As part of the annual LARAC Scholarship Programme, sponsored by Ecogenesys, we invite suitably qualified LARAC members to apply for a Scholarship place to attend our LARAC UK Conference in Birmingham. This October, 24 successful scholars joined our conference, free of charge.
At our annual 2-day conference the LARAC Scholars, new entrants to our industry, get the chance to hear the latest from the leaders in our field, learn how to place their own experiences in the national context and get practical insights which they can apply in their own workplace.
As a scholar, attending such an event can be a little daunting, so we help ease them in gently by holding a scholars’ only session the day before conference.
This year the session included a presentation by Tom McBeth, LARAC Policy Officer, plus an overview on WEEE from Ecogenesys, the sponsors of the scholarship programme. Gareth Rollings, LARAC Chair, was also introduced to the group plus LARAC Exec members Vicki Burrell (LARAC Vice Chair), Cindy Gardener (London Rep) and Solomon Ede (Scotland Rep) who gave their very useful insights into ‘Being a Local Authority Waste Officer’.
Following on was a Chair’s drinks just ahead of the Quiz Night/Meet the Exec session with dinner, (with thanks once again to our quiz-master James Ward, LARAC Vice Chair), this gives the scholars time to network a bit more in a relaxed environment. This really does help them prepare for two full days of conference, networking and workshops, and the relationships they forge are incredibly valued.
If you are thinking of applying to our scholarship next year, it’s a really good idea to read their highlights below as they share their experiences or read their reports in full here.
LARAC
The 2026 Scholars, in their own words….
Scholars Workshop & Dinner
For me, the Scholars Seminar was a great introduction to the conference. I was able to meet other scholars in a more relaxed setting, and this helped me to feel part of the event
Hearing from previous scholars about their career journeys and current work was inspiring, and it was interesting to hear about the different journeys within the waste sector.
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Ecogenesys provided really interesting insight into some of the challenges facing the sector and made me realise how much perfectly good, unused electronic devices are being hoarded by people in the UK!
The first evening continued with welcome drinks, a reception, buffet and quiz. Toni McNamara from LARAC was circulating throughout the room, warmly welcoming delegates and making everyone feel included. It was also a fantastic opportunity to meet the other Scholars.
The Members' Dinner and Quiz provided a relaxed setting to build relationships with fellow scholars and delegates. The fun (but challenging!) quiz was an added bonus, particularly when my table won!
Conference Day 1
As local authorities prepare for significant changes over the coming years, it was helpful to hear expert perspectives on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
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Presentations covering Simpler Recycling and the Deposit Return Scheme were also particularly valuable, providing a greater understanding of forthcoming legislative changes and their potential impacts our services and reporting requirements.
The food waste session stood out for me, and I came away with numerous ideas and notes that I hope to explore further within my own authority
I also really enjoyed the exhibition stands during the breaks and thought the whole conference was very well organised.
LARAC
Awards Evening
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The awards ceremony was an inspiring part of the conference. It was encouraging to see a wide range of innovative projects being recognised.
I also loved discovering ideas from elsewhere, particularly the pop-up HWRCs, and celebrating the innovation happening across the sector.
The Awards Evening was without doubt a highlight of the conference and a night I will remember for a long time.
Conference Day 2
I would have to say the highlight of the conference was actually the final day of workshops and seminars.
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The smaller groups allowed for breakout sessions, which facilitated deeper discussion, and I found this very engaging.
I found the workshop presented by Devon Council about boosting food waste participation particularly insightful and have already relayed some of the lessons learned back to my colleagues.
The Behaviour Change and Community Engagement workshop highlighted the importance of understanding residents' motivations and barriers before designing campaigns and interventions.
A stand-out aspect was going to the meetings which dealt with food waste projects in Devon and the increasing problem of battery fires.
I attended the talks on Behaviour Change, Pack UK and Battery Fires. Due to being at the battery fires talk I was able to speak to Niamh from Material Focus and get some advice on introducing a new vape collection service in our council.
I was impressed by the work undertaken by WRAP, particularly its support for local authorities through research, communications materials, and behaviour change campaigns.
I attended the CAAT seminar, which I found especially memorable, and not just because it was cat themed!
Final Thoughts....
I left the conference with new connections, new ideas and a broader perspective on the waste and recycling sector.
I returned with practical ideas, wider sector insight, and renewed motivation to develop sustainability initiatives that are credible, collaborative, and deliverable.
One of the most valuable aspects of the conference was the opportunity to network with colleagues from other local authorities and organisations.
I really loved being able to spend the three days learning so much about the sector.
The opportunity to meet so many professionals face-to-face.
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I am extremely grateful for the opportunity provided through the Scholarship Programme and look forward to the upcoming site visit.
I am grateful to LARAC and Ecogenesys for providing this opportunity and would highly recommend the scholarship programme to anyone looking to develop their knowledge and career within the industry.
The accommodation, food, venue arrangements and scheduling were all excellent.
I have already asked my manager if I can come back next year!
