The finalists for the 2026 Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee Celebration Awards (LARAC) have been announced ahead of the organisation's annual conference in October.

Winners will be revealed during an awards dinner on 7 October at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham, taking place after the opening day of the two-day conference.

LARAC Chair Gareth Rollings commented: The LARAC Conference has always been more than just a date in the diary – it’s where local authority recycling and waste professionals come together to share ideas, learn from one another, and shape the future of our sector.

“Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning as part of the LARAC community, you’ll find a warm welcome, valuable insight, and practical conversations that make a real difference. We look forward to seeing you there.”

This year's awards shortlist was selected by an independent judging panel comprising:

• Margaret Bates, Circular Economy Expert
• Eleanor Williams, Head of Strategy, PackUK
• Savannah Coombe, Editor, letsrecycle.com
• Tom McBeth, Policy Officer, LARAC
• Gareth Rollings, Chair, LARAC
• Niamh McBride, Local Authority and Environmental Partnerships Manager, Material Focus
• Ruth Hunter, Local Authority Technical Consultant at WRAP

LARAC Executive Director Toni McNamara added: "This year, LARAC turns 40. Since 1985, we've been supporting the local authority waste and recycling community," she said.

"Our UK conference remains the not-to-be-missed annual event for sharing practical solutions, discussing the latest challenges from policy to on-the-ground implementation, and recognising the hard work that is driving the sector forward.

"The awards ceremony shines a light on some of the outstanding achievements that often go unseen but make a real difference in communities across the UK. We look forward to seeing you all there."