Dan Cooke, the incoming president of the Chartered Institution of Waste Management (CIWM), described recycling and resource management as ‘what we do best here in the UK’ while celebrating the top recycling areas during his inauguration.
Accompanying the inauguration of the new president, a report, titled ‘This is What We Do’, was released which highlights achievements and innovations within the industry.
Identifying the vital role the industry plays, the 2023 President's report seeks to encourage the sector to cast itself in a different light by drawing attention to its achievements. Noting how local authorities have transformed the public's relationship with waste, the report draws on case studies and testimonies across the industry.
Launching the report, Cooke commented: “Each year the president of CIWM has the privilege of producing a report on an aspect of the crucial work delivered by the waste and resources sector.
“This year, which marks the 125th year of the CIWM, we’ve chosen to showcase the genuinely world-class services, facilities, contracts, and people we have within the sector in the UK – increasing resource efficiency and quietly delivering benefits to our communities and economy.
“Through the process of reviewing and collating the projects highlighted in the report, the innovation, commitment, and quality of thousands of professionals across the UK comes through loud and clear.
“Many people not involved in this sector may not appreciate the lengths to which we go to reduce waste, and to ensure that materials can be recycled and how value can be recovered from ‘rubbish’. This is a chance to shine some light on the outstanding services and resource management leadership we have here in the UK as we drive towards a more circular economy.”
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.