WASTE AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

Two decades ago Britain’s recycling rate was one of the worst in Europe. A new waste legislation framework, public engagement with recycling and the work of the waste management sector has pushed our recycling rate to well over 40%. 

Furthermore, investment in energy from waste plants has reduced the volume of waste sent to landfill and created new energy sources. 

EIC’s waste and resources efficiency taskforce brings together our members working in this space. This includes multi-nationals, specialist hazardous waste management firms, environmental laboratories and consultancies with expertise in resource efficiency. It will provide a platform to showcase how member technology and services can help meet government ambitions in this space. 

The Environment Act provides new opportunities for engagement. We expect details on “extended producer responsibility” where producers will be responsible for managing the costs at the end of their life, potential new rules around disposal of textiles, mattresses, paints and furniture, and the introduction of a deposit return scheme for drinks containers. 

The group informs EIC’s thought-leadership in this area producing innovative yet tangible proposals to encourage innovation, responds to government consultations, holds events, writes articles for industry press and regularly welcomes policymakers and industry experts as guests. 

The Waste and Resource Efficiency taskforce meets quarterly. The chair is TBC, with Adam Read (Seuz) and Gary Armstrong (SLR) vice chairs.