Friday 21st November 2008
Press Release

New Environmental Cleansing Handbook launches CIWM’s online technical resource

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has published the third edition of its Environmental Cleansing Handbook, which is widely regarded as one of the essential reference books for the waste industry.
 
“With environmental cleansing being one of the most visible services that a local authority provides to its residents, high performance in this area has a direct effect on the local amenity and quality of life in the community,” says CIWM deputy chief executive Chris Murphy.
 
This latest edition of the Handbook has been produced in a busy period of legislative change and Government recognition. The Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 introduced important legislation for those working in environmental cleansing, for example by extending the definition of litter to include gum and smoking related litter. It also addressed public conveniences, which have been under the spotlight again recently with the publication of the Department for Communities and Local Government’s Toilet Strategy.
 
Reflecting the higher profile and scope of environmental cleansing, the handbook covers every area of operation, from risk assessment to PR and communications, and from street furniture to weather forecasting. It includes best practice case studies from a range of local authorities and organisations, and provides comprehensive information on training and competency and efficiency improvement and measurement.
 
“The handbook draws on the experience of many local authorities and their partners who have been working hard to improve service provision and reduce costs, and provides a valuable showcase for good practice and innovative approaches to common cleansing issues,” adds Chris Murphy.
 
The CIWM Environmental Cleansing Handbook is available to view online or download at http://www.ciwm.co.uk/imags/environmental_cleansing/start.htm. Using a new piece of software, the publication contains active links and allows readers to ‘turn the pages’ in a similar fashion to a printed copy. CIWM will be introducing this online format for all of its technical publications from 2009 onwards.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) is the leading professional body for the waste management sector representing over 7000 individuals in the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non profit-making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues.

2. Comprehensive information about CIWM can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk

Contacts:
Pat Jennings
CIWM Communications Manager
Tel: 01604 620426
Mob: 07912 228260
E-mail: pat.jennings@ciwm.co.uk