9th March 2021

We started life as the National Association of Waste Disposal Contractors in 1968, becoming the Environmental Services Association in 1996, in recognition – nearly a quarter of a century ago - that collecting waste is only the first step.


ESA members are part of a complex chain of activities that deliver quality secondary materials for new, sustainable, products as well as renewable energy and fuel supplies.


ESA members comprise 85% of the sector, including all the major companies.


As well as representing our members’ interests in the UK and in Europe, we are also actively working to raise wider issues of sustainability and resource efficiency, to raise operational standards within the industry and to ensure the health and safety of our workforce.


In 2023:


The ESA has continued to promote best practice diversity initiatives from across our industry in our annual reports. We have published our Social Value Charter for our members which includes promotion of positive diversity within the workforce and supply chain. As part of a review the Member Code of Conduct which has started, we aim to encourage Members to promote diversity within their organisations.


In 2024:


Continue to promote best practice diversity initiatives from across our industry in our annual reports.

Review and update Code of Conduct for Members which will include promoting diversity as part of making the sector desirable to work in as part of our Social Value Charter.

Develop an accessible tool to measure social value, including diversity, and promote it to our Members.