The awards ceremony – at which the winners will be revealed – will be held on Wednesday 8 October 2025 at The Hilton Metropole in Birmingham, following the first day of the annual LARAC Conference.
The two-day event attracts almost 600 participants who represent 170 diverse authorities.
LARAC Chair Cathy Cook said: “I am thrilled to invite you to join us in witnessing the industry’s collective efforts once again. With a stellar lineup of speakers, cutting-edge content and an anticipated gathering of over 590 delegates, this promises to be a fantastic event.”
The shortlist for the Celebration Awards was compiled by six judges from across the waste and recycling sector:
- Cathy Cook, Chair of LARAC
- Hilary Tanner, Environment Policy Adviser at the Local Government Association
- Tom McBeth, Policy Officer at LARAC
- Claire Brandwood, Recycling & Collections Advisor at WRAP
- Ruth Robinson, Experienced Resources and Waste Management professional at Derbyshire County Council, representing NAWDO
- Savannah Coombe, Reporter at letsrecycle.com
See the full shortlist below.
Conference agenda
The agenda for the conference has also now been launched.
The two-day event will be held on 8 and 9 October 2025 and will also mark 40 years of LARAC.
The sessions will cover topics including the emissions trading scheme (ETS), Material Recover Facility (MRF) capacity, disposal authority challenges, waste minimisation and the circular economy.
Speakers include:
- Emma Bourne, Defra
- Tony Laing, DESNZ
- Isaac Rosen, NLWA
- Dr Henry Irving, Leeds Beckett University
- Charlotte Rule, the Environmental Services Association (ESA)
Toni McNamara, Executive Director of LARAC, said: “This year, LARAC turns 40! Since 1985, we’ve been supporting the local authority waste and recycling community.
“Our UK conference remains the not-to-be-missed annual event for sharing practical solutions, discussing the latest challenges from policy to on-the-ground implementation, and recognising the hard work that is driving the sector forward.
“The LARAC awards ceremony shines a light on some of the outstanding achievements that often go unseen but make a real difference in communities across the UK. We look forward to seeing you all there.”
View the full agenda here and buy tickets here.
LARAC Celebration Awards Shortlist
BEST COMMUNICATIONS CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Contenur
Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority
East Riding of Yorkshire Council
Lincolnshire County Council
Preston City Council
St Helens Council
BEST NEW IDEA
Sponsored by IPL
North Somerset Council
ReLondon with Hammersmith and Fulham, Islington and Waltham Forest
Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Services (GCSWS)
South Staffordshire Council
BEST PARTNERSHIP AWARD
Sponsored by N+P
East London Waste Authority
Westminster City Council
Preston City Council
London Borough of Islington
Bristol Waste and Pura
BEST TEAM OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Biffa
Islington Council
Bristol Waste
North Somerset Council
Cherwell District Council
BEST WASTE MINIMISATION OR PREVENTION PROJECT
Sponsored by Ecogenesys
Lincolnshire County Council
St Helens Council
London Borough of Islington
CIRCULAR ECONOMY ACHIEVEMENT
Sponsored by Countrystyle & Envar
North Tyneside Council
London Borough of Islington
HEALTH & SAFETY INITIATIVE OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by MYGroup
Essex County Council
Fife Council
Newcastle upon Tyne Council
HWRC OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Smurfit Westrock
Bristol Waste
North London Waste Authority
Essex County Council
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