Press Release
For immediate release
CIWM Announces Early Bird Registration and Call for Abstracts for ISWA World Congress 2026 In London
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is pleased to announce that early bird registration is now open for the ISWA World Congress 2026, hosted by CIWM in London from Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 November 2026. The Congress uniquely brings together practitioners, policymakers, researchers and academics from around the world to network, collaborate, learn and inspire.
Returning to the UK for the first time in 30 years, the Congress is expected to attract over 1,200 delegates from over 50 countries and will underscore London’s position as a global leader in innovation, sustainability and the development of the circular economy.
As waste and resource resilience challenges intensify, innovations matter more than ever. CIWM is also now inviting forward-thinking individuals and organisations to submit abstracts for consideration to present innovative research, case studies and practical solutions to an international audience of waste management professionals, policymakers and sustainability leaders. Submissions will help stimulate global conversation and contribute to lasting solutions for the planet’s waste challenges.
Abstracts are sought across five key themes aligned with ISWA’s Principles & Guidance for Lasting Change:
• Human Rights: Ensuring every individual is free from harmful effects of waste
• Political Commitment: Sustaining continuous improvement in waste management service provision and recognising its societal importance
• Waste Planning: Designing and delivering viable solutions for national and local contexts (social, political, economic, legal and technical factors)
• The Economics of Waste and Resource Management: Securing essential investment to realise wider socio economic benefits
• Circular Economy: Prioritising the transition to more circular economies by 2050
Key information
• Early bird registration opened: Monday 2 February 2026
• Congress dates: Monday 9 – Wednesday 11 November 2026, London, UK
• Expected delegates: approx. 1,200 from over 50 countries
• Abstract submission deadline: 17 April 2026
• Submission and abstract information: https://www.iswa2026.org/abstract/
• General, sponsorship or media enquiries: iswa26@ciwm.co.uk
Commenting on the announcement, CIWM CEO Sarah Poulter said: “Around the world, we produce approximately 2.1 billion tonnes of waste a year and it is estimated that this number could rise to around 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. We need to recognise the value of these finite resources and work together to develop more circular practices that protect and enhance global health, environments and economies. We are excited to welcome delegates from around the world to London — a dynamic and vibrant city full of culture and history. Join the World Congress and be part of a global movement to a world beyond waste.”
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information on the ISWA World Congress 2026, hosted by CIWM, please visit www.iswa2026.org.
Press contact:
Kacie Foskett
T: +44 (0) 1604 620426
E: kacie.foskett@ciwm.co.uk