Involving the community in devising a waste strategy

In almost every part of the UK, local authorities are facing the difficult task of finding solutions to the problem of waste disposal, particularly now in the context of the European Landfill Directive and Waste Strategy 2000. Waste volumes are growing every year, placing increasing pressure on the limited landfill space. This situation is echoed in West Sussex, and with this in mind the county council recognised the importance of producing an integrated wastes management strategy. It was seen as imperative that the residents of the county were given the opportunity to shape the strategy through community involvement during the development process. In particular, there was a need to ensure that as far as practicable any suggested local solutions would be consistent with local choice. The final wastes management strategy for West Sussex was the result of a structured and consistent approach over a two-year period involving many stakeholders from across the community. This approach has produced a robust document with wide community support that will focus efforts for the next 20 years, safeguarding the environment and benefiting quality of life.