Waste industry's reputation threatened by apathy over Continuing Competence

05 January 2012

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is warning that a worrying number of waste treatment and metals recycling facilities in England and Wales are risking criminal enforcement action in the New Year by ignoring the fast approaching Continuing Competence deadline.

By 29th February 2012, all Technically Competent managers running a waste facility that is permitted by the Environment Agency (EA) who have previously relied on a pre-2009 COTC, were 'deemed competent' or were assessed by the Environment Agency (EA) must show that they have kept their industry knowledge up to date. To do this they must take and pass a Continuing Competence test, but an assessment of the current situation has indicated that there could be a significant shortfall in the number of people who have taken the test compared to the number of sites. The shortfall could be as much as 75% for some types of facilities.

If site operators fail to take action by the deadline, the EA will no longer accept them as technically competent. This could result in some sites being unable to operate legally under their permit or having to make special arrangements to show that they are being managed by people who are still technically competent.

The EA confirmed last month that it is stepping up its compliance activity in this area. Steve Eland, the EA's Environment & Business Senior Advisor from the Environment Agency, said:
"We are concerned at the low level of take up of the continuing competence test. As a result we are now stepping up our compliance activity to monitor uptake by operators. We will provide operators with advice and guidance on how to comply and will take enforcement action against those who are unwilling to comply with the requirements by 29th February 2012. Enforcement action can range from service of an enforcement notice to revocation of the permit. Any action we take in the event of non-compliance will depend on the circumstances in accordance with our Enforcement & Sanctions Position."

CIWM and other sector bodies are urging those who have yet to take the test to book a place now, while availability is still good. Steve Lee, CIWM's chief executive, explains:
"There is no excuse for anyone to miss the deadline; the half-hour test can be booked in advance through WAMITAB and there are test centres across the UK. This sector has worked hard to improve its professionalism and image and should not be let down by those who are willing to risk criminal proceedings rather than demonstrate that they have kept their knowledge up to date."

Speaking for the metals sector, Howard Bluck, head of environment at British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA), said:
"Since January 2011, we have repeatedly reminded BMRA members that require an operator competence assessment to make the necessary preparations in good time and not leave things 'to the last minute'. Also we have developed a refresher training course to help candidates ready themselves for the assessments. Despite this, we remain concerned that come the 29^th February 2012, there will be a significant number of operators across the metals recycling sector who have failed to meet their competence obligations. We believe the Agency must take robust action against them; only a strong enforcement policy will help maintain the credibility of the competence scheme and demonstrate that free-loaders will not be tolerated."

More information can be found at www.wamitab.org.uk/pg/continuing-competence-new and anyone who is unsure whether or how they are affected by this deadline should check with WAMITAB (janet.western@wamitab.org.uk) as soon as possible.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. Comparing data from WAMITAB (as at 20^th December 2011), which manages the Continuing Competence testing regime, and data from the Environment Agency (http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/research/library/data/132647.aspx#England_and_Wales ) on the number of permitted waste facilities in England and Wales indicates that:

• 518 Continuing Competence tests have been successfully completed to cover around 497 landfill sites;
• 1729 Continuing Competence tests have been successfully completed to cover around 5234 permitted transfer or treatment sites; and
• 675 Continuing Competence tests have been successfully completed to cover around 2546 permitted metal recycling sites

2. 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.

3. CIWM membership helps industry professionals to keep their knowledge up to date through training courses, technical advice, the CIWM magazine and technical output from its Special Interest Groups.

4. 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