The waste and resource management sector is evolving faster than ever, driven by technology, sustainability, and a new generation of passionate professionals reshaping its future.
In this special Q&A, we hear from rising stars across the industry—engineers, consultants, researchers, and educators—on what inspires them, how AI and digital innovations are changing the game, and why workplace culture and circular thinking will define the next decade.
From breaking down barriers to redefining waste as a resource, these voices share what it really takes to build a workforce ready for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sector?
What inspired me to join this sector is knowing that we’re on the front line of managing resources sustainably. With a growing population, waste will always exist – and how we deal with it has huge environmental and social impacts. I wanted to be part of an industry that tackles this challenge head-on.
My role as Compliance and Education Manager at FCC Environment – ranging from managing recycling sites to developing training tools and supporting behavioural safety – has shown me that waste management is far more than just disposal. It’s about driving positive change, influencing behaviour, and ultimately shaping a more sustainable future for everyone.
Arjayan Raveenthiran, Compliance and Educational Manage
How do you define the “impact” of your work, and what kind of change do you hope to contribute to?
My understanding of a ‘Consultant’ is someone providing specialist advice to solve problems or achieve goals. In my role as Senior Waste Consultant (WSP), my team are often brought on board for this reason. Whether there is a successful outcome, is a good measure of the impact of our work.
WSP’s waste services aim to prevent environmental risks, create measurable waste reductions and improve resource recovery. In line with WSP’s ‘Future Ready’ programme (challenging teams to design for the future), my role is not just about meeting current standards, it is about driving systemic change in how organisations view and handle waste.
Ultimately, I hope to change waste from a cost or burden to a resource and opportunity. Whether it’s supporting on circular economy strategies, or helping businesses achieve zero-waste to landfill, I hope to make waste minimisation and circular economy principles a core part of every organisation’s identity.”
Emma Copley, Senior Waste Consultant – Earth and Environment
What values do you believe your generation will prioritise in the sector more than previous generations did?
It’s clear that the waste sector is currently undergoing significant and exciting transformation- there is new focus and expectations surrounding sustainability, new legislation coming into place, modern technologies and innovative ideas.
I believe the new generation entering the waste sector are playing a large part in pushing the importance of addressing waste management in the context of wider climate discussions.
The Early Careers Ambassador group are prioritising educational outreach, to get more young people involved and interested in the sector
Specifically, we have seen an increased enthusiasm from the new generation towards innovative ways of promoting re-use and the circular economy. Examples of this include big apps such as Olio and Too Good To Go, which focus on mitigating carbon emissions and reducing waste.
At CIWM, the Early Careers Ambassador group are prioritising educational outreach, to get more young people involved and interested in the sector- which will only empower new generations to push further for innovative solutions to future challenges within the sector and contribute to these larger discussions.
Tabitha Skeats – Consents Assistant
What skills do you think will be most in-demand in the sector in the next 10-15 years?
In the next 10–15 years, the most in-demand skills in the waste and circular economy sector will include education, circular systems planning, advanced recycling technologies, digital waste tracking, ESG and regulatory compliance, and effective stakeholder engagement.
Hamaid Alsubhi – Consultant – Waste Advisory
How are new technologies reshaping your role now – and how do you see this evolving?
technology is everywhere and its rate of development is staggering, especially when we reflect on how the sector was even 5 years ago. It is enabling us to control, operate and monitor our processes in different ways.
This can be anything from the introduction of monitors that allow us to track the biogenic content of emissions, to the embedding of AI and robotics into our sorting facilities or the use of predictive analytics to enable more proactive maintenance.
Already, this is enabling us to identify efficiency opportunities and operate our facilities more effectively, however I can imagine that this will only grow.
Amy Bloom – Technical Plant Engineer
How much will advancements in AI change the way the sector operates?
AI is a valuable tool which will benefit our industry in a variety of ways. AI technology will complement current sorting technologies within the sector as we prepare for the introduction of Simpler Recycling and DRS helping to make thaw initiatives a success.
By embracing AI we can make the waste and resource sector an industry of choice as we encourage new talent into the sector who we can up-skill to specialise in this exciting technology. Finally, we are all aware of the dangers within our sector as the Waste and Recycling sector remains the second most dangerous industry.
By embracing AI we can make the waste and resource sector an industry of choice as we encourage new talent into the sector who we can up-skill to specialise in this exciting technology.
Advancements in AI can be used to help keep everyone in our sector safer by identifying and alerting us to dangers in a variety of situations such as battery fires, spilt chemicals or approaching vehicles.
AI advancements can seem overwhelming but by embracing them we will be ready for exciting changes that are coming our way!
Laura Fisher – re3 Contract Operations Manager
What barriers did you face entering the sector, and how could those be lowered for the next generation?
As a young woman, the main barrier I faced when I entered the sector was visibility – not just of the roles available, but of people like me in those roles. It can be difficult to see yourself thriving in an environment without representation. I’ve also experienced more subtle barriers, such as being underestimated or subject to gender-based assumptions, particularly around technical and operational knowledge.
To lower these barriers for the next generation, we need more visible role models, sharing their stories and showing the range of opportunities in the sector. I’d also love to see more early engagement in the education sector, introducing waste and circular economy topics not just as environmental issues, but as exciting career options with opportunity for creativity and innovation.
Cultural change across the industry is also key – challenging outdated perceptions, ensuring inclusive policies, and creating workplaces where diverse voices are not just ‘there’, but are heard and valued.
Khadeeja Osman – Sustainability and Engagement Lead
What does a positive workplace culture look like to you – and how does that relate to attracting and retaining future talent?
During job searching, many young talents prioritise roles that offer satisfaction and enjoyment. This approach often leads to a unique experience where, even after years, the work feels less like a burden and more like a passion.
When there is a negative workplace culture, it can affect the well-being of the worker and even contribute to the decline of organisational productivity and progress. A company that wants to embrace positive workplace culture must embrace respect, inclusiveness, diversity, and collaboration. McCarthy says, “Workplace culture is not just about sticking a list of values on a wall in the break room and then going about your day”.
Today’s young professionals, particularly Gen Z and millennials, seek organisations that resonate with their passions and desire for impact. To attract this future talent, workplaces must communicate their values, foster an environment that encourages innovation, and operate with unwavering integrity.
Olalekan Olatunji – PhD Researcher
What opportunities do you think younger professionals have?
There are a wealth of opportunities out there in both the private and public sector. It’s great to see so much enthusiasm amongst young people when it comes to climate change, but we have to work to channel some of this enthusiasm into the waste sector which as we know has huge environmental/climate change impacts.
Similar to in sustainability, there are roles in waste and resource consultancy, which I did for two years. And there are also many rewarding opportunities in the public sector, for graduates and apprentices alike.
Local authorities welcome fresh enthusiasm and approaches, as some face an aging workforce, so there are a diverse range of roles, from frontline engagement officers to waste project officers, all of whom can make a real impact in improving outcomes in local communities. AI will not be replacing the doorstep conversation to educate the public on recycling anytime soon!
Bonni Jee – Principal Advisor at Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE)
How must education and policy evolve to meet future skills needs?
To build a future-ready workforce, it’s important to embed digital and sustainability skills throughout the education system, from schools to higher education. This ensures early familiarity with essential tools and mindsets.
To build a future-ready workforce, it’s important to embed digital and sustainability skills throughout the education system, from schools to higher education.
Specifically in the higher education context, strengthening collaboration with employers through co-designed programmes, placements, internships and sandwich years can offer valuable practical experience.
These opportunities help students develop soft skills and transition more smoothly into the job market. Greater use of project-based learning and industry-led challenges can further bridge the gap between education and employment.
Nadine Leder – Lecturer in Logistics and Operations Management
How is the new generation entering the sector changing it?
The new generation’s enthusiasm helps to transform the waste management sector through technological innovations, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
Their input to introduce data-driven systems, Artificial Intelligence, and smart recycling solutions has proven effective in the current scenario and equips us for the future.
More importantly, they’re driving a cultural shift in viewing waste as a resource and pushing for circular economy models. This entrepreneurial spirit and eco-conscious mindset help to create scalable, environmentally friendly solutions that didn’t exist a decade ago.
Sadish Oumabady – Research Fellow
What is one piece of advice would you give to someone just entering the sector?
Although it is a cliché my best piece of advice that has allowed me to grow and develop, is to never say no! Obviously within reason, but just take every opportunity you can get, throw yourself in and embrace being outside of your comfort zone!
Your perspective is always valuable no matter how much experience or technical knowledge you have. Wasters are very welcoming and friendly so make the most of this!
A more sector specific piece of advice is to view our sector more broadly, we are part of a much larger supplier chain with many stakeholders. Instead of using end-of-life thinking we need to shift to system-thinking.
Charlotte Davies – Senior Consultant Resource Efficiency and Circularity