Helping the public sector tackle resource efficiency

Taking place from 13-15 September, RWM is Europe’s premier event for resource efficiency and waste management solutions. Nicola Meadows and Barry Dennis discuss what delegates can expect to see and hear at Birmingham’s NEC this year.

Globally, most industries are looking at resource efficiency as a priority to boost their bottom line. A recent report from the European Environment Agency, More from Less – resource efficiency in Europe, presented an overview of approaches to material resource efficiency and to circular economy models in 32 European countries, analysing trends in material use between 2000 and 2014. It showed that the amount of materials consumed by the UK has fallen, and is lower than the EU-28 average, suggesting that the UK is improving its resource efficiency. Not only is it good for business, it’s good for the environment and it’s what our customers and those who depend on our services are demanding from us.

Local authorities are having to use resources wisely. Austerity has had a major impact on the way in which local authorities have been operating over the past few years and local authorities are feeling the constant pressure to do more with less and work more innovatively. One of the best ways to improve operational efficiency is to
share best practice and be up-to‑date and well-informed on the latest technology and innovation.

RWM 2016, which is taking place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham from 13-15 September, is the largest event in the UK for the waste and resource efficiency sector, with plenty on show for public sector fleet and plant management operations. Organised in partnership with the Chartered Institution of Waste
Management (CIWM), RWM brings the public sector together with private sector manufacturers and suppliers to improve resource efficiency and waste management operations. The latest technology and expertise will be on show to help local authorities, from route optimisation to weighing solutions, the latest waste collection vehicles; road and sweeper waste technologies, vehicle safety systems and a whole range of services for fleets.

The three-day exhibition also provides a strong conference programme taking place across the Local Authority, Energy from Waste and Circular Economy Connect theatres. There are numerous networking opportunities for RWM’s visitors and exhibitors.

Local Authority Theatre
With new policies being introduced and the growing need for local authorities to implement a more creative waste strategy on tighter budgets, leading councils will be sharing best practices on collaboration, how to create a revenue stream and ways to increase recycling. Influencers within the industry will debate, discuss and share what waste strategy works best in a local authority when stringent measures are in place, in 2016 and beyond.

The theatre will open with keynote speaker, Linda Crichton, Head of Collections and Quality at Waste and Resources Action Plan (WRAP), discussing harmonisation and consistency recycling. Across the three days, discussions will include topics such as waste crime, 2020 recycling targets, food waste collections and driving behaviour change. There will also be key announcements made by the Environment Agency, Keep Britain Tidy and panel discussions on mutually beneficial collaboration.

Energy from Waste Theatre
The Energy from Waste Theatre is the central hub for key industry players to debate, discuss and share insights on the future of energy from waste. With new policies introduced into the sector, the theatre will provide further clarity for industry influencers on the role energy from waste plays in the long term. It will also provide businesses with insights on how to improve their bottom line. Industry pioneers will provide a holistic view on the role energy from waste has in achieving environmental objectives set by policy makers.

Throughout the exhibition, machinery and equipment designed to help keep materials in the loop and retain the value in resources will be centre-stage, as well as handling and logistics solutions that minimise the environmental impact of recycling.

The Machinery and Equipment Zone will provide a platform for hundreds of suppliers with the latest products and services for construction and demolition waste, to commercial waste containers, sorting and shredding systems and heavy plant equipment, all exhibiting their latest developments. The full range of kit used by the industry will be on display, with big names in plant including Liehbherr, Machinex, McCloskey International, Komatsu, Delta, Greenbank and new exhibitor, CD Enviro.

Moving through to the Outside Area, visitors will be able to see first-hand the larger plant and equipment that is changing the face of the waste management industry. The Outside Area is set to be bigger and better than ever before, with some of the most forward-thinking equipment manufacturers showcasing their latest advancements.

Increasing efficiencies
The Handling and Logistics Zone, adjacent to the Machinery and Equipment Zone, will have on display world-class solutions for improved operational, management and strategic supply chain performance. Increasing efficiencies whilst preserving resources is now a proven way for businesses to flourish, and this year’s show will demonstrate the smart enabling technologies on the market today. New exhibitors include Bradshaw Electrical Vehicles, Dennis Eagle, Johnston Sweepers, Mercedes Benz UK Ltd, Isuzu Truck (UK) Ltd and Stock Sweepers.

For local authorities keen to obtain data on waste, suppliers such as Enevo will have plenty of weighing and data capture solutions on show.

New and improved recycling and reprocessing capabilities will also be
on show, with many of the biggest players in the field alongside new and emerging businesses. The Energy from Waste Zone will also be highlighting the increased efficiencies for recovering energy from materials through anaerobic digestion, incineration, gasification and some more novel approaches.

Leading from the front
Since 2012, the NEC has sent zero waste to landfill and last year achieved an overall recycling rate of 75.2 per cent, with over 80 per cent of waste from RWM being recycled. These figures show what can be achieved when the right partners work together on shared sustainability goals, and a three‑year programme is helping to shape plans that will set RWM as a global exemplar in sustainable event management. All suppliers, visitors and exhibitors are encouraged to adopt greener practices, thereby contributing to the sustainability goals for RWM.

Finally, as part of RWM’s mission to support industry growth and innovation, RWM 2016 in partnership with the CIWM will be launching its ‘Rising Stars’ search. The competition celebrates the trailblazing initiatives that challenge the way the recycling industry works, identifying the top newcomers and support the resource managers of the future.

Entries are welcomed from individuals who have introduced new resource management recycling practices within the last five years that are helping to transform the industry. Small changes can make a big difference, so no matter the scale of the initiative, candidates will be judged on how effective and transformative the change has been for their organisation and the industry as a whole.

RWM will be reviewing entries and the top three finalists will be asked to present to a panel of judges at RWM 2016 for the chance to win a valuable CIWM training package and funding towards their initiative worth over £2,000. This year’s show sponsors include SUEZ, NRG Fleet Service, Stobart Biomass Products and Viridor.

Further Information
www.rwmexhibition.com