A major industry consortium is calling on the resources and waste sector to transition its collection and transport fleets to zero-emission vehicles as part of a landmark consultation on a practical net zero transition plan.
The push for cleaner fleets is one of five key actions identified in a draft Sector Transition Plan developed by a consortium including WRAP, ADEPT, CIWM, ESA, FCC Environment, SUEZ and others. The plan, aligned with the work of the UK Net Zero Council, sets out a shared roadmap for the sector to reach net zero by 2050.
The resources and waste sector currently accounts for around 6% of UK greenhouse gas emissions. Alongside fleet decarbonisation, the plan identifies reducing biodegradable waste sent to landfill, increasing methane capture, diverting plastics from energy-from-waste facilities, and deploying carbon capture and storage as priority actions.
Delivering the transition is estimated to require between £29bn and £40bn of investment in infrastructure and operational changes, though WRAP estimates a circular economy could contribute more than £77bn in Gross Value Added to the UK economy.
The consultation, launched during London Climate Action Week, is open for responses until 23 July 2026. The consortium is urging businesses, investors and stakeholders across the sector to engage before the final plan is presented to government.
John Scanlon, Executive Vice President UK at SUEZ, said: ‘Our sector has shown before that it can achieve transformational change successfully shifting away landfill, and I am confident we will rise to the challenge of transitioning to achieve the UK’s Net Zero goal.
‘As the current heatwave shows, the case for action on climate change has never been stronger and now is the time for the sector to come together to shape our contribution to creating a resilient, thriving, resource efficient UK economy that protects our natural environment.’
Shaun Trigg, Senior Environment Manager at FCC, added: ‘This plan marks the next phase in delivering net zero for our sector. With clear Government policy, supported by investment and collaboration, we can continue turning ambition into practical delivery and we encourage the sector to engage.’
Photo: © Joseph Mama
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