I hope everyone took some well-earned time off over the summer. I managed to get some much-needed rest and relaxation in a – not so sunny – Wales. Despite the intermittent British weather, a break is always welcome. Overall, August has been a quieter month for events and conferences, but as always, I have been kept busy with policy work.
We saw another huge turnout for our recent webinar on POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants). Chaired by our Chair, Cathy Cook, we heard Claire Snow from ICER – the Industry Council for Electronic Equipment Recycling talk about ICER's extensive research on the extent of POPs in WEEE. Bob McIntyre from the Environment Agency gave an update on POPs, where we are, and what is required from Local Authorities to comply with POPs regulations. Paul Taylor from Cumbria Waste Group gave us an authentic Local Authority perspective on how Cumbria adapted to accommodate the POPs requirements for WUDs (Waste Upholstered Domestic seating) – the good, the bad and the ugly. If you missed the webinar or want to download the slides, no fear; view it here! Our next webinar in the series will focus on food waste.
I had the pleasure of sitting on the judging panel for this year's LARAC awards. We had a record number of entries, and although there can only be one winner in each category, they are all worthy of accolades. It is inspiring to read about teams that go above and beyond for each other and for their residents, the creative minds coming up with catchy campaigns, those who are maximizing impact, those making efforts to go beyond recycling, and more! Check out the shortlist for our finalists.
Hope to see lots of you at the RWM Resource and Waste Management Expo next week, where we will be exhibiting. Be sure to come along and say hello. The LARAC stand will be at the Halls 17-20 in the NEC arena. Bin geek alert! I'll be taking my copy of Waste - Uncovering the Global Food Scandal for Tristram Stuart to sign...
The end of August marks six months in my role here at LARAC! What a whirlwind it has been so far. Over the next six months, alongside my policy and advocacy work, I will be working on developing regional meetings so our members can harness those all-important networking and partnership opportunities.
The UK LARAC conference and celebration awards are next month. I look forward to seeing lots of you in person, listening to all the insightful speakers, getting stuck into workshops and raising a glass (or two) to the finalists at this year's awards evening.
See you all there!
