Waste Prevention Exchange 2023

Our ninth annual Waste Prevention Exchange took place on 18 May 2023 with hundreds of participants joining the virtual conference. The conference focused on the circular economy and the challenges and opportunities this brings to local authorities.

The conference saw a number of expert panellists discuss what it takes to establish a circular economy, and why it is important to understand the whole system in which we’re operating. It is this ‘systems thinking’ that allows us to identify the barriers to and opportunities within moving to a more circular economy. At the heart of the circular economy lies the chance to design out waste and pollution, keep products and materials in use, and regenerate natural systems. Currently, this vision is a utopia for local authorities battling with the outputs of the wasteful linear economy, but it could become a reality through a joined up approach across social, economic and environmental initiatives.

The event featured a selection of circular economy specialists, waste sector leaders and academics who presented effective strategies and tangible insights, using examples of circularity in practice.

The list of speakers who presented is below, and you can also view the speaker slides used during the conference.  

Session One

09:00 - 09:30 - Registration & Networking 

09:30 - 09:40 - Opening & Chair’s Introduction, Councillor Clyde Loakes, Chair of North London Waste Authority and Deputy Leader London Borough of Waltham Forest

09:40 - 10:00 - Sector Outlook, Emma Tilbrook, Principal Consultant, Eunomia 

10:00 - 10:20 - Behavioural Insights: Harnessing Communications To Promote Waste Prevention Behaviours, Jake Reynolds, Associate Advisor, Behavioural Insights Team (BIT)

10:20 - 10:40 - Case Study - The Change Required for a Sustainable Food System, Pauline Metivier, Head of Business and Sector Support, ReLondon

10:40 - 11:00 - Questions and Answers 

11:00 - 11:30 - Networking Break 

Session Two

11:30 - 11:50 - Putting the Circular Economy into Practice, Sarah Burns, Innovation & Sustainability Coordinator, Bristol Waste Company 

11:50 - 12:10 - Flats Above Shops (Flash) Food Waste Trial, Rachel Parks, Recycling Officer, London Borough of Hackney

12:10 - 12:30 - Questions and Answers 

12:30 – 12:45 - Closing the Event, Martin Capstick, Managing Director, NLWA

12:45 - 14:00 - Delegate Networking