Press Release
For immediate release
CIWM Responds to New UK Residual Waste Reduction Target
CIWM has issued a response welcoming the UK Government's revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), which sets a challenging new long-term target to cut residual waste by 50% by 2042, alongside interim goals for 2030.
Dan Cooke, Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs, said: “CIWM welcomes the UK Government's ongoing commitment to a greener future as set out in the 2025 Environmental Improvement Plan. The statutory target under the Environment Act to cut residual waste to no more than 287kg per capita by 2042 is a challenge the resources and waste sector can deliver on, given properly implemented and targeted policy and regulatory support.
This 50% reduction of residual waste from 2019 levels target, coupled with the supporting interim goals, sends a clear signal to the sector. The Resources and Waste Strategy reforms, including simpler recycling, pEPR, and a DRS, are rightly identified as critical mechanisms for achieving these necessary reductions.
The 2025 EIP rightly acknowledges that criminal activity and waste crime are threats to a circular economy. The commitments to carrier, brokers, dealers reform, the introduction of a digital waste tracking service, and permitting and exemptions reforms are welcome but CIWM urges Government to be more ambitious in its targets to reduce illegal waste sites and fly-tipping incidents, and to work with CIWM, regulators and others on a defined plan to achieve this.
These are ambitious targets. A fundamental shift in how resources are valued and managed is required. The entire value chain, including manufacturers, local authorities, our sector and households, must be empowered and incentivised to prioritise waste prevention and maximise circularity. CIWM will work with Government, our members, and the wider sector to support the delivery of this plan, accelerating the transition towards a circular economy and safeguarding quality environments for the future."
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About CIWM:
CIWM (the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management) is the leading professional body for the resource and waste management sector representing over 7,000 individuals in the UK, Ireland and overseas. Established in 1898 - and now in its 125th year - 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:
Kacie Foskett
T: +44 (0) 1604 620426
E: kacie.foskett@ciwm.co.uk