Poots speaks at high profile international conference and trade fair

Environment Minister Edwin Poots today outlined his aspirations for a zero waste society at a major conference in London today.

The Minister gave a keynote address on the first day of the 'Futuresource 2010 Conference', which brings together the sustainable waste management, recycling and resource efficiency sector and its major client base under one roof. With some 300 exhibitors, a full conference programme and an expected 9,000 attendees from across the UK and Europe, it provides the ideal platform for public, private and third sector professionals to come together to debate and help shape the future of waste, recycling and resource management.

Speaking before the conference, the Minister said: "The reality is that we cannot continue to dump our waste in large holes in the ground, without thought for the materials and energy that can be recovered, or for its impact on our environment.

"Aspiring to zero waste means changing behaviours, it means reducing what we use, reusing and recycling goods and materials, maximising the use of resources. It also means thinking creatively and innovatively to produce a sustainable, dynamic economy.

“We in Northern Ireland cannot be complacent, much further activity will be required to meet our statutory targets and increase our recycling and recovery rates to 50% and beyond by 2020.

The UK’s new Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the Right Honorable Caroline Spelman MP, and Jane Davidson, the Welsh Minister for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing, also spoke at the conference.

Notes to editors:

1. The Minister delivered a speech on 'Zero Waste: aspiration or reality?' The theme of the speech was that the concept of zero waste is much more than meeting landfill diversion targets. It is about waste prevention, maximising recycling, resource efficiency and sustainability. It is about changing people, businesses and the public sector’s perception to waste and how it is managed. In summary, it is about moving the management of waste up the waste hierarchy.

2. The EU Landfill Directive sets statutory targets for reducing the quantities of landfilled Biodegradable Municipal Waste to: 75% of 1995 levels by 2010; 50% of 1995 levels by 2013; 35% of 1995 levels by 2020

3. The Department of the Environment’s Rethink Waste campaign aims to raise awareness, encourage best practice and achieve behavioural change among households, the business, community and education sectors. The campaign seeks to effect a cultural shift towards better waste prevention and resource management and improved environmental quality in Northern Ireland. For more information visit the rethink waste website

4. Futuresource (pronounced Future Resource) is a joint venture between the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) and the Environmental Services Association (ESA). A major exhibition and conference for the sustainable waste, recycling and resource management sector and its client base, Futuresource is located at ExCeL London and is managed by IWM Business Services Ltd, a wholly owned commercial subsidiary of CIWM.

The Futuresource 2010 conference programme will explore all of the challenges and opportunities facing the sector today. Running concurrently, the Futuresource 2010 exhibition features six themed sector areas: Waste & Water Management, Professional Services, Air & Energy, Street Scene & Facilities Management, Recycling & Composting and Vehicles & Plant.

The event is expected to bring together over 350 exhibitors and 9,000 visitors and delegates, providing unrivalled access to the latest solutions and technologies, as well as learning and networking opportunities. Full details about Futuresource 2010 and a list of 2010 exhibitors can be found on the Futuresource website . The ABC audited attendance figure for Futuresource 2009 was 7437.

5. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 7,000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. Comprehensive information can be found on the CIWM website

6. The Environmental Services Association (ESA) is the UK's trade association for the waste and secondary resource management sector, an industry accounting for 0.8% of GDP. Its members are organisations providing essential services to the private and public sector, and they lead the way in modernising the UK's waste management sector. ESA aims to promote the development of an economically and environmentally sustainable waste and secondary resource management industry for the UK and EU. It works with government in the UK and the European Union to achieve its aims. More detail is available at www.esauk.org7. All media enquires should be directed to the Department of the Environment Press Office on 028 9054 0003. Out of office hours, please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.