Where the waste sector is regulated under the same PPC regime as other industries it is the best performing of all sectors – 61% ‘A’ rated and rising. Pollution incidents from this industry are also down and staying down.

Steve Lee, CIWM chief executive says: ‘This is good news for an industry whose very existence depends on a determination to protect people, the environment and natural resources. We must continue to push for ever higher standards of performance and protection through ever higher professional standards of people in the industry.’

However, CIWM believes it would be good to see the report giving full credit wherever it is due. Figures quoted for non-compliances are distorted by the sheer number of regulated waste facilities – often a hundred times greater than other industries compared in the report. Also the design of the waste compliance system itself leaves a high proportion of the sites unable to achieve a band ‘A’ rating. Steve Lee went on to say: ‘The Spotlight report is another good tool to drive good performance. It would be even better if it allowed fair comparison between sectors.’

The report also shows that it is often waste producers – not waste managers – who are being prosecuted for waste-related offences. The law here is complex and getting tougher. All businesses need to make sure they understand and are able to comply with their waste obligations. The business, financial and PR costs of non-compliance and prosecution are all avoidable.