03/03/2025
Resource Recovery UK, the alliance of leading Energy-from-Waste operators, has appointed a new Chair as it continues to advocate for the sector’s vital contribution to the UK’s economic and environmental ambitions. The inaugural chair of RRUK, Owen Michaelson, CEO of Encyclis, has formally handed over to Mike Maudsley, CEO of enfinium, to take forward the group’s strategic goals.
Having played a pivotal role in establishing RRUK, Owen Michaelson set out a vision for improving recognition of Energy-from-Waste and successfully guided the group through its first two years. During this time, RRUK has made significant progress in strengthening understanding of the role of Energy-from-Waste through engagement with Government.
Key priorities were to secure greater acknowledgement of the vital role of EfW within the waste hierarchy, its contribution to the circular economy, its capacity to drive inward investment and its ability to support net zero targets. One of RRUK’s early initiatives was to make the case for Landfill Tax to be properly aligned with the real rate of inflation, a change that was subsequently announced in the Budget last March.
RRUK has also published reports on the value of harnessing Energy-from-Waste facilities as a heat source for district heat networks, and the opportunity for the sector to deliver on carbon removals through the deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS).
In stepping down as Chair, Owen Michaelson said all founding RRUK members should be proud of the progress made by the alliance.
He said: “As a sector that is heavily influenced by policy alignment across waste management, taxation, energy and decarbonisation, we identified a clear need for Energy-from-Waste to adopt a united voice. Our sector offers huge potential to contribute to clean growth and accelerate progress on net zero. Progress in these areas depends on policy makers understanding the role which Energy-from-Waste can play in delivering on the UK’s circularity and low carbon ambitions. I gave myself a personal target of proving to key stakeholders that our modern fleet of EFW facilities should be seen as a key part of the UK’s social infrastructure. I am satisfied that we have taken significant strides forward in our first two years and I know we will continue to do so under Mike Maudsley’s leadership as our new Chair.”
Incoming Chair Mike Maudsley set out his priorities for the year ahead. He said: “It’s clear that we are facing into a defining year for our sector. Taken together, entry into the UK Emissions Trading Scheme, carbon capture and storage and the Circular Economy Strategy for England represent a real opportunity to transform the waste sector. RRUK stands ready to work with policymakers and others along the waste value chain to make sure this once-in-a-generation opportunity isn’t lost.”
About Resource Recovery UK
Resource Recovery UK (RRUK) is the leading alliance for UK energy from waste (EfW) operators.
Our purpose is to promote the essential role of EfW in the UK's circular economy and its contribution to a sustainable, decarbonised future for communities across the UK.
Members of RRUK are Cory, Encyclis, enfinium and Viridor.
Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, RRUK strives to highlight EfW as strategically important national infrastructure that maximises resource efficiency and as contributing positively to policy development.
Through our collective expertise and insight, we aim to play a key role in the national conversation around sustainable waste management and the part EfW plays in achieving a zero-carbon future.