LARAC East Midlands Recycling Advisory Forum 2026

The LARAC East Midlands Recycling Advisory Forum is the premier gathering for waste management professionals, local authority officers, and environmental policy advisors across Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands region. As we move into 2026, the landscape of municipal waste has shifted significantly with the full implementation of unified recycling collections and the "Simpler Recycling" government mandates. This conference serves as a critical touchpoint for local authorities to align their operational strategies with the latest national legislative updates.

The 2026 forum focuses heavily on the practicalities of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and its impact on Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities, a topic of high priority for Nottingham’s local councils. Attendees will engage in deep-dive sessions regarding the circular economy, specifically looking at how Nottinghamshire is pioneering closed-loop systems for plastics and food waste.

Expert speakers from the waste industry and DEFRA will provide insights into the upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) data reporting requirements and the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) infrastructure. Beyond the technical sessions, the event provides a vital networking platform. It allows neighboring authorities to share "boots-on-the-ground" experiences regarding fleet electrification, resident engagement strategies in high-density urban areas, and the reduction of contamination in dry mixed recyclables.

Whether you are a senior waste officer or a sustainability lead, this forum offers the collaborative environment needed to navigate the complexities of modern resource management. The day includes interactive workshops designed to solve local logistical challenges, ensuring that every participant leaves with actionable data and a strengthened professional network.