The Environmental Services Association (ESA) has announced John Scanlon, Chief Executive Officer of SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, as its new Chair.
Scanlon replaces Michael Topham, who steps down at the end of a two-year term. The appointment was recorded at the Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) in London.
The ESA is the trade association for the recycling and waste treatment industry in the United Kingdom. It represents nearly 70 of the country’s largest waste management companies that collectively employ 50,000 people.
Reacting to his appointment, John Scanlon said: “I’m proud to follow in Michael’s footsteps as ESA Chair as the sector enters a period of adaptation and delivery that will see the government’s trio of recycling reforms coming into effect.”
“Whilst this creates opportunities for our sector and for progress towards a thriving UK circular economy, to make the most of these opportunities we must also overcome challenges.”
“Overall, I am cautiously optimistic, and with the creation of a sector roadmap, the publication of the government’s circular economy growth plan and preparations for the introduction of ETS in 2028 all in the wings, 2026 is already shaping up to be a productive year.”
Biffa CEO, Michael Topham, became ESA Chair in December 2023. His tenure saw the Association inform policy related to the inclusion of waste in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) while navigating the Collection and Packaging Reforms.
Topham also oversaw an update to the ESA’s strategy and its four strategic priorities (Sustainable Resource Use; Zero-Carbon; Higher Standards and Effective Regulation) in 2024.
Michael Topham, CEO of Biffa, said it has been an honour to serve as ESA Chair during what he described as a ‘pivotal time’ for the industry.
Topham continued: “The past two years have brought intense political and economic uncertainty, yet our Association has worked hard with government and stakeholders to shape vital policy and drive progress.”
Executive Director of the ESA, Jacob Hayler, commented: “I would like to thank Michael for his leadership and input throughout an important two years for the sector, which has seen the ESA and its members navigate the policy landscape associated with the inclusion of waste in the Emissions Trading Scheme, and the implementation phase of the long-awaited Collection and Packaging Reforms.”