The juxtaposition of new waste facilities with other urban land uses presents a number of design challenges linked to public attitudes toward waste management and urban design issues. It is not the purpose of this guide to deal with the many and varied environmental and perception issues of waste management but good design can play a major role in allaying misconceptions and fears regarding the perceived impacts of waste activities.
There is sufficient technical knowledge within the waste industry to manage effectively the amenity and environmental impacts associated with waste facilities. Indeed the roots of efficient waste management lie in facilities being sited close to the main sources of waste, which are our urban centres. Conflict between waste activities and apparently incompatible sensitive uses such as housing, schools and hospitals is not inevitable. Consideration of key issues such as climate change and the associated use of carbon footprints encourage this by minimising transport distances and the efficient use of energy, potentially in the form of combined heat and power (CHP).