The Environment Agency (EA) is essential in advancing the UK towards a fully circular economy and reaching net zero targets. The waste and resources sector relies on the EA as a regulator across England. According to an ESA-commissioned report, the waste and resources industry is worth around £24 billion and is vital for a circular economy and a more sustainable future. There is a need for more investment and innovation within the UK waste sector to manage waste and resources as sustainably as possible, and the industry needs an effective regulator to achieve this.

The REA has long advocated for more EA resourcing. To inform this advocacy, the REA is conducting a study looking at EA regulatory performance and the ways the EA can be reformed to better support the industry. We are keen to engage with members and gather information through interviews, focus groups, and surveys about their experiences with the EA. This will be analysed against the EA’s current customer commitments to see how much they align. In addition, background research and further analysis of environmental regulations in different countries will be carried out. This will provide context and may highlight areas where there are differences. With all the information gathered, the project output will be a report providing recommendations for reform supported by members.

If you want to talk to us about this project, don’t hesitate to contact our Circular Bioresources Intern, Alice Browning at [email protected].