With its progressive waste policies in place, Wales has achieved the second highest recycling rate in the world, and is closing in on that top spot. However, recycling alone will not deliver the circular economy and net-zero ambitions Wales is aiming for.

Resource Conference Cymru brings together professionals from local authorities, commercial operators, and government to explore what lies ahead, and how we strategies for the challenges of today that are impacting the sector and its critical operations.

Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 25 March 2026

     

What You Will Leave With

  • Clarity on the current policy landscape, including the latest on DRS requirements and timelines for 2026/27.
  • Practical frameworks for shifting material flows toward reuse, repair and circular outcomes.
  • Supplier relationships to help you address your waste management and resource recovery challenges.
  • Peer relationships with the professionals facing and solving similar challenges.
  • Direct access to industry leads shaping the sectors operations and sustainable trajectory.

Who Should Attend

Local Authority Officers

Whether you manage collections, run an HWRC network, or lead on strategy, you will get answers to the operational questions keeping you up at night: How do I prepare for DRS including glass? What are other authorities doing to prepare for flexible and films collections?

Commercial Waste Operators

Understand how policy changes will affect contract structures, material values, and service requirements. Meet the local authority decision-makers you need to know.

Policy and Strategy Leads

Hear directly from the Welsh Government on regulatory direction. Benchmark your approach with peers and identify opportunities for collaboration.

The Programme

Striving for resource optimisation, the 2026 programme is focused on asking critical questions for Wales's next steps:  

  • How do I prepare for what is coming? DRS, digital waste tracking, and the circular economy growth plan that will reshape how we sort and process materials.
  • What can we learn from others? Be inspired by industries that are embedding sustainability and prioritising circularity in their daily operations. 
  • How do we optimise what we already collect? Supply chain strategies for flexible plastics and films, aggregates, and scrap metal that maximise material value.

Book Your Place

CIWM Members £178.86
Non-members £256.08
Conference Ticket & Membership bundle
(includes a CIWM Affiliate Membership from the date of the Conference until 31st December 2026)
£287.78

Book your place

Our 2026 Headline Sponsors

         


 
   

Our 2026 Exhibitors