OECD Environmental Performance Reviews: United Kingdom 2022
Over the past decade, the United Kingdom has reduced several environmental pressures while growing its economy. Ahead of its presidency of the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, it has led the way by raising its national ambition. However, air pollution, deteriorating natural assets and missed biodiversity targets are all concerns. Further efforts are needed to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, prepare for climate change, reverse biodiversity loss and ensure a more resource-efficient circular economy. Strengthening co‑ordination between the United Kingdom and devolved governments, as well as enhancing coherence between sectoral and environmental policies will be key.
This is the third Environmental Performance Review of the United Kingdom. It evaluates progress towards green growth, with a special chapter focusing on waste, materials management and the circular economy.
Also available in: French
Promoting circular economy
The United Kingdom has improved its material productivity. It has progressed with recovery and recycling, and the use of economic instruments to divert waste from landfilling. However, contaminated sites and illegal waste dumping remain important concerns. The United Kingdom and devolved governments have set long-term ambitions to improve resource efficiency and move towards a circular economy. Government and private actions provide a strong basis for progress. However, further co‑ordination and efforts will be needed to achieve long-term waste management and circular economy goals. This chapter gives an overview of trends in material use and waste generation and of related policies. It reviews policy objectives and institutional settings and then considers the effectiveness of the policy instruments used to encourage waste prevention, reuse and recycling, as well as to manage the transition towards the circular economy.
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