CIWM and partners Suez ensured the resources and waste sector's voice was heard at the Labour Party Annual Conference 2025 in Liverpool this week, driving debates on two of the sector's most pressing issues - waste crime and the financial impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for EfW.

Our Director of Policy, Dan Cooke, discussed the alarming findings of the ‘Boy Wasted’ podcast during the Waste Crime panel, reiterating CIWM’s call for greater resources for regulators and investment in UK resource resilience.

In the ETS session, the focus was on the looming financial challenge for local authorities. CIWM pushed for the imperative that the increased cost of EfW inclusion in the ETS must be reflected in packaging EPR fees. This is essential to enforce the polluter pays principle and provide the financial incentive required to fully implement the Resources & Waste Strategy 2018, net zero aims, and forthcoming Circular Economy Strategy ambitions.

The central message delivered by CIWM was the clear need for cross-governmental integration and commitment to the 'Let’s Not Waste the Next Four Years' policy recommendations. 

CIWM will continue to reiterate the importance of these critical issues to drive growth in the sector maximise benefits to skills, jobs, public health, and the economy.

Download the summary report and the full report for more information.

ENDS