It is widely recognised that an easily regulated End of Waste (EoW) system is vital to establishing a circular economy, protecting the environment and human health. This year’s President’s Report reviews the understanding and application of EoW criteria across the UK and sets out a series of improvements that could be made to ease the transition to a circular economy. The eight key recommendations detailed in the report are:
- Increase collaboration between national regulators
- Leverage existing environment and market controls to demonstrate EoW
- Improve intelligence through digital tracking
- Improve understanding of EoW
- Proactive support to clarify the EoW position for products produced by new technologies
- Improve confidence in self-certification
- Small changes to the EoW application service to improve customer satisfaction
- Alternative approaches to assessing risk to the environment and human health
Commenting in the launch of the Report, CIWM President, Dr Anna Willetts, said: “If we are to keep the UK at the forefront of the circular economy, we need a regulatory environment that offers both clarity and consistency in relation to achieving End of Waste status. Failing to deliver this will deter investment and hamper the brilliant innovation we see across the resources and waste management sector. I hope that, in addition to making several practical recommendations, my report will stimulate discussion and help accelerate our journey to a world beyond waste.”
CIWM Presidential Inauguration
Anna Willetts was inaugurated into the role of CIWM President at a ceremony in Manchester on 30th June 2022. Anna has been a member of CIWM for over 20 years, having first joined as a student. Anna brings a wealth of experience to the presidency from both her current role as a Partner practicing environmental law at gunnercooke LLP and her previous career as an environmental consultant. She takes over the role of President from Dr Adam Read who moves into the role of Immediate Past President. Anna’s appointment sees women in CIWM’s two most senior leadership positions at the same time – a first in the organisation’s history.
CIWM CEO, Sarah Poulter, welcomed Anna to the presidency saying: “I know I speak for the whole team when I say how much we are looking forward to working with Anna over the coming year. We have reached a critical point in the battle against climate change and resource scarcity and Anna’s Presidential Report highlights the vital importance of a cross-sector and joined-up approach. CIWM is committed to leading this challenge and supporting those dedicated to bringing about change on a meaningful scale.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Dr Adam Read for his exceptional enthusiasm and commitment during his time as President. I look forward to continuing to work with him as he assumes the role of Immediate Past President.”
