Leadership development: cultivating our future leaders

10:05 am - 10:20 am

Corin Williams, editor, MRW

May Al-Karooni, CEO & Founder, Globechain

Strong leadership is essential for navigating the complexities of the waste management industry. This session focuses on developing the next generation of leaders through effective training and mentorship programmes. We will examine the skills and qualities necessary for impactful leadership, with insights from current industry leaders. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on identifying potential leaders within their organisations and fostering their growth.

Learn how to build a robust leadership pipeline to drive innovation and excellence in waste management.

Building a future beyond bars: the Switchback model for lasting change

10:20 am - 10:40 am

Corin Williams, editor, MRW

Sian Williams,  CEO, Switchback

Securing and nurturing talent is key to sustaining growth and innovation in waste management. This session explores apprenticeship programs and the waste management units in prisons.

Join us to gain insights from experts and stakeholders on building a robust talent pipeline for the future.

Empowering migrant workers and building an inclusive workforce

10:40 am - 11:00 am

Corin Williams, editor, MRW

Dr Eda Yazici,  Research Associate, PRIME Project

The waste management industry, with its reliance on shift work and a diverse workforce, is vulnerable to issues of modern slavery and worker exploitation. This session will explore the critical role of migrant workers in the waste management industry, emphasising the importance of legal frameworks, ethical responsibilities, and practical measures to ensure fair working conditions and support for all workers in this diverse sector.

Join us to learn the best practices for fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment in waste management.

Using AI to improve efficiency in the waste management industry

11:15 am - 11:45 am

Corin Williams, editor, MRW

Max Kanda, Co-Founder, Circulai

David Palmer-Jones OBE, Former Group Senior Vice President-Northern Europe, CEO UK and CEO, Scandinavia

Mert Barutçu, Co-founder and CSO, Evreka

James Ward, Founder and Managing Partner, Ward PLLC

This session will explore how AI and Data Science are set to revolutionise the waste management industry in the UK. Join industry leaders and experts as they delve into the future landscape of waste management, examining how data intelligence can drive a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

Our speakers will cover the transformative potential of AI in optimising waste processes, the challenges and opportunities presented by these technologies, and how valuable insights derived from data can shape government policies. Learn about the cutting-edge innovations that are reshaping waste management and leading the way toward a sustainable future.

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Advancing green jobs: bridging the skills gap for a sustainable future

11:45 am - 12:15 pm

Dr Adam Read, Chief Sustainability & External Affairs Officer, SUEZ Recycling & Recovery UK

Dr Margaret Bates, Head of UK EPR Scheme Administrator | Resources and Waste, DEFRA

Jane Hall, Director, CIWM Trainer, Green Edge Applications

In this follow-up to last year’s session on green jobs, we explore the critical advancements and ongoing challenges in developing the workforce necessary for a sustainable future.

Drawing insights from recent industry reports and expert analysis, this session will address the pressing green skills gap in waste management. Attendees will find out what the new government's plans are for green jobs and how a well-equipped, diverse, and inclusive workforce ready to meet the demands of a decarbonised economy.

Battling battery fires: enhancing safety in the waste management sector

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Chris Jones OBE, Director of Risk Management and Compliance, CORY and Chair, WISH

Geoff Smallwood, Health, safety, and fire risk consultant

Daniel Bosley, Deputy Editor, MRW

Battery fires in waste management are a growing concern, with over 1,200 incidents reported across bin lorries and waste sites in the UK last year.

This session will explore the causes and risks associated with battery fires, examining their impact on safety and operations in the waste industry. Our experts will share insights on how to mitigate these hazards and ensure a safer environment for waste management professionals and the community at large. You will learn about best practices for prevention, including improved recycling methods and safety protocols.

Cultivating a safety-first culture: best practices and innovations

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Chris Jones OBE, Director of Risk Management and Compliance, CORY and Chair, WISH

Daniel Bosley, Deputy Editor, MRW

Safety is the cornerstone of a successful waste management operation. In this session, we’ll explore the most effective best practices and innovative strategies for fostering a safety-first culture across the industry.

Our discussions will cover the Dennis Eagle bin lift, ways to minimize hazards, and methods to cultivate a proactive safety mindset within your team. Join us to ensure your organisation not only complies with regulatory standards but also sets the benchmark for creating a safer working environment.

Empowering women in our industry: diversity and inclusion for a sustainable future

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Sarahjane Widdowson, Chartered Waste Manager, Intelisos

Carla Brian, Head of Partnerships, Biffa

Melanie Flogdell, HR Director, Biffa

Join us to explore the critical role of women in the waste management industry and the importance of diversity and inclusion. This session will highlight initiatives that support and empower women, featuring insights on overcoming industry barriers, creating inclusive workplaces, and attracting female talent. Learn from inspiring case studies and expert discussions on how diverse perspectives can drive innovation and sustainability in waste management.

Celebrate the progress made and discover strategies to further enhance gender equity in the sector.

Leadership development: cultivating our future leaders

10:05 am - 10:20 am

Corin Williams, editor, MRW

May Al-Karooni, CEO & Founder, Globechain

Strong leadership is essential for navigating the complexities of the waste management industry. This session focuses on developing the next generation of leaders through effective training and mentorship programmes. We will examine the skills and qualities necessary for impactful leadership, with insights from current industry leaders. Attendees will gain practical knowledge on identifying potential leaders within their organisations and fostering their growth.

Learn how to build a robust leadership pipeline to drive innovation and excellence in waste management.

Building a future beyond bars: the Switchback model for lasting change

10:20 am - 10:40 am

Corin Williams, editor, MRW

Sian Williams,  CEO, Switchback

Securing and nurturing talent is key to sustaining growth and innovation in waste management. This session explores apprenticeship programs and the waste management units in prisons.

Join us to gain insights from experts and stakeholders on building a robust talent pipeline for the future.

Addressing modern slavery and protecting shift workers

10:40 am - 11:00 am

Corin Williams, editor, MRW

Dr Eda Yazici,  Research Associate, PRIME Project

The waste management industry, with its reliance on shift work and a diverse workforce, is vulnerable to issues of modern slavery and worker exploitation. This session will delve into the hidden challenges facing shift workers and the essential role of migrant workers. Participants will gain insights into the legal frameworks, ethical responsibilities, and practical measures necessary to combat exploitation and ensure fair working conditions.

Join us to discover the best practices for supporting and safeguarding shift workers.

Using AI to improve efficiency in the waste management industry

11:15 am - 11:45 am

Corin Williams, editor, MRW

Max Kanda, Co-Founder, Circulai

David Palmer-Jones OBE, Former Group Senior Vice President-Northern Europe, CEO UK and CEO, Scandinavia

Mert Barutçu, Co-founder and CSO, Evreka

James Ward, Founder and Managing Partner, Ward PLLC

Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the waste management industry by enhancing efficiency and optimising operations. This session will showcase cutting-edge AI applications, from predictive maintenance and smart sorting systems to route optimisation and data-driven decision-making.

Join industry leaders and tech innovators as they share insights and case studies on the transformative impact of AI, helping you harness its potential to streamline processes and drive sustainability in your operations.

Advancing green jobs: bridging the skills gap for a sustainable future

11:45 am - 12:15 pm

Dr Adam Read, Chief Sustainability & External Affairs Officer, SUEZ Recycling & Recovery UK

Dr Margaret Bates, Head of UK EPR Scheme Administrator | Resources and Waste, DEFRA

Jane Hall, Director, CIWM Trainer, Green Edge Applications

Advancing green jobs, could you change the blurb to: In this follow-up to last year’s session on green jobs, we explore the critical advancements and ongoing challenges in developing the workforce necessary for a sustainable future.

Drawing insights from recent industry reports and expert analysis, this session will address the pressing green skills gap in waste management. Attendees will find out what the new government's plans are for green jobs and how a well-equipped, diverse, and inclusive workforce ready to meet the demands of a decarbonised economy.

Battling battery fires: enhancing safety in the waste management sector

1:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Chris Jones OBE, Director of Risk Management and Compliance, CORY and Chair, WISH

Geoff Smallwood, Health, safety, and fire risk consultant

Daniel Bosley, Deputy Editor, MRW

Battery fires in waste management are a growing concern, with over 1,200 incidents reported across bin lorries and waste sites in the UK last year.

This session will explore the causes and risks associated with battery fires, examining their impact on safety and operations in the waste industry. Our experts will share insights on how to mitigate these hazards and ensure a safer environment for waste management professionals and the community at large. You will learn about best practices for prevention, including improved recycling methods and safety protocols.

Cultivating a safety-first culture: best practices and innovations

1:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Chris Jones OBE, Director of Risk Management and Compliance, CORY and Chair, WISH

Daniel Bosley, Deputy Editor, MRW

Safety is the cornerstone of a successful waste management operation. In this session, we’ll explore the most effective best practices and innovative strategies for fostering a safety-first culture across the industry. Our discussions will cover the Dennis Eagle bin lift, ways to minimize hazards, and methods to cultivate a proactive safety mindset within your team.

Join us to ensure your organisation not only complies with regulatory standards but also sets the benchmark for creating a safer working environment.

Empowering women in our industry: diversity and inclusion for a sustainable future

2:00 pm - 2:30 pm

Sarahjane Widdowson, Chartered Waste Manager, Intelisos

Carla Brian, Head of Partnerships, Biffa

Melanie Flogdell, HR Director, Biffa

Join us to explore the critical role of women in the waste management industry and the importance of diversity and inclusion. This session will highlight initiatives that support and empower women, featuring insights on overcoming industry barriers, creating inclusive workplaces, and attracting female talent. Learn from inspiring case studies and expert discussions on how diverse perspectives can drive innovation and sustainability in waste management.

Celebrate the progress made and discover strategies to further enhance gender equity in the sector.