John Scanlon, Chief Executive Officer of SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, has been appointed Chair of the Environmental Services Association (ESA), succeeding Michael Topham, CEO of Biffa, who steps down after completing a two-year term.

Under Topham's leadership, the ESA updated its strategic priorities in 2024, focusing on sustainable resource use, zero-carbon operations, higher standards and effective regulation. The association published its Circular Economy Vision 2040 earlier this year, setting out ambitions for resource productivity to complement its net-zero strategy for 2040.

Jacob Hayler, Executive Director of the ESA, said: "I would like to thank Michael for his leadership and input throughout an important two years for the sector, which has seen the ESA and its members navigate the policy landscape associated with the inclusion of waste in the Emissions Trading Scheme, and the implementation phase of the long-awaited Collection and Packaging Reforms."

Hayler added: "The ESA team and I welcome John to his new additional role as ESA Chair and look forward to working with John and the rest of our board as we continue to deliver against our sectoral net-zero and circular economy targets."

Battery fires and waste crime priorities

Scanlon identified several priorities for his chairmanship, including addressing fly-tipping and battery-related fires. Councils across England dealt with 1.15 million fly-tipping incidents in 2023/24, whilst battery-related fires in UK waste facilities reached more than 1,200 incidents in 2023/24, costing over £1 billion annually.

"I'm proud to follow in Michael's footsteps as ESA Chair as the sector enters a period of adaptation and delivery that will see the Government's trio of recycling reforms coming into effect," Scanlon said. "Whilst this creates opportunities for our sector and for progress towards a thriving UK circular economy, to make the most of these opportunities we must also overcome challenges."

Scanlon highlighted concerns about fly-tipping impacts on communities and the ongoing threat of fires caused by batteries discarded in waste rather than recycled. He also emphasised the need for incentives to develop domestic recycling infrastructure to prevent the export of valuable resources.

Commenting on his tenure, Topham said: "It's been an honour to serve as ESA Chair during a pivotal time for our industry. The past two years have brought intense political and economic uncertainty, yet our Association has worked hard with government and stakeholders to shape vital policy and drive progress."

He added: "Our Circular Economy Vision 2040 and renewed strategic priorities show the sector's ambition for a zero-carbon, resource-efficient future. But without further certainty on policy, investment will stall – and a more sustainable future for waste management in the UK will remain out of reach."

Scanlon notes that 2026 is expected to be a key year, with the creation of a sector roadmap, the publication of the Government's circular economy growth plan and preparations for the introduction of the Emissions Trading Scheme in 2028. He stated he plans to establish targets for each of the ESA's four strategic pillars to demonstrate progress towards maximising resources and decarbonising operations whilst raising health and safety standards.

The ESA represents nearly 70 of the UK's largest waste management companies, which collectively employ 50,000 people and provide services to more than 17 million people daily.