CIWM Urges UK Government to Adopt Ten Key Policies

In anticipation of the upcoming general election, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has outlined ten key policies for the next UK government to adopt. These recommendations aim to advance a resource-resilient and circular economy, combating climate change and meeting future material demands. The policies are split into immediate actions for the first two years and longer-term goals for years three to five.

Years One and Two:

1. Implement Existing Resources & Waste Strategy Policies: Fully enforce current strategies, including Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), consistent collections (Simpler Recycling), and digital waste tracking.
2. Create a Cross-Government Resource Resilience Task Force: Form a task force to drive collaboration across departments to enhance resource resilience and support the circular economy.
3. Launch a Green Skills Fund: Establish a fund to support green sector jobs and training, enhance the Apprenticeship Levy, and release a Green Jobs Delivery Plan.
4. Introduce Targeted Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Key Products: Focus on products like Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), batteries, textiles, and mattresses to hold producers accountable for recycling costs.
5. Set Targets for Waste Prevention, Reuse, and Repair: Implement targets to encourage reduction, reuse, and repair of waste at all societal levels.
   

   Years Three to Five:
   

6. Develop a Circular Economy Plan and Resource Resilience Strategy: Replace the current 25 Year Environment Plan with a Circular Economy Plan, supported by a new Resource Resilience Strategy.
7. Price Raw Materials to Include Environmental Costs: Adjust pricing to reflect environmental impacts, inspired by the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
8. Introduce Targeted Economic Instruments: Use subsidies and taxes to promote circular products and penalize linear ones, driving sustainable business models.
9. Strengthen Eco-Design and Waste Prevention: Enforce stronger eco-design and waste prevention measures, including a right to repair and a new Waste Prevention Programme.
10. Ensure Adequate Funding for Regulators: Increase funding for the Environment Agency and other regulators to shift focus from waste management to resource utilization.
    CIWM emphasizes the importance of these policies in transitioning to a sustainable future and encourages professional engagement through its membership.