ESA Waste reforms: In a foreword to the ESA’s 2022 annual report, published 22 February, The chairman of the Environmental Services Association (ESA), Gavin Graveson noted that the reforms in the resources and waste strategy, which were first announced five years ago, are “critical to shaping the country’s circular economy for the next decade and beyond”.
Mr Graveson stressed that the ESA and many other organisations operating across the circular economy “remain committed” to the reforms, and are working closely with Defra and other stakeholders to ensure they “deliver on their ambitions without any unintended consequences”.
He added that the success of the reforms will depend on “the willingness and commitment to change by all parts of the sector”.
The ESA report also highlighted some key areas where progress has been made in recent years, including a shift towards packaging materials with higher recycled content, extended producer responsibility and deposit return schemes.
It also highlighted the need for a “whole-system approach” to managing resources and waste, including better collaboration between councils and businesses.
Mr Graveson concluded that “the reforms are a significant opportunity to drive progress towards our vision of a circular economy”, adding that the ESA will continue to work with stakeholders.”
