I hope everyone is enjoying their summer, although the weather hasn’t quite been what you expect at this time of year!
For those who still don’t consider climate change to be either a real concept or a real issue – take note! The weather we have seen globally over the last few months has demonstrated that the concept is definitely real and the issue needs to continue to be a high priority. And we can all continue to play our part, by addressing all aspects of the waste hierarchy and working towards circular economy goals.
I have just completed judging – along with colleagues from Lets Recycle, LGA, NAWDO and WRAP – the entries for the LARAC Awards for the UK Conference in October, and there is certainly an excellent range of projects covering issues across the waste industry, and its so enthusing to see how hard Local Authorities are continuing to work even in challenging times to deliver services and come up with new and innovating projects. As always, the awards evening (and the rest of the conference!) promises to be an engaging and informative couple of days. If you still need to register, you can do so HERE.
I am looking forward to chairing the conference for the second time, and was anticipating – as we all were – to be able to discuss and inform members more of the progress of the collection and packaging reforms. However, the last couple of months have seen a number of blows to their progress, firstly with the delay to the Scottish DRS, followed by delays to EPR and consistency – the response to which remains ever elusive!
Away from the CPR, LARAC held a webinar on another key policy area last week – POPs. We had a number of very informative speakers, covering POPs in both WEEE and also soft furnishings. If you were unable to attend that webinar the recording can be found HERE.
In addition, we are also responding to a call for evidence from the Public Accounts committee over the report from the National Audit Office on the Resources and Waste Strategy, please see the link HERE and the consultation on the EPR Regulations please see the link HERE.
As well as that, over the next couple of months, I will be continuing to get ready and prepare for the UK Conference in October, where I hope to see many of you there. In the meantime, I shall continue to wait for a bit of summer sun!
