With January already in the history books, and policy implementation deadlines getting closer, it’s no surprise that things are already getting busier and busier as 2026 progresses – and we’re only 1 month in!
At LARAC, visits and engagement have begun with a variety of events. We had our first LARAC Scholars’ visit of the year to the GAP facility near Newcastle, to see the facility for the recycling and repair of household electronics. As always, a huge thanks to Ecogenesys who sponsor the programme, and we look forward to the second visit at EMR's fridge recycling facility on 4 February.
As well as this, we also attended the North West Resources Forum to hear about the background, progress and plans for Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), and I presented a policy update and overview at the Yorkshire & Humber regional meeting.
We also held our first member webinar of the year on NOx Canisters, Batteries and Vapes: Tackling Fire Risks in the Waste Stream. The recording and slides are available here.
In the world of written policy, 2026 has already seen two significant consultations launched. DAERA released the Rethinking Our Resources: Northern Ireland Resources and Waste Management Strategy, and Welsh Government launched a consultation on Amendments to Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging to cover street binned and littered packaging waste in Wales. Member briefings on these can be found here, and further updates on LARAC responses will be shared with members shortly.
Meanwhile, for England and the rollout of Simpler Recycling, DEFRA continues with its Change Networks – moving into phase 2 and topics including flats above shops, and staff training. We encourage you to engage with these sessions, and registration to them is free. Click here for more info.
In addition to these, we have seen updates on timelines for both Digital Waste Tracking and pEPR quarter 3 payments, interim clarification on Animal By-Product (ABP) requirements, and have begun discussing topics including recycling of textiles and other hard to process materials, and released our policy position statement on enforcement powers for UK local authorities.
Planning for LARAC’s 2026 conferences is also underway, with meetings taking place for all three – UK, Wales and Scotland. We will also be sponsoring and attending the Recycle NI and CIWM Northern Ireland waste management conference in Belfast in May. More information on these events will be available on the LARAC website here as details are confirmed. We’ll also be at a number of other events over the next few months, including the National Food Waste and DRS conferences in London, and the CIWM Resource Conference in Wales. If you’re interested in attending upcoming events, more information and discount codes for LARAC members can be found here.
So, plenty to get stuck into as the year progresses, and I hope to see some of you at one (or more!) of these events over the next few months!
