Commenting on the Environment Agency’s 2015 statistics on the waste industry released yesterday, CIWM chief executive Steve Lee said;

“These are encouraging figures and CIWM particularly welcomes the significant progress made by the Environment Agency on tackling waste crime and illegal sites. This success underlines the importance of ensuring that we have an adequately resourced regulator and the positive impact of the additional funding that has been made available to the Environment Agency by government over the last 18 months to address this problem.

“As co-funders of the second phase of the national right Waste, right Place campaign, CIWM believes that a continued focus on waste crime is essential, combining effective enforcement, tough penalties and continued awareness raising to ensure that businesses understand and meet their waste Duty of Care obligations. All waste crime needs a supply of waste and we need to cut off that supply by helping businesses to ensure they use responsible and legitimate waste operators. Everyone has a role to play; and it should also be of particular concern to the industry that a significant percentage of the waste found at illegal sites is household as well as commercial waste.

“CIWM is also pleased to see the general improvement in site performance and the drop in serious pollution incidents. There are always more improvements to be made but this shows that a smarter approach by the regulator and good engagement from the industry does bring results.”

The Environment Agency’s ‘Regulating the waste industry’ 2015 evidence summary can be found here

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 6,000 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. More information can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

Press contact:
Pat Jennings
Head of Policy & Communications
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07912 228260
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk