Introduction to waste management

For businesses specialising in waste disposal, recycling or waste trading, it can be useful to join a professional body or trade association. This can provide opportunities to continue your professional training and development, as well as presenting networking opportunities where you can make useful industry contacts. Being accredited also shows that you are committed to a certain level of professional standards in the work you do.

The following provide information, training courses and continuing professional development resources for businesses that are interested in reducing waste and improving their environmental performance.

The Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board (WAMITAB) advises on standards in education, qualifications and training for all aspects of waste management, including collecting, cleaning and recycling waste - you can read a summary of the qualifications on offer.

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) provides a wide range of training courses and information seminars about managing, reducing and preventing waste. It also covers topics such as your legal obligations, dealing with hazardous waste and recycling - you can search a directory of CIWM training and events.

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) promotes best practice standards in environmental management, auditing and assessment. It provides basic training in auditing your environmental impact, as well as more specialised training - for more information search a directory of IEMA courses.

The Society for the Environment (SocEnv) operates the Environmental Professional of the Year Award, which spans a wide range of skills and topics surrounding improving your environmental performance.