CIWM: Only 20% of Resources & Waste Strategy Implemented
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has released a new review revealing that only 20% of the 2018 Resources & Waste Strategy has been put into action over the past five years. Despite acknowledging factors like changes in government and the impact of Covid-19 as contributing to the delay, the CIWM suggests that the pace of progress has been slower than necessary.
Implementation Status
According to the review:
- 26% of the proposed policies have yet to be implemented.
- 54% have seen only partial implementation.
The review, initiated at the beginning of 2024, highlights the slow progress on the strategy and is partly driven by the anticipation of an upcoming election.
Introducing the Resource Resilience Strategy (RRS)
In response to these concerns, the CIWM has proposed a new strategic approach: the Resource Resilience Strategy (RRS). This strategy is intended to replace the current Resources & Waste Strategy and place a greater emphasis on integrating “Circular Economy” and “Zero Waste” policies with the 25 Year Environment Plan.
The CIWM’s recommendations for the RRS include:
- Establishing a cross-departmental taskforce to drive the strategy’s implementation.
- Focusing on key areas such as packaging extended producer responsibility (pEPR), Simplified Recycling, digital waste tracking, and the emissions trading scheme (ETS).
- Investing in green skills and promoting careers in the waste management industry for young people.
Policy Roll-Out Timeline
Lee Marshall, CIWM’s Director of Policy and External Affairs, provided insights into the anticipated timeline for policy implementation:
- Simpler Recycling, also known as consistency in collections, is expected to be rolled out by 2026, with plastic films to follow in 2027.
- The segment of the policy addressing business waste collections may experience delays.
- Marshall expressed doubts that the government will meet its earlier commitment to introduce a deposit return scheme (DRS) before the projected 2027 date.
This revised approach aims to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable waste management practices while addressing the gaps identified in the current strategy.