Waste must remain a priority for new Welsh environment body

06 December 2011

The recent announcement that Wales is to merge three key environmental bodies has drawn little comment so far, but the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) wants reassurance that waste regulation and strategy support will not become a lesser priority for the new body, given the wide remit it will have.

"It is understandable that Welsh Government is seeking to streamline, reduce costs and improve efficiency, as well as provide Wales with its own independent environment body. However, the Environment Agency Wales fulfils a critical function in regulating the management of waste and this must continue to be a priority for the new body," CIWM chief executive Steve Lee. "It must also be appropriately resourced to deliver the critical thinking that is needed on resource efficiency and security.

"The waste sector will want to be reassured that sufficient resources will be dedicated to this important part of EAW's current role and there will be no disruption to the permitting and monitoring regimes during the transition period. Cross-border co-ordination with other environmental regulators must also continue, as it is essential that a coherent regulatory regime for companies that operate throughout the UK is maintained wherever possible.

"Ensuring that waste is safely and sustainably managed and recovered is an important part of improving the UK's resource efficiency and creating a low carbon future, and the vision and momentum in Wales has been particularly pleasing to see. Now is not the time for Wales to take its foot off the accelerator."

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. 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