The Defra Waste Implementation Programme’s Local Authority Support Unit (LASU) provides direct support and information to local authorities on waste disposal and recycling. The unit assists with the removal of barriers to improved waste performance and provides information on other agencies and programmes that offer relevant support. This good practice and guidance on waste management issues is shared to local authorities through the LASU website (http://lasupport.defra.gov.uk/). In addition, a Waste CD ROM containing good practice, toolkits, guidance, and further information was produced by LASU and made available to all local authorities this year.
The Waste and Resources Action Programme’s (WRAP) Recycling and Organics Technical Advisory Team (ROTATE) was launched in June 2004 as an addition to WRAP’s existing programmes for local authorities. It is a free advisory service that provides hands-on advice and best practice to local authorities in England and Northern Ireland on their collection programmes for dry recyclables and organic waste. The service also offers best practice advice on local communications and awareness programmes.
WRAP provides toolkits and best practice guides for local authorities. These collate results of local authority-related studies, which enables the sharing of best practice. WRAP will also be running food waste collection pilots to research the most effective way to divert food waste from landfill. The research results will be shared with all local authorities.