Environmental consultant Jim Malcolm has been appointed chairman of the Waste Authority.
Environment Minister Bill Marmion said as a former director of the Department of Environment and Conservation's waste management division, Mr Malcolm could provide an insight into the challenges of waste management.
"Mr Malcolm played a significant role in setting up the Waste2020 strategic waste management planning initiative," Mr Marmion said.
"This experience provides him with a clear understanding of the complexity of waste issues, the range of stakeholders and the need for a broad approach to improve Western Australia's record in waste reduction and resource recovery."
The Waste Authority has been looking for a new chairman since March last year, when then-chair Barry Carbon stepped down amid accusations his role with private mining company Bauxite Resources conflicted with the duties of holding one of WA's premier environmental positions.
"I would like to thank Ms Jan Grimoldby for her contribution as acting chair," Mr Marmion said.
"She now returns to her appointed position of deputy chair."