At the event, Dr Willetts launched her 2022 presidential report and called for a reform of ‘end of waste’ regulations.
The new president, an environmental lawyer at Gunnercooke LLP, is the daughter of former Leigh Environmental director Stephen Willetts.
In her address at the ceremony she spoke of the need for increased collaboration between the different national regulators and for improved intelligence and data through the use of digital tracking of waste.
Dr Willetts said: “If we are to keep the UK at the forefront of the circular economy, we need a regulatory environment that offers both clarity and consistency in relation to achieving End of Waste status.
“Failing to deliver this will deter investment and hamper the brilliant innovation we see across the resources and waste management sector. I hope that, in addition to making several practical recommendations, my report will stimulate discussion and help accelerate our journey to a world beyond waste.”
Report
The CIWM president explained in her speech that end of waste regulation plays a vital role in the circular economy as it “defines the point at which a material or component is no longer subject to waste regulation and can be sold, used and regulated as any other raw material or product”.
Dr Willetts added that in order to maximise the circular use of resources, the UK needs a “clear and consistent framework for discussions” around end of waste.
She said that for her presidential report, she spoke with 12 industry stakeholders, who reported that the system is “too complex”, adding that there are currently “too many route to end of waste that undermines the whole regime”.
Dr Willetts said this uncertainty serves as a “barrier to investment”.
Recommendations
Dr Willett’s report advises that a widely understood and easily regulated system for achieving end of waste is “vital to establishing a circular economy, protecting the environment and human health”.
The study suggests that regulators in devolved administrations should “re-establish regular meetings to share knowledge and seek to agree consistent positions and joint guidance wherever possible”.
Partner
The new president has been a member of the CIWM for 20 years, and is also a partner practicing environmental law at Gunnercooke LLP. She takes over the role of president from Adam Read who becomes immediate past-president. The next president will be Dan Cooke, formerly of Viridor, and now with Cornwall council.
CIWM CEO, Sarah Poulter, said: “I know I speak for the whole team when I say how much we are looking forward to working with Anna over the coming year. We have reached a critical point in the battle against climate change and resource scarcity and Anna’s presidential report highlights the vital importance of a cross-sector and joined-up approach.”
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