2018 in preview: Donald Ward, Ward Recycling
Donald Ward, head of technical & recycling at waste management specialist Ward shares his predictions for 2018.
1. The waste industry will start to embrace technologies already used in the retail, healthcare and construction sectors. Internet of Things (IoT) and smart data will help us all manage our waste more effectively – from bins that tell you when they need emptying to drones on landfill sites and robots sorting and segregating waste and metals. Technology and data will continue to disrupt the industry and give us better insights to help improve recycling and minimise waste to landfill. Ward is looking at offering some of these new technology services customers in the new year to enhance their recycling services.
2. The Brexit vote has created uncertainty about the future direction of UK waste policy, as this has previously been driven by the EU. Existing environmental legislation is expected to remain in place, but the UK government’s medium to long term vision for the waste management sector post-Brexit is uncertain. Either way, landfill tax will continue to rise and businesses will be under greater pressure to demonstrate responsible recycling and waste minimisations strategies.
3. Reducing food waste will be a continuing focus. Hospitality, pub and restaurant businesses will be under growing pressure to separate food from general waste to reduce leftovers going to landfill and instead being used for producing biogas or other types of energy.
