Environmental Services Association names SUEZ’s John Scanlon as next Chairman

The ESA is the trade association for the recycling and waste treatment industry in the United Kingdom. It represents nearly 70 of the country’s largest waste management companies, who collectively employ a 50,000-strong workforce, providing essential frontline services to more than 17 million people every day.

The news follows John’s February appointment to the Net Zero Council, a partnership between government, business and civil society, providing strategic leadership to support delivery of the government’s Clean Energy Superpower Mission.

John Scanlon, Chief Executive Officer of SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, said: "I’m proud to take on the ESA Chair as the sector enters a period of adaptation and delivery that will see the Government’s trio of recycling reforms coming into effect. Whist this creates opportunities for our sector and for progress towards a thriving UK circular economy, to make the most of these opportunities we must also overcome challenges, not least the scourge of waste crime and the ever present risk of fires caused by batteries that have been discarded instead of recycled.

“With the creation of a sector roadmap, the publication of the Government’s circular economy growth plan and preparations for the introduction of ETS in 2028 all in the wings, 2026 is already shaping up to be a productive year and I look forward to helping to lead the sector through this next phase of our transition as we translate policy into practice."

Executive Director of the ESA, Jacob Hayler, said: “The ESA team and I welcome John to his new additional role as ESA Chair and look forward to working with John and the rest of our board as we continue to deliver against our sectoral net-zero and circular economy targets.”