More than 2000 candidates have now passed CIWM’s Waste Awareness Certificate (WAC), reflecting a growing awareness amongst waste producers of the importance of getting to grips with this issue.

This foundation course was launched in November 2003 with the aim of helping waste producers to minimise their waste. The programme quickly grew, with courses now taking place at 70 registered centres nationwide. Many large organisations from all sectors of British industry have benefited from WAC, including Next, Lloyds TSB, Laing O’Rourke, the Environment Agency and a number of local councils.

Abigail Torr, marketing and development manager, commented: ‘A number of factors have influenced producers in wanting to be more pro-active on waste issues including ‘duty of care’ and a variety of new legislative responsibilities, as well as a desire to develop a more productive relationship with waste contractors.

‘The forthcoming review to ‘duty of care’ legislation and the more severe legal penalties made available to the courts earlier this year are also helping to bring producer responsibility centre stage.’

While WAC does provide an introduction to legal responsibilities, it also gives insights into the way that good waste management can help organisations be more competitive. Abigail Torr added: ‘ I’m delighted that organisations are starting to understand that how they tackle waste is integral to the effective running of their business and that they can actually save money by looking at the type and amount of waste they produce and managing it efficiently.’

For more information on the Waste Awareness Certificate, upcoming courses or becoming a trainer, visit the new website at www.wasteawareness.org or call +44 (0) 1604 620426.