WLWA welcomes MPs to West London waste sites for policy discussions

We recently welcomed three Members of Parliament to our waste transfer stations as part of an ongoing programme of engagement with policymakers.

The visits provided an opportunity for MPs to see first-hand how waste and resources are managed across West London and to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

During separate visits to Suez-run WLWA sites at Victoria Road and Transport Avenue, we met with:

• Gareth Thomas, MP for Harrow West
• Ruth Cadbury, MP for Brentford and Isleworth
• Danny Beales, MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip

The visits included tours of the facilities and discussions on a range of policy issues affecting local authorities, residents and the wider waste and resources sector, including:

• How the circular economy can support jobs, skills and economic growth
• Opportunities to retain more valuable resources within the local economy through improved capture and recovery
• The potential impact of the Emissions Trading Scheme on local authorities and council taxpayers
• Opportunities to build on Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility by extending the principle to other carbon-intensive material streams

As the waste disposal authority serving Brent, Ealing, Harrow, Hillingdon, Hounslow and Richmond upon Thames, we manage waste on behalf of more than 1.7 million residents. We work with national, regional and local stakeholders to share practical insight from the frontline of waste management and help inform policy development.

The MP visits form part of our wider public affairs programme, which aims to ensure that the experiences of local authorities and residents are reflected in national policy discussions.

Peter Tilston, Managing Director at West London Waste Authority, said:

"Good policy is built on a clear understanding of how services operate in practice. These visits were a valuable opportunity to showcase the work taking place across West London and to share evidence and insight from the frontline of waste management.

"We want to be a constructive voice in policy discussions, working with policymakers to identify practical solutions that benefit residents, local authorities and the environment. By sharing our experience and data, we can help shape policies that are ambitious, deliverable and effective. As new legislation and policy reforms are developed, it is also important that they work together as a coherent framework, rather than operating in isolation, so that they support consistent and effective outcomes across the waste and resources sector."

We look forward to continuing to engage with parliamentarians and policymakers as work progresses on key issues affecting the waste and resources sector.

Many thanks to our MP guests and to Suez for helping make the visits a success.