Well, I don’t know about everyone else, but I am still reeling from the LARAC conference two weeks ago! What a brilliant event!
It was interesting for me to be on the other side as the Chair of LARAC rather than as an attendee. Not only did it mean that I had plenty more to do, but it also gave me a much better insight into all of the fantastic hard work that goes on behind the scenes from the event organisers, the LARAC staff and the sponsors, to ensure that the conference is a success.
There were a number of excellent speakers and panel debates, and although there was still a limited amount of information available from DEFRA on the progress of the collection and packaging reforms, there were still some useful discussions and questions from the audience. We were however promised by DEFRA that the remaining consultation responses – those for consistency and DRS – will be with us by the end of the year, so watch this space…….
As always there were many sponsors and stands to peruse and my personal thanks goes out to those organisations who came along and exhibited in the sponsors area and supported the LARAC conference. We always try and ensure that the organisations in attendance lend real value to attendees and help to support them in their waste management roles.
The awards evening was, as always, full of fun and laughter, and congratulations to all of the winners and finalists of the six awards. We had a number of high-level award entries and it is always hard to choose between such excellent projects, all of which have taken so much hard work and dedication from the local authority officers involved. It makes me really proud to be able to acknowledge and reward such commitment and for the winners to enjoy a great evening of relishing in their achievements.
So, after all of the planning, chairing, presenting and organising, I was very pleased – all be it very tired! – at what a success it was, and can't wait until next year!
Until then, there will be plenty of LARAC work to do, we will be putting on a webinar in November on POPs and will be planning further webinars throughout 2023. And as always, your regional LARAC rep will be on hand to help support you and run regional events in your area, so get in contact with them if you need further information. And don’t forget about the discussion forum there is always plenty of valuable information and advice to be exchanged from your peers within the waste industry.
