ISWA 2026 : ISWA World Congress opens registration and call for abstracts
The waste management sector's premier international event returns to British shores after three decades, with the ISWA World Congress 2026 scheduled for 9–11 November in London. The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), hosting the event, has now launched early bird registration alongside a call for research papers and case study submissions.
International gathering returns to United Kingdom
The Congress marks a significant milestone, being the first time the UK has hosted this global forum in 30 years. CIWM anticipates welcoming approximately 1,200 delegates from more than 50 countries, positioning London as a focal point for discussions on innovation, sustainability and circular economy development.
The three-day event promises to unite practitioners, policymakers, researchers and academics in a collaborative environment designed to foster networking, knowledge exchange and inspiration across the global waste management community.
Call for research submissions across five strategic themes
CIWM is actively seeking contributions from forward-thinking individuals and organisations willing to share innovative research, case studies and practical solutions with an international audience of waste management professionals, policymakers and sustainability leaders.
Paper submissions are invited across five key themes aligned with ISWA's Principles & Guidance for Lasting Change:
- Human Rights: Ensuring every individual is free from harmful effects of waste
- Political Commitment: Sustaining continuous improvement in waste management service provision and recognising its societal importance
- Waste Planning: Designing and delivering viable solutions for national and local contexts (social, political, economic, legal and technical factors)
- The Economics of Waste and Resource Management: Securing essential investment to realise wider socio-economic benefits
- Circular Economy: Prioritising the transition to more circular economies by 2050
The deadline for abstract submissions is 17 April 2026, with full details available at https://www.iswa2026.org/abstract/.
Addressing mounting global resource challenges
The urgency of the Congress theme is underscored by pressing statistics. As waste and resource resilience challenges intensify worldwide, the need for innovation has never been greater.
Commenting on the announcement, CIWM CEO Sarah Poulter said: "Around the world, we produce approximately 2.1 billion tonnes of waste a year and it is estimated that this number could rise to around 3.8 billion tonnes by 2050. We need to recognise the value of these finite resources and work together to develop more circular practices that protect and enhance global health, environments and economies. We are excited to welcome delegates from around the world to London — a dynamic and vibrant city full of culture and history. Join the World Congress and be part of a global movement to a world beyond waste."
Early bird registration is now available through the Congress website. For general, sponsorship or media enquiries, contact [email protected]. Further information can be found at www.iswa2026.org.
