For the first time since before the pandemic, I’m visiting another country next week….I’ll be heading off to sunny Scotland for the LARAC conference!
Lets hope the sunny weather holds out, and I’m looking forward to meeting colleagues from North of the border and discussing all the key issues that are happening in the waste industry such as the consultations (of course!) and juicy topics such as contamination and plastic film recycling. The conference is on 24th May so there is still a few days to secure your place!
Speaking of consultations, there are still plenty about to keep us busy and we are always working hard to ensure that members are kept informed of the key issues affecting Local Authorities. We also continue to engage with key stakeholders and make sure we get our feet around the table to ensure members views are represented.
The main hot topics in terms of consultations at the moment are around charging for DIY waste at HWRCs, targets around the reduction of residual waste and the potential for energy from waste plants to become part of the emissions trading scheme. All of these are likely to have significant impacts for local authority services, and members should ensure that they familiarise themselves with the policy briefings. Regional reps are always available to answer any questions you may have or you can post questions on the discussion forum if you need any further clarification on any issues.
And there will be more changes and announcements afoot as we are still eagerly waiting for the DEFRA responses to the consultation on consistency and DRS, which are due at anytime, and in addition, a consultation on the statutory guidance which is due during the Summer. Again, look out for LARAC briefings to members on all of these issues, as we continue to prepare for the biggest shake up in the waste industry for years.
So, it promises to be a busy Summer, as the Welsh conference also falls in July, and again, I’m really looking forward to meeting colleagues from Wales to further discuss the issues of the day.
In the meantime I’ll continue to enjoy the (intermittent) sunshine!
