Let’s Not Waste the Next Four Years
In their most recent report, Let’s Not Waste the Next Four Years, CIWM revisits its 2024 Review of the Resources & Waste Strategy for England to assess progress, identify opportunities, and align sector priorities with the evolving policy landscape.
This report explores how the Government’s emerging domestic agenda, anchored in its five Missions and seven key policy proposals, intersects with the ambitions of the circular economy and the wider resources and waste sector.
This timely review highlights where momentum is building, where gaps remain, and how CIWM can continue to lead and influence in shaping a resilient, low-carbon, and circular future for England.
Ten Recommendations to Accelerate the UK’s Transition to Net Zero and a Circular Economy
CIWM has offered ten strategic recommendations for the UK Government and the resources and waste sector. These proposals aim to unlock economic growth, create green jobs, and accelerate progress toward net zero and a circular economy.
1. Embed the Circular Economy at the Heart of Government Strategy
CIWM urges the Government to make the circular economy a central pillar of its ‘Plan for Change’, citing strong evidence of its potential to drive growth, reduce emissions, and create jobs.
2. Strengthen Cross-Government Policy Integration
Greater alignment is needed across departments, particularly those focused on resources and waste, energy, industrial strategy, and net zero to ensure coherent and effective policymaking.
3. Expand the Scope of Skills England
Skills England should incentivise green skills development and support workforce growth in the circular economy and resource management sectors.
4. Prioritise Resource Resilience
In light of global instability, the Government should maintain a strong focus on resource security and resilience to safeguard long-term economic and environmental interests.
5. Extend Producer Responsibility to New Waste Streams
EPR should be expanded to include additional materials such as WEEE, batteries, textiles, and mattresses, building on the success of existing schemes.
6. Provide Targeted Policy Support for Reuse and Repair
Clear targets and responsibilities should be established across the supply chain to scale up reuse and repair, helping reduce waste and support circular practices.
7. Leverage Regulatory Reform Opportunities
Dan Corry’s review of Defra’s Regulatory Landscape presents a timely opportunity for collaboration between regulators and the sector to improve outcomes and reduce barriers.
8. Reflect EfW Costs in Packaging EPR Fees
With Energy-from-Waste entering the UK Emissions Trading Scheme in 2028, associated costs should be factored into packaging EPR fees to uphold the polluter pays principle.
9. Fully Implement the 2018 Resources & Waste Strategy Reforms
Key reforms, including Simpler Recycling, DRS, digital waste tracking, and updates to the Waste Carrier, Broker and Dealer registration system, must be completed to realise their intended benefits.
10. Intensify Efforts to Combat Waste Crime
Waste crime continues to cost the UK economy over £1 billion annually. CIWM calls for increased resources and enforcement to tackle illegal activity at all levels.
