The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) in London will host the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA) World Congress 28-30 September 2026. The venue is yet to be announced, CIWM has said.
The ISWA World Congress is the flagship event for the global waste and resource management sector and features elevated plenary sessions, technical site visits, and a rich cultural and social itinerary.
CIWM in the UK will work closely with ISWA and other key stakeholders to develop a three-day scientific and technical programme of content and activities, including visits to some of the UK’s most advanced resources and waste management facilities. The event will be centred around the theme of ‘Beyond Borders: Facilitating Solutions for Global Waste Management’.
Marc Tijhuis, managing director of ISWA, said the decision to bring his association’s World Congress to London in 2026 reflected “both CIWM’s status as one of the association’s founding members and the city’s vibrant commitment to sustainability and innovation in waste management”.
“London is a city at the forefront of environmental initiatives and provides the perfect backdrop for this event, offering a rich tapestry of innovation and a dynamic platform for thought leadership in our field,” Tijhuis added.
CIWM has been the National Member of ISWA for the United Kingdom since 1970, representing over 6,600 individual members and 250 organisations in the UK and overseas.
CIWM recently announced the acquisition of the Circular Economy Institute (CEI) which saw it assume leadership of the Circular Economy Club (CEC), a global network with over 7,000 members across 140 countries.
Sarah Poulter, CIWM CEO, commented: “As a founding member of ISWA, we are delighted to bring the World Congress back to the UK for the first time since 1980. The Congress 2026 will provide a unique opportunity to explore global waste management challenges and opportunities in one of the world’s most famous and historic capital cities. We are confident that this will not simply be an event but will provide a forum for the development of the international strategies and commitments we need to maintain momentum in our journey to a world beyond waste.”
The Congress will be followed by technical tours to several state-of-the-art UK waste, recycling and resource management facilities on 1-2 October.
