The Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management (IWFM), the leading professional body for the facilities management sector, has published a revised edition of its Good Practice Guide Recycling, Waste and Resource Management.
The updated guide reflects significant changes in legislation, policy and professional practice, recognising that recycling and waste management are no longer standalone operational issues. Instead, they form a visible and material part of responsible business, sustainability performance and organisational resilience.
Developed to support facilities management professionals at all levels, the revised guide combines strategic context with practical guidance. It covers the waste hierarchy, circular economy principles, carbon measurement, social value, audits, contractor management, health and safety and communication, alongside updated advice on current and forthcoming UK legislation.
The guide responds to the growing pressure on FM teams to manage waste compliantly while also supporting ESG commitments, net zero targets and wider organisational objectives. It highlights both the risks of poor practice – including legal, financial and reputational consequences – and the opportunities for FMs to demonstrate value through effective resource management.
Written by sustainability specialists Nicki Chennells and Kirsteen Harrison of Not Sustainable, and peer reviewed by experts from across the sector, the guide is designed to be practical, authoritative and relevant to today’s operating environment.
IWFM’s Head of Policy and Insight, Andrew Gladstone-Heighton, said: "Recycling and waste management are no longer back-of-house operational issues. They’re a visible part of ESG performance, corporate responsibility and risk. Our updated guide gives facilities managers the practical tools they need to make informed decisions, demonstrate value and respond confidently to changing expectations."
As the professional body for workplace and facilities management, IWFM advances professional standards and supports the profession through guidance, training, insight and community. This revised guide is one part of IWFM’s wider library of Good Practice Guides and resources, all available free to members.
The Recycling, Waste and Resource Management Good Practice Guide is free to IWFM members and available to non-members for £19.99.
https://www.iwfm.org.uk/
IWFM launches revised Recycling, Waste and Resource Management Good Practice Guide
Published 1st June, 2026 by Neil Nixon
