Beyond waste: a global call to action
The ISWA World Congress 2026, hosted by CIWM in partnership with ISWA, is dedicated to showcasing global best practices in resource and waste management.
Join us in highlighting the critical role of effective systems in protecting health, the environment and economies, promoting circular economy principles, and strengthening international collaboration to help move the world beyond waste.
Waste or resource?
2 billion tonnes every year and rising*
Opportunities to protect and enhance health, environments and economies.
* Global waste generation per annum. Source UNEP Global Waste Management Outlook Report 2024)
Municipal solid waste generation is predicted to grow from 2.1 billion tonnes in 2023 to 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050.
In 2020, the global direct cost of waste management was an estimated USD $252 billion. When factoring in the hidden costs of pollution, poor health and climate change from poor waste disposal practices, the cost rises to USD $361 billion. Without urgent action on waste management, by 2050 this global annual cost could almost double to a staggering USD $640.3 billion – UNEP 2024.
THE ISWA WORLD CONGRESS 2026
Our five key themes:
- Human Rights: every individual should be free from any harmful effects of waste
- Political Commitment: ensuring continuous improvement in waste management service provision and recognising its societal importance
- Waste Planning: designing and delivering viable solutions for national and local contexts
- The economics of waste and resource management: essential investment to realise wider socio-economic benefits
- Circular Economy: prioritising a transition to more circular economies by 2050
Build your own legacy
Join us in London
In 2026, the ISWA World Congress will return to the UK for the first time in 30 years. Be part of this landmark event in the heart of Westminster, central London, where the global waste management community’s most influential leaders will come together in one of the world’s most iconic cities.
A powerful partnership for global change
As a founding member of ISWA and the National Member representing the UK, CIWM is proud to partner with ISWA to bring the World Congress 2026 to life.
ISWA’s vision is an Earth where no waste exists. Waste should be reused and reduced to a minimum, then collected, recycled and treated properly. Residual matter should be disposed of in a safely engineered way, ensuring a clean and healthy environment. All people on earth should have the right to enjoy an environment with clean air, water, seas and soils. To be able to achieve this, we need to work together.
Imagine a world beyond waste. A thriving and resilient world enabled by the expertise of the professional resource and waste management community. This is our vision at CIWM. As the leading professional body for our community, we enable transformative ideas to come to life. We believe knowledge, innovation and expertise are the catalysts for change and provide world-class events, training and accreditation for professionals across the sector.
The CIWM Group is also home to the Circular Economy Institute, a global network of circular economy professionals. It provides high-quality training, accreditation and knowledge sharing to promote best practice, leadership and collaboration within the circular economy community.