Michael Topham is one of the most influential figures in the United Kingdom’s waste management and environmental services sector. As Chief Executive Officer of Biffa, one of the UK’s largest waste management companies, he has been at the forefront of significant transformation in the industry. His leadership is defined by a deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and the development of a functioning circular economy. Since becoming CEO in 2018, Topham has not only guided Biffa through major operational growth but has also become a leading voice in shaping policy reforms that affect recycling, producer responsibility, and decarbonisation.
Early Career and Background
Michael Topham began his career at PwC, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, where he built a strong foundation in finance and corporate strategy. His early career provided him with vital experience in financial management, risk analysis, and operational oversight. This financial expertise would later become central to his leadership style, allowing him to combine commercial acumen with long-term sustainability objectives.
He moved into the waste management industry through Greenstar UK, where he worked as Finance Director. Greenstar was eventually acquired by Biffa in 2010, marking the beginning of Topham’s long relationship with the company. His ability to navigate complex mergers and integrate teams was evident at this point and set the stage for his eventual rise to senior leadership.
Rise within Biffa
Joining Biffa in 2010, Michael Topham quickly made an impact. He became Chief Financial Officer (CFO) in 2013, where he oversaw critical financial restructuring and helped position Biffa for stability and growth in a highly competitive market.
In September 2018, Topham was appointed Chief Executive Officer. His promotion coincided with a period when the waste management industry was undergoing rapid change, driven by environmental concerns, government regulation, and shifting consumer expectations around recycling and sustainability.
As CEO, Topham has guided Biffa through major strategic moves, including investments in plastics recycling, energy-from-waste facilities, and surplus redistribution through partnerships with food retailers and manufacturers.
Leadership Philosophy
Michael Topham’s leadership is grounded in a balance of commercial pragmatism and sustainability ambition. He believes that profitability and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive. Instead, he advocates for the idea that the waste industry can achieve growth while significantly reducing carbon emissions and increasing recycling rates.
He often speaks about the importance of stable policy frameworks. For him, the UK government’s role in creating consistent and predictable regulation is vital for unlocking billions in private investment into green infrastructure. Topham argues that businesses will invest in recycling facilities, low-carbon transport, and innovative technologies only when the regulatory environment supports long-term planning.
Biffa under Michael Topham
Under his leadership, Biffa has transformed into a company at the heart of the UK’s transition to a circular economy. Several notable achievements stand out:
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Revenue Growth and Decarbonisation
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Since 2019/20, Biffa has grown revenues by nearly 50% while at the same time cutting Scope 1 and 2 emissions by more than a third. This demonstrates that environmental progress can go hand-in-hand with financial performance.
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Investment in Plastics Recycling
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Biffa has expanded its plastics recycling capacity significantly, with the goal of quadrupling its processing capabilities by 2030. This includes recycling facilities for PET plastics, which are widely used in drinks bottles and food packaging.
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Fleet Electrification
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Topham has pushed for electrification of Biffa’s waste collection fleet. He acknowledges that decarbonising heavy vehicles is challenging, but he strongly supports investment in electric and hydrogen-powered alternatives.
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Food Surplus Redistribution
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Biffa’s acquisition of the Company Shop Group has allowed it to redirect surplus food from retailers into affordable community shops, reducing waste and supporting households across the UK.
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Energy-from-Waste Projects
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Recognising the limits of recycling, Biffa has invested in energy-from-waste infrastructure to reduce reliance on landfill. These facilities provide low-carbon electricity while diverting residual waste from traditional disposal methods.
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Industry Roles and Wider Influence
Beyond Biffa, Michael Topham plays a crucial role in shaping industry dialogue. In November 2023, he became Chairman of the Environmental Services Association (ESA), the trade body representing the UK’s waste and resource management sector. The ESA works closely with government and regulators, and Topham’s appointment underscores his influence in lobbying for effective environmental policy.
He also serves as a Non-Executive Director at Galliford Try, a leading UK construction company, which provides him with insight into infrastructure development beyond waste management. This cross-industry perspective strengthens his ability to advocate for holistic sustainability strategies.
Policy Advocacy
Michael Topham is a strong advocate for several key reforms in the UK waste management sector:
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Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): He supports a model where producers bear the true cost of the packaging they place on the market, ensuring accountability for waste reduction and recycling.
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Simpler Recycling: Topham has called for a standardised recycling system across councils, making it easier for consumers to recycle consistently and effectively.
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Deposit Return Scheme (DRS): He has championed the introduction of a nationwide deposit return scheme for drinks containers to improve recycling rates.
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Plastics Packaging Tax: He has argued for strengthening the plastics packaging tax to encourage greater use of recycled content.
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Ban on Plastic Exports: He supports restrictions on exporting unprocessed plastics overseas, calling instead for investment in domestic recycling infrastructure.
These reforms, in his view, are essential to build a functioning circular economy and reduce the UK’s dependence on landfill and incineration.
Challenges and Criticism
Like any leader in a complex industry, Michael Topham has faced challenges. Critics sometimes argue that large waste management companies move too slowly on sustainability or that energy-from-waste plants discourage recycling. Topham has responded by emphasising the need for balanced solutions. He argues that while recycling should always be prioritised, the UK must also invest in safe alternatives for residual waste that cannot be recycled.
Another challenge has been navigating political uncertainty. Policy delays on EPR and simpler recycling have frustrated the industry, with Topham warning that the UK risks falling behind in its environmental commitments unless these reforms are delivered quickly.
Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Michael Topham envisions a future where the UK waste management sector plays a central role in decarbonisation and resource efficiency. His priorities include:
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Achieving net zero emissions across Biffa’s operations by 2050.
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Delivering £1.25 billion of green investment by 2030.
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Expanding recycling capacity for plastics, paper, and metals.
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Electrifying the entire waste collection fleet.
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Ensuring that government policy provides the certainty needed for businesses to invest.
He remains optimistic that with the right frameworks in place, the UK can create thousands of new jobs in green industries and become a leader in the global circular economy.
Personal Leadership Style
Colleagues describe Michael Topham as approachable, pragmatic, and highly focused on long-term value. Unlike leaders who chase short-term results, he is known for making decisions with sustainability in mind. His financial background ensures discipline in execution, while his passion for environmental issues drives innovation.
He also values collaboration across the sector. By working closely with competitors, regulators, and environmental groups, he aims to build consensus around the shared mission of reducing waste and emissions.
Conclusion
Michael Topham’s career reflects the evolution of the waste management industry itself: a shift from simple disposal towards integrated resource management and sustainability. As CEO of Biffa, he has led the company through a period of growth and transformation, balancing profitability with environmental responsibility. His role as Chairman of the Environmental Services Association further cements his position as one of the most influential voices in UK environmental policy.
With ambitious goals for recycling, decarbonisation, and investment, Michael Topham continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in waste management. His leadership highlights the vital role that industry figures play in shaping not only corporate success but also national progress towards a greener and more sustainable future.
