The updated guidance on the recycling credits scheme, issued in April 2006, reinforced that the Government expect all waste authorities to be predisposed to the payment of credits to third parties for recycling and reuse activity. The guidance was updated following a review of the existing arrangements and consultation on future options.
No formal assessment has been made by my Department of the willingness of local authorities to pay recycling credits to third parties, or the proportion of such applications which are refused by local authorities. The revised guidance for the scheme made clear that all waste authorities should properly assess applications they receive, considering the social, environmental and economic benefits of the recycling/reuse activity. In addition, the guidance set out the circumstances whereby an application for credits may reasonably be refused. Under best practice guidelines, the local authority should also provide an explanation if an application for credits is refused.