Councils in England spend £852 million per year on waste collection for approximately 23 million dwellings which require a weekly or fortnightly refuse and recycling collection. There is an EU target for the UK to recycle at least 50% of household waste by 2020. the recycling rate for England was 44.7% in 2018. In line with the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan, the Resources and Waste Strategy published in August 2020 sets out goals for how England will preserve material resources by minimising waste, promoting resource efficiency and moving towards a circular economy. The targets include ensuring that 65% of municipal waste is recycled by 2035 and eliminating all avoidable waste by 2050.

This timely conference will explore how local authorities can rise to the challenge of meeting the environmental targets of the Resource and Waste Strategy as well as redesigning and digitising their waste services to become more efficient and save money. Delegates will hear practical case study examples from councils who have been successful at transforming their waste management operations by digitisation, service redesign, recycling food and plastics and improving commercial waste management services. Government and industry bodies will deliver the most up-to-date guidance and information. And hear from leading industry experts and academics revolutionising waste management for a more sustainable future.