Gareth Rollings, Head of Waste at West Sussex County Council has been appointed as the new Chair of LARAC (Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee).
His appointment was confirmed at LARAC’s Annual General Meeting, held on 8 October 2025 during the LARAC UK Conference in Birmingham at the Hilton Metropole. Gareth will formally begin his term on 1 January 2026.
He succeeds Cathy Cook, Senior Advisor at ReLondon, who has completed four years in the role. Cathy will remain on the Executive as a National Representative, continuing her long-standing involvement in shaping LARAC’s policy and advocacy work.
LARAC represents 80% of all local authorities across the UK, supporting over 1,400 waste and recycling officers through policy engagement, events, webinars and sector-wide leadership.
Incoming LARAC Chair Gareth said:
“Stepping into the Chair’s role at a point where government reforms are shifting from idea to implementation is a real honour. Local authorities are carrying the weight of Simpler Recycling roll-out, navigating evolving pEPR payments, and still waiting for clarity on DRS, ETS and long-term funding. LARAC’s strength has always been the practical experience and shared challenges across our membership. My focus will be to amplify that collective voice as we move into 2026 and the reality of delivery.”
Toni McNamara, Executive Director of LARAC, added:
“Gareth has been an active and insightful member of the Executive for over five years now and we’re delighted he will be leading LARAC as Chair. His position and grounding in local authority operations and his calm, strategic approach will serve our members well at a time when the sector is under enormous pressure to deliver major change.”
Tribute to outgoing LARAC Chair Cathy Cook:
Cathy became LARAC Chair in 2021 after having only joined the Executive as a National Representative little over 12 months prior in July 2020 and has since guided the organisation through one of the most complex, politically turbulent and reform-heavy periods in its 40-year history.
Her four-year term spanned:
- The shift from policy design to implementation across the Collection and Packaging Reforms.
- Direct engagement with DEFRA, devolved governments, industry bodies and local government organisations to champion operational realities for councils.
- Expanding LARAC’s influence through consultation responses, parliamentary engagement, stakeholder forums and sector partnerships, from steering groups to podcast guest.
- Growth across member events, including oversight of LARAC’s 40th anniversary year.
Reflecting on her tenure, Cathy said:
“It has been a privilege to serve LARAC during such a pivotal time for local authorities. The scale of change we have faced has been immense, and LARAC has worked tirelessly to give councils the clarity, support and representation they need. I’m incredibly proud of the collective effort from the Executive Board, our members and our small HQ team of staff. Stepping back into a National Representative role means I can continue championing local authorities while supporting Gareth as he takes LARAC forward.”
Toni McNamara, LARAC’s Executive Director added:
“Between 2021 and now, the waste and recycling sector has basically lived through a four-year policy avalanche that felt like trying to empty a wheelie bin during a hurricane. One minute government was promising shiny new reforms; the next minute every deadline had slipped off the calendar like a bin sticker in the rain. Cathy has somehow managed to steer LARAC with ease, professionalism and a level of calm confidence that frankly defies physics. We absolutely applaud her for it. We’re delighted she will remain on the Executive and continue to be part of LARAC’s voice.”
For further information please contact Toni McNamara, Executive Director at LARAC, on 01982 382 650 / admin@larac.org.uk.
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