Since my last blog, I have had the opportunity to spend time with many of our members at ESS in Birmingham. Between speaking at the event, spending time in the LARAC Lounge with the team and catching up with members from across the UK, it has been another valuable opportunity to hear first-hand about the opportunities and challenges facing local authority waste and recycling services.
One of the things I always enjoy about these events is the opportunity to step away from the day-to-day pressures and talk openly about the realities of delivering services. While every conversation is different, several common themes kept emerging throughout the event and many of the meetings I have attended over recent weeks.
One of these themes has been the growing concern around residual waste. Following discussions at Biffa Net Zero 2026 earlier in the summer, I recently took part in the CIWM Residual Realities webinar where we explored the challenges associated with managing residual waste in an increasingly complex policy environment. As councils continue to improve recycling performance and deliver food waste collections, attention is increasingly turning towards the costs, infrastructure requirements and long-term sustainability of managing what remains.
Alongside this, discussions continue around fridge treatment capacity and wider infrastructure resilience. The challenges affecting cooling appliance treatment over recent months have highlighted how dependent local authorities are on specialist treatment infrastructure and the importance of having resilient networks capable of adapting to disruption.
Another issue attracting significant attention is the continued rise in battery-related fires. Recent discussions with DEFRA, NAWDO and other stakeholders have once again highlighted the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and vapes entering the waste stream. This is not a new issue, but it remains one of the most significant operational challenges facing local authorities and the wider waste sector.
Work also continues across a number of major reforms including Simpler Recycling, EPR and Digital Waste Tracking. While many of these programmes have been years in the making, implementation remains a significant undertaking for local authorities. The professionalism and dedication shown by officers across the country should not be underestimated.
As ESS draws to a close, I am looking forward to a week's annual leave in Marrakech before returning for what will be another important milestone in my LARAC journey. In October, I will have the privilege of chairing my first LARAC UK Conference.
Having spent the past year attending conferences, speaking at events and supporting the team, it feels slightly different knowing that I will now be standing on stage helping to guide one of the sector's flagship events. If I'm being completely honest, there are certainly a few nerves involved, although I'm sure the team will tell you that's perfectly normal.
Spending time with members at ESS has reinforced why these events matter so much. They give us an opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and discuss the practical realities of delivering waste and recycling services.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by the LARAC Lounge, attended sessions or took the time to have a chat over the two days. I hope to return from Marrakech refreshed and ready for conference season, and I look forward to seeing many of you in October.
