Rogerson to address reprocessing sector

Delegates will also have the opportunity to quiz the minister on issues currently facing the sector, after his keynote speech at the event in London, organised by letsrecycle.com.

Mr Rogerson is expected to outline the governments view of efforts towards resource efficiency after a packed conference programme covering topics including economic growth, resource security, employment and the circular economy.

Speakers on the bill include Chris Sherrington of Eunomia Research & Consulting, Gev Eduljee of waste management firm SITA, Closed Loop Recyclings Chris Dow and Susanne Baker of the manufacturers organisation EEF.

‘Now that the notion of the circular economy is taking hold, there is real potential for resources once seen as problematic wastes, to fuel significant economic, environmental and social progress.’

Ray Georgeson, Resource Association

The conference will also see the launch of a new report on the circular economy, compiled by Mark Rowney of the Institute of Public Policy Research, titled Resources, Jobs and Growth.

Report

The report will examine a range of policy proposals that could be adopted to achieve better use of resources, sustainable job creation and genuine economic development.

Commenting on the event, Ray Georgeson, Resource Association chief executive, said: Now that the notion of the circular economy is taking hold, there is real potential for resources once seen as problematic wastes, to fuel significant economic, environmental and social progress.

As a result, the importance of recycling, reprocessing, reusing, repairing and remanufacturing, has attracted the attention of UK policy makers. With the launch of an important new industry paper, and a programme of seminars designed to stimulate continued professional debate, this event provides an unparalleled opportunity to shape future policy potential.

The conference also follows shortly after the launch of the Resource Associations Recycling Quality Information Point (ReQIP) tool, which is aimed at providing clarity for waste management firms and local authorities over recyclate quality requirements for reprocessing firms (see letsrecycle.com story).

Formally launched last week, the tool is intended to aid compliance with the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. The regulations state that separate collections of paper, metal, plastic and glass are required for businesses and households unless it is not technically, environmentally or economically practicable for them to be carried out, or if they are necessary to meet quality standards for the relevant recycling sectors.