Ministry of Justice offers waste industry training to inmates

One of these initiatives is the creation of waste management units within prisons that currently employ close to 1,000 inmates who are tasked with sorting, repairing and recycling resources.  

This initiative results in the salvage of almost 4,000 tonnes of materials annually, yielding savings of £2.5 million for taxpayers each year. 

Aims 

The circular economy approach emphasises the reuse, recycling and remanufacturing of resources to minimise waste and maximises value. By transitioning away from the traditional linear model of “make, use, dispose,” the MoJ aims to create a more sustainable and efficient system. 

Under the leadership of the MoJ, the circular economy initiatives are organised into three categories: waste governance, smart waste management, and building an internal circular economy. 

Waste Governance initiatives focus on meeting environmental obligations, rethinking procurement practices, providing guidance and training to staff, and creating green jobs for prison leavers. 

Strategies  

Smart waste management strategies include establishing processes for waste reuse, segregation and recycling, addressing food waste management and implementing cost-effective procurement and maintenance of waste management equipment. 

Building an internal circular economy involves establishing workshops for asset repair and remanufacturing, improving logistics and storage capabilities, and integrating circular economy principles into construction projects. 

The long-term vision of the MoJ includes developing infrastructure and support systems for effective waste management, procuring sustainable products designed for reuse and repair, implementing sustainable disposal methods, equipping individuals with skills for employment in the waste sector and streamlining waste disposal processes. 

Several best practice examples highlight the effectiveness of these initiatives, including utilising prison labour for waste management, repairing and refurbishing items such as TVs and boots, conducting research on food waste, participating in community clean-up project and facilitating employment opportunities for prison leavers in the waste sector.