Despite the general assumption that August is holiday season, things slow down, progress slows, out of offices are on, we’ve seen momentum maintained after the previous months of events, discussions and announcements.
Riding the high of the Change Network events that were covered in my previous blog, as well as the welcome announcement that plastic film and flexible collections for recycling in England have been put back to 2030, we also received updates on a pause on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for waste.
Whilst lacking in detail at present, the confirmation from DESNZ that ETS will not be extended to waste from the previously planned 2028 date has meant a huge sigh of relief. Lots of information still required, but breathing space now to understand and prepare for this when it does eventually come. We will, of course, keep you posted as we hear more on revised timelines and details!
Now we begin to head into the time of year where PackUK will start sending out their comms on current and future packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) payments. To support this, the Local Authority Payments (LAP) portal is now open to local authorities to access payment information. Similarly, access to the Digital Waste Tracking (DWT) platform is now open to local authorities as well, so a few technical
As we’re into September, the Resource & Waste Management Expo (RWM Expo) is around the corner – next week in fact! Just like last year we have our LARAC Lounge (expanded for 2026) for local authorities to visit. Come along and say hello – maybe even stay for the drinks reception we’re hosting between 2:00pm and 2:45pm on day 1!
Following that, we build up to the LARAC UK Conference, awards ceremony and scholars’ event. The full agenda is set, shortlists for the awards announced, and the countdown begins. We hope to see you there!
