An online tool to help businesses decide if their waste can be reused has been launched by the Environment Agency and a number of waste and resource sector organisations.
The IsItWaste tool aims to remove high quality waste-derived products from waste legislation so that new products can be created from existing materials.
Developed in close cooperation with the Netherlands' Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment, Rijkswaterstaat, IsItWaste takes users through key decision stages, including material composition, risk assessment, product use and end markets.
It can also be used to submit an application to the agency's panel for determining what is waste for a formal decision.
The web tool has been developed as part of the EU LIFE+ funded programme on ensuring the quality of waste-derived products (EQual). It aims to support and promote the reuse and recycling of waste materials, while protecting human health and the environment.
The Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (CIWM) was also involved in the project. Its chief executive Steve Lee said: "Deriving value from waste materials by turning them back into safe, high quality products is an essential element in the move towards a more circular economy."
Other partners in the project include the Environmental Services Association, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the Organics Recycling Group and Energy UK.
