Sheila McKinley, head of producer responsibility at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, received an OBE (Order of the British Empire).
An OBE has also been awarded to John Turner who is now chairman of the Advisory Committee on Packaging. Mr Turner took up this post in September 2002 after his retirement from Valpak, the largest packaging waste compliance scheme, where he was chief executive.
Enthusiasm
Mrs McKinley is widely acclaimed for her dedication and enthusiasm for the packaging waste regulations. Unlike many civil servants within the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs who often spend only a few years in the post, Mrs McKinley, a keen follower of horse-racing, has been largely responsible for the delivery of the packaging waste regulations. These have so far proved successful with the UK meeting targets although there is growing concern that future targets will be harder to meet and more planning is needed.
In the past year, Mrs McKinley has had her role expanded into head of producer responsibility at Defra. This sees her taking on responsibility for other materials such as waste electrical and electronic equipment and end-of-life vehicles within the department.
Determination
John Turner ran Valpak with a determination that the organisation should succeed in meeting its compliance obligations. As chief executive from 1997-2002 he carried out a number of initiatives including the development of a glass collection service.
In October 2001, Michael Meacher, then minister for environment agreed that the Advisory Committee of Packaging should be restructured. Mr Turner was appointed as the new Chairman on 10 September 2002.
Subscribe for free