17 There is now pressure on the fulfilment of the EU landfill targets. The Department's slow start to programme management and the long timescales needed for bringing these complex projects into operation has created pressure on the EU landfill diversion targets. Based on current data:
a it is likely that the 2010 target for landfill reduction will be met.
b the 2013 target is challenging. It will not be met if there continue to be programme delays or the infrastructure built does not work as efficiently as expected. If the 2013 target is missed the EU is expected to levy fines on the UK, although the EU has yet to announce the rate of such fines. Central government has said that it will levy a fine of £150 per tonne if local authorities fail to meet their 2013 landfill targets.
c It is harder to assess whether the 2020 target will be met. The likelihood of meeting the target will depend on two factors: success of the PFI investment programme; and efforts by local authorities and consumers to produce less waste and recycle more.
d Achievement of the landfill targets is also dependent on bringing into operation the increasing proportion of projects which local authorities are carrying out under non-PFI procurements. As central government funding support is not given to these projects there is at present no requirement for local authorities to submit information about these to the Department. Without this information the Department's ability to monitor progress is limited.