Who Are We?

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.