Six months on from the launch of edoc – the innovative new online system for recording waste transfers – the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has suggested that the UK government seriously considers making edoc mandatory.

Developed by the Environment Agency in partnership with the waste sector and government bodies from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, edoc offers a quick, easy and cost effective way of completing and recording the transfer of non-hazardous waste between organisations. It is free to use for all businesses but is currently not mandatory.

CIWM, who has been working with the edoc partners on the development and rollout of edoc, made the statement in its written submission to the recent Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Committee into waste management.

Since adopting the system, CIWM has noticed that edoc has had some very positive and unexpected benefits on its business. They believe that if the system is mandatory it would not only be beneficial but fundamental to the future of waste management in the UK.

Steve Lee, Chief Executive at CIWM said, “We have been supporters of edoc throughout its entire development and continue to support the system, not only by using it ourselves but also by actively encouraging other businesses to adopt it.

“Since CIWM started using the new system in January this year, we have taken to weighing the amount of waste we produce each week. As a result, we are now monitoring and analysing our waste much more closely.”

Steve added, “If mandatory, edoc could provide us with much more accurate data on the waste that is being produced and help UK businesses, the waste industry and UK governments to adopt, promote and support better waste and resource management in the future. However, in order to achieve this, the majority of businesses in the UK would need to be using the system.”