CIWM (WAMITAB) Level 1-3 Waste & Recycling
Waste and resource management are increasingly seen as critical priorities in modern society, driven by growing awareness of the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Recognising the environmental and economic benefits of diverting waste from landfill, the UK Government has embraced this approach as a key strategy for sustainable development. A national target was set to recycle household waste, underscoring the importance of responsible waste and recycling activities in shaping a greener, more cost-effective future and supporting sustainable waste practices.
EWS offers a range of Waste and Recycling qualifications (Levels 1-3) which can be delivered on the job, or through knowledge based training programmes which are classroom based. This provides routes to industry employability programmes and resources for those working within, or retraining to work within, the waste and resource management sector.
CIWM (WAMITAB) Waste & Recycling Qualifications – Level 1
These qualifications are ideal for the unemployed, inexperienced staff and those in rehabilitation facilities or for those wishing to gain basic skills and knowledge to gain employment.
- Award in Waste and Recycling – aimed at Drivers in any collection capacity and Street Cleaning Operatives
- Award in Reuse and Refurbishment – aimed at those wishing to improve their sustainability knowledge
Achievement for these qualifications is by training and assessment, including the production of a work based portfolio and underpinning knowledge workbooks.
CIWM (WAMITAB) Waste Management and Recycling Activity Qualifications – Level 2
This level is ideal for staff who work within the industry, where you wish for them to be recognised for the skills and knowledge they have gained. Some of these qualifications can also attract funding through the Adult Education Budget.
- Certificate for Sustainable Waste Management Operative– there are various pathways of this qualification which can cover a variety of roles such as: Waste/recycling operative, Transfer station operative, Compost operative, Household waste recycling operative and Waste/recycling collection driver.
- Diploma for Sustainable Recycling Activities – aimed at those wishing to work in the recycling sector covering reception, segregation, and processing of WEEE.
Achievement for these above qualifications is by training and assessment, including the production of a work based portfolio and underpinning knowledge workbooks.
- Certificate in Principles of Sustainable Resource Management – a knowledge course for new entrants into the waste and recycling sector and forms part of the waste apprenticeship.
- Certificate for Waste and Resource Management Operative – aimed at Resource Management Operatives.
Achievement for these above qualifications is by training and assessment, including the production of a work based portfolio and underpinning knowledge workbooks, along with classroom based training courses.
CIWM (WAMITAB) Waste Management and Recycling Activity Qualifications – Level 3
This level is ideal for staff who work within the industry and are employed as team leaders or supervisors.
- Certificate in Principles of Sustainable Resource Management – a knowledge course for those seeking entry to the waste and resource management sector or employees who are already working and want to develop their knowledge and understanding to progress their career
Achievement for the above qualification is by training and assessment, including the production of a work based portfolio and underpinning knowledge workbooks, along with classroom based training courses.
- Diploma for Waste Supervisor – Site supervisor, or employees looking to upskill for promotion
- Diploma for Sustainable Recycling Activities (Supervisory) – this qualification can be tailored to cover two pathways:
- General Pathway covers a range of skills including: reception, processing, storage, and transport of recycling materials; stafff recruitment and development; customer service and marketing of services and products.
- Reuse Pathway covers a range of skills including:reception, processing storage and transport of recycling materials; staff recruitment and development, customer service and promotion of goods in a retail environment.
CIWM (WAMITAB) Award in Health and Safety Supervision for Resource and Waste Management – Level 3
TThe resource and waste management sector is among the most hazardous industries in the UK, with a fatal injury rate eleven times higher than the all-industry average (HSE, 2022). This qualification equips supervisors and managers with critical health and safety knowledge, empowering them to support safer working environments for both themselves and their teams.
This qualification is ideal for those who work within a health and safety function on a waste or recycling management facility. It is aimed at those employees who are responsible for:
• Health and safety legislation in a waste management workplace
• Understanding of key principles of risk assessment in a waste management workplace
• Processing of accident investigation and reporting
• Safety leadership
Achievement is by end of course multiple choice question paper and a reflective work project.
Training, Assessment and Support
As an approved training provider and accredited assessment centre, we provide structured training and assessment services across Waste and Recycling qualifications.
Our team of experienced waste management professionals provide guidance throughout the process ensuring learners meet industry-recognised standards.
Support can include:
• Guidance on selecting the most appropriate qualification pathway
• Support with portfolio development and evidence requirements
• Flexible delivery through on premises support or online learning where appropriate
We work with organisations and individuals across the UK, including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, delivering structured support aligned to operational requirements and qualification frameworks.
Visit our FAQ page for further details on how these qualifcations are achieved.