Press Release
For immediate release
CIWM Highlights Simpler Recycling on BBC's The One Show
As the UK Government's ‘Simpler Recycling’ for businesses comes into force, CIWM’s Dan Cooke appeared on the BBC's The One Show to provide expert commentary on this important policy shift and its implications for resource and waste management.
The commentary was made in the context of the ongoing strike action by refuse workers in Birmingham, which has resulted in significant waste accumulation, raising concerns about public health and environmental safety within the community. The dispute, stemming from local authority restructuring and service adjustments, has highlighted the challenges faced by councils managing resource constraints, providing a backdrop to the national policy changes.
In addressing financial pressures, Birmingham Council has implemented changes to its waste collection services, including role reductions and a shift to fortnightly collections. Driven by a combination of funding challenges and changing regulatory demands (including Simpler Recycling, packaging Extended Producer Responsibility and Deposit Return Schemes), local authorities across UK regions, are exploring how best to optimise collection schedules.
Dan Cooke, Director of Policy, Communications and External Affairs at CIWM, featured on the show to discuss these challenges, emphasising the important role of the UK Government’s Simpler Recycling initiative and the likely impact and benefits of the new regulations on communities, local councils and the environment.
Dan says: “Change is happening to drive higher national recycling levels, so there will likely be less residual waste as a result and therefore a natural decline in need for residual waste collections. From April 2025, the UK Government’s Simpler Recycling for Businesses means every business will need to present and separate its materials to be collected. From April 2026, every household in England will also have the same consistent materials collected and recycled. This means that there will be a consistent rollout across England for recycling materials, including mandatory weekly food waste collections, to be reused for the benefit of the environment and economy.”
He adds: “The more we recycle, the better it is for economies, communities, local councils and the planet. It will likely have significant long-term economic benefits, as higher recycling produces quality secondary materials for manufacturers and packagers, driving a more circular economy.”
CIWM remains committed to supporting local authorities and stakeholders in addressing these challenges and promoting best practice across resource and waste management, prioritising resource efficiency and environmental protection.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
About CIWM:
CIWM (the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management) is the leading professional body for the resource and waste management sector representing over 7,000 individuals in the UK, Ireland and overseas. Established in 1898 - and now in its 125th year - CIWM is a non-profit making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues.
More information can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk
Press contact:
Kacie Foskett
T: +44 (0) 1604 620426
E: kacie.foskett@ciwm.co.uk