ESA - Environmental Services Association
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Welcome to the website of the ESA – the voice of the waste and resource management industry.

The Environmental Services Association (ESA) works on behalf of our Members to support and promote the waste and resource management industry. We work with governments, parliaments and regulators to bring about a sustainable system of waste and resource management for the UK.

Our industry provides services which are essential to modern life. The companies that make up the sector collect the waste produced by households and businesses across the UK, treat the waste responsibly, and turn a large percentage of that waste into new resources and energy for the nation.

In recent years the industry has transformed itself. Ten years ago, over three-quarters of Britain's waste went to landfill (compared to well under 50% today) and waste management was chiefly focused on the logistics of collection and transport. While these still matter, the industry has developed a range of technologies to treat waste and extract value from it. Innovation is a constant feature of modern waste management.

ESA is at the forefront of debates about waste prevention and recycling, playing a vital role in driving higher standards within our industry.

Latest News


16.05.2013
ESA confirms support for Defra's 'Smarter Guidance & Data' project

26.04.2013
ESA responds to consultation on MRF Code of Practice
(Consultation response can be found here)

22.04.2013
ESA Leaders debate the future of waste policy

19.04.2013
ESA welcomes Labours waste policy document

19.04.2013
SESA welcomes Scottish resource sector agreement

06.03.2013
ESA welcomes outcome of Judicial Review into
Recycling Collections


22.02.2013
ESA expresses disappointment with waste PFI cuts

19.02.2013
SESA launches report outlining industry's role in
helping Scotland achieve its Zero Waste targets


06.02.2013
ESA takes part in HSE / WISH Summit to reduce
industry 
incidents

04.02.2013
ESA calls for flood defence work to be split from
EA regulation role


01.02.2013
Waste & Resource Management Industry welcomes
DEFRA proposal for MRF Code of Practice


16.01.2013

ESA warns that hazardous waste strategy is not
working


09.01.2013
SESA warns recycling targets must not become a     political football


Click here to see all previous press releases

Upcoming Events

TWRI Census Dissemination Conference  
14 June 2013, St Williams College, York

National Civic Amenity Site Conference  
18th June 2013, Solihull

Resource Association Conference  
9th July 2013, London

RWM in partnership with CIWM  
10th - 12th September 2013, NEC Birmingham

SMi Energy from Waste Conference  
25 - 26 September 2013, Kensington Close Hotel, London

CIWM Awards for Environmental Excellence  
07 November 2013

ESA Annual Lunch  
29 November 2013, London Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London


Click here to see all events



The sector at a glance
  • Total turnover: £11bn
  • Direct Employment: 95,000 people
  • Municipal waste handled each year: over 26 million tonnes
  • Energy generated (from waste combustion and landfill gas) each year: approximately 6,700 GWh, 1.5% of the UK's total electricity supply and around 20% of our renewable electricity.
  • Greenhouse gas emissions down by 70% since 1990.
  • The top seven companies account for approximately 40% of turnover. Many hundreds of SMEs provide either localised or more specialised services