CIWM has marked the inauguration of its next President, Dr Anna Willetts, with the launch of her 2022 Presidential Report, “Improving the way we regulate circular resources in the UK”, which focuses on how best to streamline and give confidence in the End of Waste process.
The report recognises that an easily regulated End of Waste (EoW) system is “vital” to establishing a circular economy, and protecting the environment and human health.
This year’s CIWM President’s Report reviews the understanding and application of EoW criteria across the UK and sets out a series of “improvements” that could potentially ease the transition to a circular economy.
The report details eight key recommendations: increase collaboration between national regulators, leverage existing environment and market controls to demonstrate EoW, improve intelligence through digital tracking, improve understanding of EoW, proactive support to clarify the EoW position for products produced by new technologies, improve confidence in self-certification, small changes to the EoW application service to improve customer satisfaction, and alternative approaches to assessing risk to the environment and human health.
Commenting on the launch of the Report, CIWM President, Dr Anna Willetts (pictured below), said: “If we are to keep the UK at the forefront of the circular economy, we need a regulatory environment that offers both clarity and consistency in relation to achieving End of Waste status.
“Failing to deliver this will deter investment and hamper the brilliant innovation we see across the resources and waste management sector. I hope that, in addition to making several practical recommendations, my report will stimulate discussion and help accelerate our journey to a world beyond waste.”
Anna Willetts was inaugurated into the role of CIWM President at a ceremony in Manchester on 30th June 2022.
Anna has been a member of CIWM for over 20 years, having first joined as a student. CIWM says Anna brings a wealth of experience to the presidency from both her current role as a Partner practising environmental law at gunnercooke LLP and her previous career as an environmental consultant.
She takes over the role of President from Dr Adam Read who moves into the role of Immediate Past President. Anna’s appointment sees women in CIWM’s two most senior leadership positions at the same time – a first in the organisation’s history, CIWM says.
CIWM CEO, Sarah Poulter, said: “I know I speak for the whole team when I say how much we are looking forward to working with Anna over the coming year. We have reached a critical point in the battle against climate change and resource scarcity and Anna’s Presidential Report highlights the vital importance of a cross-sector and joined-up approach.
“CIWM is committed to leading this challenge and supporting those dedicated to bringing about change on a meaningful scale.
“I’d also like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Dr Adam Read for his exceptional enthusiasm and commitment during his time as President. I look forward to continuing to work with him as he assumes the role of Immediate Past President.”