Summary GCSE GEOGRAPHY Resources for Paper 3

Pre-release resources booklet This booklet contains three resources as follows:  Figure 1 – Managing waste in the UK: pages 2–3  Figure 2 – Proposed energy from waste incinerator for Cambridge: pages 4–5  Figure 3 – A waste incinerator for Cambridge – a burning issue!: pages 6–7 Information  HIC is a higher income country.  LIC is a lower income country.  NEE is a newly emerging economy. G/KL/8035/3/PM/Jun22/E7 8035/3/PM Figure 1 Managing waste in the UK The growing waste challenge in the UK In 2018 the UK produced approximately 225 million 90 0% 10 Key tonnes of waste. The construction and demolition Construction/ industry produced the most – about 140 million tonnes. 80 20 demolition Households generated approximately 27 million tonnes 70 30 Commercial of waste, mainly made up of cardboard and packaging, Household paper, glass bottles, plastic and food waste. 60 40 Other 50 Food waste in the UK It is estimated that each person in the UK throws Cost of 3 away between 15% and 20% of all the food they food 2 buy, costing an average family £800 a year. waste, UK 1 • Each person throws away 69 kg/year (£ billions) 0 • 1 in 6 meals in hospitality/catering is wasted 2016 Year Waste disposal in the UK Within the UK there are a number of methods used to manage waste, including: Landfill – Each year approximately 45% of all UK waste is disposed of by burying it in landfill sites. This includes household, commercial and industrial waste. There are over 500 landfill sites in the UK, many of which will be full within the next few years. Incineration – The burning of waste which can be used to heat water and generate electricity. A number of older incinerators are now being shut down because of pollution issues. Recycling – Converting waste into re-usable materials. In England, between 2000 and 2010 the recycling rate increased by approximately 30%. More recently this increase has slowed and the overall recycling rate is less than the 2020 EU target of 50%. Anaerobic digestion – The breakdown of organic Recycling household waste matter by biological agents. The process creates fertiliser and methane. The methane can be used to Rates in England by Overall UK rates generate electricity. local authority 2017/18 Wales 62.7% 51% or more N. Ireland 48.1% Composting – Organic waste, such as garden or food 41% – 50% Scotland 45.6% waste, can be composted and treated to produce soil 31% – 40% England 45.2% 30% or less conditioner. Slowing recycling rates blamed on a lack of 49% Highest rate understanding of UK councils provide East Yorkshire Waste company Biffa has asked for more clarity recycling bins in parks 64% about recycling, saying that inconsistency and and other public spaces confusion in labelling, sorting and collecting are preventing waste being recycled. The government’s 1.3bn Resources and Waste Strategy aims to recycle at ultra thin fruit and least 65% of all waste by 2035, but currently the rate veg produce bags is just over 45%, largely because of a lack of given out by UK investment in recycling plants. The Chief Executive supermarkets every year of Biffa said, “We need a system that is easy to use LONDON and cost effective, with increasing use of recyclable Lowest rate 14% packaging and clearer labelling for consumers.” London Borough of Newham