LARAC celebrates 20 years representing recycling officers

The organisation has represented the views of recycling and waste management officers since its formation under first chairman Jeff Cooper in 1985.

Past chairs of LARAC reunited (left to right): Lee Marshall, Chris Davey, Jeff Cooper, Paul Deakin, Tony Hammond and Andy Doran

A ceremony held in Parliament yesterday evening reunited past and present chairs as well as key officials from LARAC, including Mr Cooper, Tony Hammond, Paul Deakin, Chris Davey, Andy Doran and Lee Marshall.

Speaking at the celebratory event, Mr Cooper said that when LARAC had been founded, there had been a serious need for knowledge among local authority recycling officers.

“We have had wonderful opportunities within LARAC to promote the cause of waste minimisation, re-use and recycling,” he said. “It was an honour and a privilege to be there for more than half the time LARAC has been going.”

Mr Cooper recalled when the organisation “came of age”, and recounted the disruption of the Committee's 1994 Conference by an anti-incineration group in Kirklees.

” LARAC and its members have made a tremendous difference over the last 20 years.“
– Barry Sheerman MP
Marshall
LARAC's current chair Lee Marshall paid tribute to the organisation's 430 member officers, saying the “fragile” Committee relied heavily on the hard work of individuals to maintain the momentum.

He said: “One of the only constants of the last 20 years has been change. When the 2004/05 results are released, we will see some recycling rates of 50% and above – wisdom a few years ago suggested that we wouldn't ever get to 20%. We have shown that we can do it. However, this is not necessarily the beginning or necessarily the end.”

Mr Marshall said LARAC's work would continue “hopefully for at least another 20 years”, with serious concerns to be faced by local authority officers – particularly on funding, with councils being urged to invest in waste infrastructure at a time when government is forcing them to make cut-backs through the Gershon review.

Sheerman
Congratulating the Committee on its achievements, the Parliamentary Sustainable Waste Group's Barry Sheerman MP said: “LARAC and its members have made a tremendous difference over the last 20 years – across the country there has been a transformation in attitudes.”