Press Statement
13th May 2010

CIWM highlights planning, investment and a clear strategic steer as key priorities for new UK Government

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) welcomes the new UK Government and the opportunity to continue working with all the relevant Government Departments to deliver a more sustainable future.  In particular, we welcome Caroline Spelman MP to the role of Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and we look forward to seeing more detailed plans on the new government’s environmental policies in due course.

The waste and resource management sector has an important role to play in creating a more sustainable society and tackling climate change. In formulating its policies in this important area, CIWM calls for the government to address a number of critical priorities:

• meaningful investment support for new and greener technologies;

• clear, strategic objectives that marry together energy, material resources, low carbon and climate change imperatives;

• an efficient and effective planning system capable of delivering critical infrastructure, both in the immediate and the longer term;

• clear, longer term strategies on key behaviour change drivers, including economic instruments and incentives;

• adequately funded enforcement and a greater commitment to combating environmental crime; and

• a commitment to exploring and exploiting the role of energy recovery from all residual waste streams, including but not exclusive to anaerobic digestion (AD), which is only appropriate for some organic wastes.

This sector has reached a critical point in its development, making a challenging transition from ‘waste’ to ‘resource’ management, and defining its role within the wider debate about energy, sustainable consumption and production, and climate change. We look forward to working with the Government to ensure that the right framework of controls and incentives are in place to help us deliver a low carbon and resource efficient future.

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