The new president of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management has called on the industry to “expand our sphere of influence”.
Tim Walker said in his inaugural presidential report that the sector needed to make the case for better design of products.
This could reduce waste arising and boost efforts towards a more circular economy, he said.
Walker formally became president of the trade body at a ceremony held in Belfast this month.
Titled Turning Off the Tap, his presidential report called for creation of an Office of Foresight, which he described as “a green Office for Budget Responsibility”.
Walker said: “Processed items made from multiple materials are not good for the health of the planet, especially at the scale we see today.
“It’s time to seriously address the role of design and development in the creation of stuff and recognise how the resources and waste sector, which is at the nucleus of circularity, can support better decision making to effectively reduce our use of these precious resources.
“As a sector we are gifted a wealth of materials every day. Our profession is serious about delivering circularity and to aid us we need better engagement across the whole supply chain.”
