29.09.25

On 17 September 2025, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) published a new policy paper, Let’s Not Waste the Next Four Years, setting out ten key recommendations for Government and industry to drive jobs, growth and progress towards net zero.

The paper follows an independent review of the UK’s policy landscape commissioned by CIWM’s Policy & Innovation Forum earlier this summer. It highlights where Government and the waste and resources sector must work together to unlock the sector’s full economic and environmental potential.

With the next General Election expected in 2029, the report stresses that the next four years represent a critical window of opportunity to strengthen resource resilience, fully implement long-awaited reforms, and embed circular economy principles at the heart of UK policy.

Marcus Gover, Chair of CIWM’s Policy & Innovation Forum, explained:

“While all eyes are on the forthcoming Circular Economy Strategy for England, this

Years, setting out ten key recommendations for Government and industry to drive jobs, growth and progress towards net zero.

The paper follows an independent review of the UK’s policy landscape commissioned by CIWM’s Policy & Innovation Forum earlier this summer. It highlights where Government and the waste and resources sector must work together to unlock the sector’s full economic and environmental potential.

With the next General Election expected in 2029, the report stresses that the next four years represent a critical window of opportunity to strengthen resource resilience, fully implement long-awaited reforms, and embed circular economy principles at the heart of UK policy.

Marcus Gover, Chair of CIWM’s Policy & Innovation Forum, explained:

review shows the importance of a wider policy perspective for operators and service providers in the resources and waste sector.”

The 10 Recommendations from CIWM

The paper outlines ten recommendations that CIWM believes will shape the future of the circular economy in the UK:

1. Make the circular economy central to Government policy, supporting the Plan for Change.
2. Improve integration across waste, energy, industrial strategy and net zero policies.
3. Expand Skills England’s remit to incentivise green skills initiatives and create more jobs.
4. Strengthen resource resilience in response to global political and economic instability.
5. Extend Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to additional waste streams such as WEEE, batteries, textiles and mattresses.
6. Provide stronger policy support for reuse and repair, with clear supply chain targets.
7. Collaborate with regulators through Dan Corry’s review of Defra’s Regulatory Landscape.
8. Reflect the higher cost of Energy from Waste (EfW) under the UK ETS in packaging EPR fees, reinforcing the polluter pays principle.
9. Fully implement the 2018 Resources & Waste Strategy reforms for better economic and environmental outcomes.
10. Tackle waste crime with greater focus and resources, addressing its £1 billion cost to the UK economy.

What This Means for J&B Recycling and Our Customers

As members of CIWM, J&B Recycling welcome CIWM’s paper as it reinforces many of the challenges and opportunities our sector is currently facing.

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): We are already preparing for changes in EPR, and the call for it to expand to cover more materials will mean businesses need to adapt how they manage waste streams. The key principle is that manufacturers will carry the primary financial responsibility for managing the waste their products create. Those producing items that are harder to recycle or non-recyclable will face higher costs, which could in turn be passed on to consumers. At the same time, this shift should encourage manufacturers to rethink the materials and processes they use, making products easier to recycle in the future. For our customers, this could mean increased reporting requirements and a greater emphasis on segregating materials such as WEEE and textiles.
• Reuse and Repair: The paper’s focus on repair and reuse aligns with what we see on the ground. Businesses and local authorities are increasingly looking at ways to extend product lifespans. This creates opportunities for collaboration beyond recycling, helping our customers reduce waste at source.
• Skills and Jobs: The emphasis on green skills is crucial. At J&B Recycling we are investing in our workforce, from apprenticeships to training programmes, to ensure we have the skills needed for the future. Our customers benefit from this through improved service delivery and innovation.
• Resource Resilience: Global challenges, from supply chain disruptions to political instability, have shown how important it is to manage resources effectively. By sorting recyclables locally in the North East and working with trusted UK partners, we provide our customers with confidence that their waste is managed responsibly and contributes to a more resilient system.
• Waste Crime: Tackling waste crime is something we strongly support. Fly tipping and illegal operators damage the environment and undermine legitimate businesses. By working with a fully licensed and audited recycling provider like J&B Recycling, customers can be assured of compliance and transparency.

Looking Ahead

The next four years will be a defining period for the UK’s resources and waste sector. CIWM’s policy paper provides a roadmap for progress, but it will require collaboration across Government, industry, and businesses of all sizes.

At J&B Recycling, we are already adapting to these changes and supporting our customers to do the same. Whether it is preparing for EPR reforms, improving recycling systems, or investing in innovative technology, we remain committed to providing environmentally responsible, compliant and cost-effective waste management solutions.

For businesses, the message is clear: the policy landscape is shifting quickly. Working with a recycling partner that stays ahead of the curve will ensure compliance, reduce risk, and deliver long-term environmental and financial benefits.

You can read CIWM’s full report Let’s Not Waste the Next Four Years to explore the recommendations in more detail.