How WRAP brings collaboration to Simpler Recycling reforms
Programme Lead Policy and Insights at WRAP, Chris Mills, explains how the global environmental action non-governmental organisation brings collaborative action to Simpler Recycling reforms. For over 20 years, global environmental action NGO WRAP has played a significant role in bringing together policy makers, NGOs, local governments and businesses to increase recycling rates in the UK. WRAP has done this through evidence-based research, developing key resources and delivering citizen communication campaigns through their Recycle Now and Love Food Hate Waste brands. While major developments in the UK’s resource management have taken place in recent years, the new Simpler Recycling reforms are needed to support the Government’s Circular Economy target to…
CIWM Member Information Note: An overview of requirements for workplaces under the Simpler Recycling regulations
This information note summarises information contained in Defra guidance, WRAP guidance, the relevant UK Statutory Instrument, and Defra’s weekly Circular Economy Newsletters. The information is up to date as of 28 March 2025, however, Defra have acknowledged that additional guidance on certain topics may be useful and they are working with their networks of local authority and waste collector stakeholders to discuss areas for potential additional non-statutory guidance. Any changes to guidance will be communicated to CIWM members in the Weekly Member Insight newsletter. Summary From 31st March 2025, all workplaces in England (businesses and relevant non-domestic premises), except those classified as microbusinesses with less than 10 FTE employees,…
Simpler Recycling comes into force
New Simpler Recycling rules on how workplaces in England sort their recycling and waste have now come into force. From today (Monday 31 March), workplaces with 10 or more employees will need to arrange for the collection of: Dry recyclable materials – including plastic, metal, glass, and paper and card – unless their waste collector collects them together. Food waste Residual (non-recyclable) waste Workplaces can decide on the size of their containers and the frequency of collections based on the volume of waste they produce. The measures are part of the UK Government’s Simpler Recycling policy, formerly Consistency in Recycling, which it calls “integral” to its commitment to move…
Industry reacts to Environment Secretary’s circular economy speech
Industry has reacted to the Environment Secretary’s speech on how the UK Government will support the nation’s transition to a circular economy. Speaking at the Dock Shed in London, the Environment Secretary Steve Reed set out how the UK Government will provide direction for businesses to plan and “spearhead” the nation’s transition to a circular economy. The government has now confirmed the first five priority sectors that the Taskforce will focus on – textiles, transport, construction, agri-food, and chemicals and plastics. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said the sectors were chosen after the Taskforce found they had the best potential to generate major economic gains…
Environment Secretary to set out plan for circular economy transition
Environment Secretary Steve Reed will set out how the UK Government will support the nation’s transition to a circular economy in a speech to industry leaders later today. Speaking at the Dock Shed in London, Reed will unveil a new plan to transform the nation’s economy by reducing waste across industry. The Environment Secretary will also set out how the UK Government will provide direction for businesses to plan and “spearhead” the nation’s transition to a circular economy. Industry leaders, including the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), the Food and Drink Federation (FDF), and Jaguar Land Rover, will be in attendance. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs…
How the EU is building a circular economy into construction
Daniel Hiniesto Muñoz de la Torre, Senior Researcher and Project Manager at ACCIONA Construcción, outlines how a circular revolution is taking place in the construction industry. Across Europe, the built environment remains a key talking point in the circular economy conversation. From carbon emissions and energy consumption to waste material, it all contributes to Europe’s impact on climate change. What is the impact of the construction industry? Within the European Union (EU), the construction industry is responsible for close to 40% of total emissions and generates nearly a third of all waste. In 2021, the EU’s circular material use rate – the share of used material resources which came…
EMR recycles six tonnes of seized knives into outdoor gyms
EMR and anti-knife crime charity Steel Warriors have recycled six tonnes of seized knives into free outdoor gyms across London. The knives were shredded at EMR’s Willesden site and sent to a specialist foundry in Stourbridge to be crafted into gym equipment. Damian Tambling, Site Manager at EMR Willesden, said: “Everyone here at EMR Willesden – including myself – lives in the local communities around the site. We all want to play our part in making the streets safer for our loved ones. “Working with Steel Warriors is an incredible opportunity for us to feel even more connected to our communities.” The knives were shredded at EMR’s Willesden site.…
Man fined over £7,700 for failing to remove waste from his land
Man fined over £7,700 for failing to remove waste from his land in Solihull at Birmingham Magistrates. Benjamin Summers, 80, ignored a formal Notice from the Environment Agency to remove waste from his land and operated a waste facility without the necessary environmental permit. Summers admitted the offences and was fined £1107 and ordered to pay costs of £6545.85. The magistrates also imposed a Remediation Order, giving Summers four months to completely clear any outstanding waste from the land. The Environment Agency launched an investigation into Summers in February 2023 after being notified by the local authority. They found evidence of approximately 35 cubic metres of mixed waste being…
ADBA calls for urgent government support for sector
The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) has called for urgent support for its sector ahead of the Spring Statement. In a letter to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, ADBA said the UK Anaerobic Digestion (AD) sector is poised for rapid growth but requires government support. ADBA claimed there is the potential for at least £1 billion worth of investment in the UK AD sector, both from global investors and British businesses. The letter was signed by ADBA Chief Executive Charlotte Morton OBE and Chair Chris Huhne, as well as signatories from across the sector. However, the lack of action to support our clean power sector makes these targets increasingly…
Using waste-derived materials to produce sustainable concrete
Designing waste-derived materials to produce sustainable concrete – a potential mine for the future? CIWM Early Careers Ambassador, Dr Sadish Oumabady & Dr Rory Doherty FCIWM spotlight their research project that provides a circular solution to help two of the most polluting industries, agriculture (poor water quality) and construction (carbon emissions). Biochar based concrete The project in Queen’s University Belfast is an industry-led collaboration funded through the Centre for Advanced Sustainable Energy (CASE) with Agri-Food Biosciences Institute (AFBI), United Renewables, Mineral Products Association NI, Mannok Build, Breedon Group, Irish Cements and Northstone NI as research partners. The root cause Agricultural intensification and the subsequent spreading of slurry onto the…
