It’s been a couple of months since my last blog and a lot has happened since then, and not just the weather seemingly skipping autumn and going straight for winter.
September is traditionally event season, and this year has been no exception. I had the chance to speak at the North East Recycling Forum (NERF) on the challenges of Simpler Recycling for local authorities, as well as attending RWM with the expanded LARAC Lounge, and the RECOUP Conference.
The start of October saw our own UK Conference and Awards Ceremony, celebrating 40 years of LARAC! We started the week with our scholars’ event (sponsored by Ecogenesys), welcoming the cohort of LARAC Scholars for 2025-26. It was a fantastic, engaging discussion, and we look forward to welcoming them on site visits to WEEE recyclers early in the new year!
This led nicely into the two days of LARAC Conference, where I chaired a workshop on day 2, with DEFRA presenting on the work of the Circular Economy (CE) Taskforce.
Across the two days we saw excellent talks and debates, including a fascinating and unique presentation from Dr Henry Irving on the History of Waste which really captured the interest of the 500+ in attendance. Like many I imagine, I will admit my personal highlight was the awards night – for the celebration of local authority efforts towards waste management, reuse and recycling, of course, not just because of the opportunity to meet and have a photo with Barry from Eastend-uh, Shaun Williamson, our guest host. Something about a room of tuxedo wearing professionals queuing for selfies which was quite surreal.
Enjoyed seeing the photos and slides following the event, which are available now on the LARAC website!
Policy wise, as has been the case throughout the year, focus has been more on implementation of legislation, than the legislation itself. Engagement with DEFRA, PackUK, DESNZ and the EA has continued in relation to pEPR, Simpler Recycling and ETS.
We have also seen an increase in queries and discussion relating to animal by-product (ABP) legislation and how it will overlap with local authority collection of food waste from households and businesses. This is a developing area of discussion and, along with WRAP (whose guidance we understand is currently the most up-to-date position), we hope to be able to provide a definitive update soon.
We have also continued engaging with Welsh members on the current DRS consultation in the country and have spoken with Welsh Government on how engagement may work going forward. The final draft is available and will be submitted shortly.
As we move into November, the events don’t stop. I will be at the Collection Conferences, giving an EPR Payment Update from LARAC perspective. We also had a webinar today (4 November) for LARAC Members, 'EA Briefing: Waste Policy and Enforcement Updates'. Whilst the EA’s activity is England-specific, it was an excellent opportunity to find out about the opportunities and pitfalls the enforcement body faces across legislation, specifically Simpler Recycling, tackling waste crime and upcoming changes to the Carrier, Broker, Dealer (CBD) system.
If you missed it you can catch up with the recording here soon!
