In December 2018, the UK Government launched the Resources and Waste Strategy (RWS), an ambitious plan aimed at transforming the way resources and waste are managed across England. The strategy was part of a broader push towards a circular economy, a model that seeks to minimise waste and make the most of resources by promoting reuse, recycling, and sustainable design. However, a recent review by the Chartered Institution of Waste Management (CIWM) has revealed that progress on the RWS has been slow, with 80% of key policies still not fully implemented. This article examines the findings of the CIWM review, the implications for the waste management sector, and how platforms like WasteTrade can play a crucial role in the evolving landscape.

Understanding the CIWM Review Findings

The CIWM’s review of the RWS paints a sobering picture: nearly five years after the strategy was launched, only 20% of its policies have been fully implemented. A further 54% are partially in place, while 26% of the policies have yet to be initiated. These figures highlight significant delays in achieving the strategy’s ambitious goals. CIWM points to several factors that have contributed to these delays, including ministerial changes, the preparation for Brexit, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

This slow progress has significant implications for the waste management sector. Policies that were expected to drive up recycling rates, reduce plastic waste, and promote sustainable resource use have not been implemented as planned, leaving the sector in a state of uncertainty. The delay in these critical policies underscores the importance of aligning governmental ambitions with the resources necessary to achieve them.

Key Policies Still Awaiting Implementation

Among the policies that have yet to be fully implemented are some of the most significant components of the RWS. The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drink containers, which was expected to reduce litter and increase recycling rates, remains unfulfilled. Similarly, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging and e-waste, which would make producers financially responsible for the disposal of their products, is still not in place. Consistent bin collections across local authorities, a measure designed to reduce confusion among consumers and increase recycling rates, also remains on hold.

The delay in these policies is particularly concerning given their potential impact on the waste management sector. For instance, EPR schemes are critical for creating the financial incentives necessary for producers to design more sustainable products and packaging. Without these incentives, the shift towards a circular economy becomes much more difficult to achieve. Similarly, the DRS has the potential to significantly reduce litter and improve the quality of recyclable materials collected, which would benefit the entire recycling industry.

Implemented Policies and Their Impact

Despite the slow progress overall, there have been some successes in implementing the RWS. The plastic packaging tax, which came into effect in April 2022, is one such example. This tax, which applies to plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content, is designed to stimulate demand for recycled materials and reduce plastic waste. Another success is the mandatory food waste hierarchy, which requires businesses to prioritise food waste reduction and redistribution before considering disposal.

These implemented policies, though limited, demonstrate the potential impact of well-designed regulations. The plastic packaging tax, for instance, has already started to influence the packaging choices of manufacturers, encouraging the use of more sustainable materials. The mandatory food waste hierarchy has also helped to reduce food waste, contributing to broader environmental goals.

The Need for a New Approach

In light of the limited progress on the RWS, CIWM has called for a new ‘Resource Resilience Strategy’ that would better align with current challenges and opportunities in resource management. This proposed strategy includes several key recommendations, such as establishing a cross-departmental resource task force to drive policy implementation, focusing on skills development in areas like AI and data analysis, and introducing targeted economic instruments like the plastic packaging tax to drive sustainable practices.

One of the most crucial recommendations is the need to implement the outstanding policies from the RWS, particularly the EPR schemes and consistent recycling collections. These policies are seen as essential for driving the systemic changes needed to increase recycling rates and reduce waste. Additionally, CIWM suggests pricing raw materials to reflect their environmental costs, a move that could further incentivise sustainable practices across industries.

The Role of Platforms Like WasteTrade

In this evolving landscape, a digital platform such as WasteTrade has a critical role to play. WasteTrade, as a marketplace for recyclable materials, is inherently aligned with the goals of the RWS and any future Resource Resilience Strategy. By facilitating the efficient trading of recyclable materials, WasteTrade supports the principles of a circular economy, helping to keep resources in use for as long as possible and reducing the need for virgin materials.

Moreover, WasteTrade’s focus on transparency and efficiency can help address some of the challenges identified in the CIWM review. For instance, the platform’s ability to provide real-time data on material availability and pricing can support the implementation of EPR schemes by helping producers and recyclers make informed decisions. Similarly, WasteTrade’s commitment to high standards in material quality and trading practices aligns with the government’s goals of improving recycling rates and reducing waste.

Moving Forward with Collaboration and Innovation

The findings of the CIWM review highlight the need for renewed focus and resources to achieve the ambitious goals of the RWS. While progress has been slow, there is still significant potential for the waste management sector to drive positive change, particularly through the implementation of key policies like EPR and consistent recycling collections.

Platforms like WasteTrade are well-positioned to support this progress by providing the tools and transparency needed to facilitate efficient and sustainable resource use. As the sector moves forward, collaboration between government, industry, and digital platforms will be essential to achieving the vision of a circular economy and creating a more sustainable future for all.

While the CIWM review underscores the challenges in delivering the RWS, it also highlights the opportunities for innovation and collaboration that can help bridge the gap between ambition and reality. WasteTrade remains committed to playing its part in this journey, helping to turn the goals of the RWS into tangible outcomes that benefit the environment and the economy.