CIWM, in partnership with SUEZ, ESA, and SERA (Labour's Environment Campaign), brought essential resources and waste management priorities to the political stage at the Labour Party Conference in Liverpool this week. 

Speaking at The Environment Hub at the Liverpool Quaker Meeting House, CIWM’s Director of Policy, Dan Cooke, joined sector colleagues and parliamentarians across two focused panel sessions.

The first session, 'The Heat is On: Battery Waste Fires', co-hosted with SUEZ and ESA, explored practical policy mechanisms to control the surge in lithium battery fires caused by improperly discarded vapes and small electronics, calling for robust extended producer responsibility and better infrastructure protection. In the second session, 'Waste Crime: Protecting Communities and Public Funds', Dan Cooke joined Peter Lamb MP, ESA, and legal specialists to address the severe economic and environmental harm caused by illegal dumping and organised waste crime. 

Throughout the conference, CIWM signposted delegates to our newly published strategic policy briefing, A New Strategic Direction for the Resources and Waste Sector in England. The briefing sets out a clear case to engage with the new UK Government over the need for a refreshed and clear strategic direction for the resources and waste sector in England, so we can ensure necessary investments are put in place to achieve the progress needed in the 2030s for the purpose of achieving waste reduction, net zero, and resource productivity targets. 

Central to CIWM's message is that our sector is the bedrock of the circular economy and makes a vital contribution to net zero ambitions. High-quality, effective waste management services enable people and places to thrive, while critical skills and professional standards are key to delivering quality sector services, innovation, and a transition to a circular economy.

Furthermore, tackling waste crime remains a sector and societal priority, as waste crime at all levels causes misery to communities, undercuts legitimate businesses, and damages local economies. 

CIWM will continue to work alongside the wider resources and waste sector, industry regulators and government to ensure these policy priorities are embedded in future resources, waste and circular economy strategy. 

Download the full strategic policy briefing to learn more.