WSP Local Authority Waste Conference
- Date: Wednesday 29th April 2026
- Time: 10am – 3pm
- Location: The Mailbox, Level 2, 100 Wharfside Street, Birmingham, B1 1RT
Join WSP for the day: let’s talk waste policy, delivering change, Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), markets and innovation!
Following one-to-one meetings and our sponsorship of the keynote theatre at the Resources and Waste Management conference, we’re bringing together voices from across the waste sector exclusively for local authorities to help them navigate their waste management priorities and pressures.
We understand the financial pressures local authorities face, and the impending once in a generation policy shift. With input from local authority clients and other waste sector players, we're hosting this exclusive event to share insights on how to better navigate complex industry changes, Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and waste management innovations on the horizon.
Let’s share what we’ve learned, explore what’s next, and challenge what’s possible. Expect a dynamic mix of expert perspectives, including practical insights into contracts and variations, fresh thinking on LGR and waste management innovations on the horizon.
There’ll be time to connect over coffee and lunch, hear from guest speakers including Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and East London Waste Authority (ELWA), and close with reflections from our leaders.
Agenda
- 10.00-10.10 Welcome address
10.10-11.10 Policy updates
-ETS Insights - John Dawson Nowak (WSP)
-pEPR Insights - Beth Gordon (PackUK) and Lorna Pannett (WSP/Ricardo)
-Simpler Recycling & DRS Insights - Stephanie Briscoe (WSP)
- 11.10-11.30 Coffee
11.30-12.45 Delivering Change
-PFI Expiry & Re-procurement - David Pietropaoli (ELWA)
-A new MRF through a Design & Build Contract - David Taylor (GMCA)
-Reinvigorating Gasification assets - David Proctor (MKCC) and Alison Leavens (WSP)
- 12.45-13.00 Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) Action Planning - Dr Surabhin Chackiath (WSP)
- 13.00-13.45 Lunch
13.45-14.50 Innovation panel
-Carbon Capture: Tony Alderson (WSP)
-Nappy Recycling: Rhiannon Chapple (Nappicycle)
-Biochar: Dan Wrench (Shropshire Council)
-Chemical Recycling: Daniele Pacifici (WSP/Ricardo)
- 14.50-15.00 Closing address
