CIWM Scotland welcomes the new waste regulations

18 May 2012

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) welcomes and congratulates the Scottish Government on the passing of the new and progressive regulations for waste and resource management. It marks a first decisive step towards the Government's aspirations of taking Scotland closer towards a zero waste economy and the Scottish CIWM Centre (SCC) has been involved throughout the process and is supportive of their ambitious scope.

"Landfill bans, compulsory separation, caps on some forms of treatment; these may seem tough steps to take but they certainly send strong signals to the marketplace and provide a robust framework to deliver the Scottish Government's aims," says SCC chair Duncan Simpson. "The ratification of the regulations is a proud moment for Scotland and our sector and now we have to deliver.

"The business community will need support to enable it to respond to this vision and CIWM members will play a key role. Regulators must be clear on what can and can't be classed as separation, and the waste industry will need to be innovative in bringing forward new and reliable services. Some new ventures will require help to take their ideas to market and to compete with existing routes for disposal and treatment and we are pleased to see that the Government recognises this and is providing some funding; Zero Waste Scotland will invest £8 million in councils and commercial waste management firms this year, as well as £5 million to support new food waste collections and a further £750,000 to increase the accessibility of collection services for SMEs.

"CIWM is very keen to see any effort which helps improve the quality of materials collected, stimulates jobs, and recognises the achievements made in Scotland to date by the householders, businesses, the waste and recycling sector and others. We also want to see real progress towards establishing truly closed loop solutions for recovered materials and the development of strong and stable end markets that are key to the success of these regulations."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 7000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues.

2. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

Press contacts:
Pat Jennings
CIWM Communications Office
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07912 228260
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk