For the latest instalment of our LARAC Insider series, we turn the spotlight on Gareth Rollings, National Representative on the LARAC Executive. With a career spanning IT, local government, and waste management, Gareth is now Head of Waste at West Sussex County Council. Four years into his role on the Executive, Gareth’s enthusiasm for the sector is as strong as ever.
Getting to Know Gareth Rollings
Profile:
Name: Gareth Rollings
Position on the Executive: National Representative
Council you work for/current position: West Sussex County Council, Head of Waste
Number of years on the Executive: Four
Why Did You Join the LARAC Executive?
“I had the opportunity to attend a LARAC conference in Nottingham in 2014, which provided me with valuable insights into the waste industry. As the years progressed, I transitioned roles and became increasingly involved in consulting and leading services. As a result, my involvement in the wider waste industry grew, and with it, my reliance on LARAC as a reliable resource. When an advert for a national rep was advertised in 2020, a friend suggested that I be ideal for the role and that I should put myself forward. The rest is history, and I have enjoyed every minute of it.”
Pathway into the Waste Industry
Gareth’s career began in IT for a local authority. When a waste team role opened that needed IT expertise, he applied and got the job, despite warnings it might be the “worst decision” he’d ever make. Instead, Gareth found his niche in the waste sector and has never looked back.
Highlights and Challenges in Waste Management
What’s the best bit about working in waste? And the worst bit?
“The best part is the variety—you’re constantly learning and working on new projects while helping people along the way.
The worst? The smell. I once wore a suit to a facility, and the dry cleaner couldn’t remove the odour. Lesson learned!”
What material would you ban if you could?
“Disposable vapes. They’re a real headache at our MRF because residents wrongly believe they can be recycled.”
Life Outside Work
How do you spend your free time?
“I spend my free time with the family, I have a love for motorbikes and will spend the dry months visiting places to capture some nice pictures or drone footage and maybe enjoy a bit of food!”
What’s in your bin at home?
“Cat food pouches as I have three cats who always want feeding which seem to take up a lot of room, plastic film, coffee grinds and tea bags.”
Gareth’s Top Picks
Who would you have a dinner party with (and why)?
“Freddie Mercury was absolutely brilliant, and he was taken far too young. I often wonder how many more hits Queen would have had if he were still alive, and I think he would make my dinner party fab.”
What would your three luxury items be on a desert island?
“My iPhone with a signal but just to play games would be a must, plenty of coke zero and my dog Jaxon at my side.”
Gareth’s passion for waste management and his ability to embrace new challenges make him an invaluable member of the LARAC Executive. Thank you, Gareth, for sharing your story - it’s been great getting to know you better!
