Local authorities were advised, in the Government waste policy statement Changing our Ways, 1998 that achievement of national waste objectives requires, inter alia, a major reduction in reliance on landfill, and the adoption of an integrated waste management approach which utilises a range of treatment options to deliver ambitious recycling and recovery targets. Authorities were asked to identify and fully assess the various issues involved, with a view to identifying the nature, scale and mix waste of waste treatment facilities which, at a regional level, would maximise recovery of materials or energy and minimise environmental emissions, at reasonable cost. Against this background, regional waste management plans subsequently adopted by 29 local authorities provide, inter alia, for six thermal treatment facilities to recover energy from waste that cannot otherwise be re-used or recycled. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency's national hazardous waste management plan identifies a need for a thermal treatment facility for hazardous waste.