The Environmental Industries Commission (EIC) has today released of a comprehensive paper addressing critical concerns around the Definition of Waste Code of Practice (DoWCoP). The paper, produced in collaboration with EIC’s Contaminated Land Working Group, serves as a crucial industry response to emerging challenges in the sector.

The EIC and its members have closely monitored the development and implementation of the DoWCoP. The paper highlights key considerations critical to maintaining a balance between robust regulatory measures and a practical, accessible approach for industry professionals.

Among the issues addressed in the paper is the potential risk of the DoWCoP losing its balance and becoming less appealing for legitimate development, undermining its role as a sustainable and streamlined alternative to complex waste regulations. The concerns have been thoroughly examined in collaboration with the Contaminated Land Working Group, reflecting the industry's commitment to upholding best practices and ensuring the DoWCoP's efficacy.

The paper also explores the implications of recent policy changes and regulatory interpretations, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by the Environment Agency's position on the application of the DoWCoP to various project scenarios. It highlights the need for clearer guidelines and a pragmatic approach to address the complexities of waste classification and management.

With a focus on fostering open dialogue and collaboration, the paper presents a series of recommendations aimed at refining the DoWCoP and aligning it with the evolving needs of the environmental industry. Emphasising the necessity for inclusive stakeholder engagement and clearer regulatory frameworks, the paper underscores the significance of balancing environmental protection with sustainable economic development.

The paper's insights and recommendations aim to stimulate productive discussions and foster collaborative efforts to overcome the challenges posed by the evolving landscape of waste management and sustainability. It will be shared to both the government and shadow cabinet in the coming days.

Access the paper in full and explore the proposed solutions in detail.

For more information, please contact Michael Lunn. 

Find out more about EIC’s Contaminated Land Working Group.