CIWM Budget 2018 comment

CIWM has welcomed the Chancellor’s announcement today of £10 million to tackle abandoned waste sites, a new tax on the manufacture and import of plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled plastic content, and the commitment to delivering reform of Packaging Producer Responsibility.

“CIWM, alongside many other organisations across the sector, has repeatedly pressed for measures to stimulate secondary material markets, particularly to support and increase plastics recycling, where there is a degree of market failure. The new tax proposal is, therefore, welcome and we look forward to engaging fully with the consultation, said Pat Jennings, Head of Policy & Communications for CIWM.

“This announcement, coupled with the recently launched consultation on banning some single-use plastic items, is a good start but there is still more to be done. Recyclability needs to be built in at the design stage and this will require a stronger and expanded Extended Producer Responsibility framework. We look forward to further proposals in the forthcoming Resources & Waste Strategy to deliver the Government’s ambition of zero avoidable plastic waste by 2042.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. CIWM is the leading professional body for the resource and waste management sector representing around 5,500 individuals in the UK, Ireland 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