on closed landfill sites. The review also informed the strategy’s need to consider the island’s approach against common international standards.’
He added:
‘With a focus on reducing and reusing waste, the core policies reflect our status as a Biosphere Island and support the Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture’s drive against the use of single use plastics. The Strategy also emphasises the need for the Island to maintain its strategic waste disposal infrastructure to manage wastes which are not reused or recycled.’
