Having believed for a couple of weekends that Spring had finally sprung….last week, it was time to get the heating back on again.
Although during the first couple of weeks of March I managed to get out and do some work in the garden, it has now turned a bit colder again, so my thoughts are with those hard working Local Authority crews out there in the chilly weather, and here’s hoping for an upturn in temperatures again soon.
As you may be aware, LARAC is supported by an executive committee of around 20 Local Authority Officers from across the UK, and every April we meet on an Away Day to discuss the LARAC business plan, to ensure we are on track to continue to deliver best practice for our members.
It’s always good to meet face to face, and as such, its makes for a useful session, as we all know that in the world of waste nothing stays still for long, so continuous change and improvement and a reactive approach is the key to making LARAC such an excellent membership organisation.
At this year’s Away Day, the key topics include the implementation of services for the collection of plastic films and flexibles and also devolution and local government reorganisation. All of these will have a significant impact on Local Authorities and LARAC wants to be a prepared as possible in order to support its members.
In addition to the Away Day, myself and LARACs Executive Director Toni McNamara and Policy Officer Tom McBeth now also hold regular monthly meetings with DEFRAs Simpler Recycling Team, as it is important to keep engaged on updates and changes in legislation and implementation of policies in order to provide information in a timely manner to members. And just as importantly, ensure that the DEFRA Team are made aware of key issues from the Local Authority perspective. LARAC would like to hear from members if there are any specific issues you would like us to raise.
After the Away Day we will be enjoying the Easter break, then on May 8th is the first of LARACs conferences for the year, when we host the LARAC Scotland conference in Glasgow. Registration is now open and tickets are available to buy here.
Key topics on the agenda include; the Circular Economy, POPs, textiles recycling, Deposit Return Scheme and the implications of the Emissions Trading Scheme, so a lot of information available in a few hours, but all very interesting and useful for all attendees. I am looking forwards to seeing some of you there!
