Aims
Aims - the mission statement of the RRF
The Resource Recovery Forum was established to research and promote the effective recovery of natural resources from waste, with due weight given to environmental, social and economic considerations.
Recognising the complexity of these issues, including the global nature of markets and demand for recovered resources, the potential for increased resource recovery is substantial, and will contribute significantly to sustainable development objectives.In working with the concept of a waste hierarchy, in which waste prevention is always of paramount importance, the Forum recognises that some waste is inevitable. Accordingly, RRF seeks to provide best practice guidance on the environmental, economic and social effects of all resource recovery options.
The Forum has no preferences in principle for either materials or energy recovery, but provides impartial information on the best practicable environmental options, environmental impacts, societal practicalities and technical innovations, to assist decision-makers in determining national, regional and local policies and strategies. This information will also provide communities with information upon which to base local debate.
The Resource Recovery Forum assesses the theory, and analyses experiences on the recovery of materials and energy, comparing and contrasting achievements and advising on judgements to be made, across the entire life cycle of products and materials.
RRF will use the diversity of its multi-sector membership (local authorities, manufacturers, retailers, waste management companies, research establishments, NGOs and academics) to develop broad, inclusive projects, funded principally through the landfill tax credit system in conjunction with the waste management industry, and also by direct grants and membership subscription. Wherever possible, joint funding with government departments, environment agencies and research bodies will be sought, to strengthen the depth and credibility of the Forum’s work.
The Resource Recovery Forum seeks to support European and UK governments’ waste strategies, but will also inform these bodies of innovation, technical and behavioural opportunities and barriers, with the aims of monitoring compliance with current legislation, and of informing new policies.