CIWM - The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management
CIWM - The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management
09/26/2025 | Press release | Archived content
CIWM Statement on 'Boy Wasted' Investigation
Press Release
For immediate release
CIWM Statement on 'Boy Wasted' Investigation
CIWM has issued a statement in response to the investigative podcast, 'Boy Wasted', which details findings regarding the poorly-regulated trade in exported UK post-consumer plastics.
Dan Cooke, CIWM Director of Policy, Communications & External Affairs, stated: "The findings and issues raised by Boy Wasted are highly concerning and another wake up call for all parties in the UK plastics value chain."
"This highlights the need to refocus on the crucial basics of human rights, health and safety, combating fraud, and resourcing effective enforcement to enable the responsible recycling, resources and waste sector to succeed. Without getting this right, the UK's circular economy ambitions seem hobbled from the start."
He added: "Our recent CIWM policy recommendations highlighted the need for greater resourcing to tackle waste crime, and a clear call for policy and regulation to enable improved UK resource resilience, rather than continued reliance on the export of waste and recyclables. CIWM members and the regulated sector must work quickly with customers, government and regulators to reduce these risks."
Dan Cooke will represent CIWM at a Labour Conference fringe session, on a panel this weekend on waste crime, with Barry Gardiner MP, Greenpeace UK and ENDS Report to further highlight the urgency of tackling waste crime.
CIWM will also join representatives from SUEZ and SERA at a fringe session on Tuesday to discuss how local authorities can mitigate the forthcoming costs of the EfW Emissions Trading Scheme.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
For more information about the investigation, please visit Circular Online .
To read our policy paper with the full recommendations listed, please visit 'Let's Not Waste the Next Four Years''Let's Not Waste the Next Four Years'.
About CIWM:To read our policy paper with the full recommendations listed, please visit 'Let's Not Waste the Next Four Years''Let's Not Waste the Next Four Years'.
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 https://www.ciwm.co.uk
Press contact:
Kacie Foskett
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