At a time of considerable focus on the environment and the role of effective waste management in protecting it, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management’s (CIWM) Conference and Exhibition in Paignton (14-17 June) will provide a comprehensive picture of waste management issues and possible solutions.

Europe’s biggest event for the wastes management industry attracts over 6,500 visitors and 370 exhibitors from the UK and overseas, with its extensive indoor and outdoor facilities stretching the length of the Paignton seafront.

The outdoor facilities accommodate large equipment and vehicles that will be on display including street sweeping and cleaning machinery; balers, shredders and compactors; and a variety of waste treatment and recycling technologies.

Other features of the Exhibition will include:  graffiti removal systems, a system for digesting food waste that greatly reduces household waste and bio-acoustic technology that scares birds away from landfill/waste sites. The Salvation Army will also be present with a Recycling Point for shoes, trainers, books, videos and CDs.

Conference sessions with many high-profile speakers will look at a broad range of issues including composting, recycling, changing attitudes and behaviour, producer responsibility and keeping local neighbourhoods clean.

Highpoints will include an opening event on 14 June involving the Mayor of Torbay and Environment Agency Chairman Barbara Young.  Delegates on the first day will also be able to participate in an interactive question and answer session using the latest technology which will provide an ‘instant’ survey on current waste issues and trends.

CIWM Communications Manager Catherine Park comments: ‘Thinking about waste management is not just for the waste manager or contractor. The public and all types of businesses need to be involved too if we are to protect the environment for the future. We very much hope that Torbay residents and visitors will come and look at the exhibits.’