Another Christmas has come and gone! As we embark on a new year, I send my wishes to all our members. I hope your break was restful and filled with joy.
For many in our sector, however, the holidays don't always translate into a rest. To those who diligently worked through the festivities, ensuring the smooth operation of crucial services, I want to express a massive thank you. While some of us enjoyed the luxury of logging out, indulging in mince pies, slathered in extra thick brandy cream and sipping on Baileys (or was that just me?!), others laboured behind the scenes. Crew and back-office staff worked tirelessly to manage the surge in waste, recycling, food waste, and the unfortunate rise in fly-tipping. Their dedication ensures that, for many, the holiday season remains seamless – bins emptied, detritus cleared, and life goes on, out of sight, out of mind.
Speaking of waste and recycling, let's rewind to early December when we hosted our final LARAC webinar for 2023, focusing on Food Waste. I would like to thank our speakers, each bringing a unique perspective to the discussion, and a special shout-out to Cathy, who chaired the event on her birthday – now that's commitment! If you missed the webinar, you can catch up here, download the slides, and explore the valuable resources we've linked. Remember to log in as a member for exclusive access.
Looking forward, keep an eye out for an invitation to our next online event, where members will be invited to participate in a LARAC workshop discussing the open WEEE consultation and call for evidence. To get a head start, read the LARAC briefing paper here. This is your chance to gain insights into the consultation and have your say in the response. More details will follow soon, but don't worry – if you can't make it, you can always drop us an email to share your views or ask questions.
Some fabulous news came yesterday when Margaret Bates from OPRL was announced as the new head of scheme administrator for extended producer responsibility (EPR). We look forward to working closely with Margaret as we move forward and get EPR online.
On a lighter note, my sincere apologies if my festive food description triggered anyone on a 'New Year, New Me' diet. As we embrace the opportunities and challenges that 2024 will undoubtedly bring, let's carry the spirit of appreciation from the holidays into the new year.
Wishing you all a fantastic start to 2024!
