RWM has confirmed its keynote conference line-up for 2026, with senior figures from across the waste, resources and recycling sector set to tackle the industry's most pressing strategic, regulatory and operational challenges. RWM runs as part of the wider Environmental Services & Solutions (ESS) Expo, which brings together 700+ exhibitors and is expected to draw around 16,000 visitors to Birmingham over the two days.

Sector leaders set the strategic agenda

Topping the bill is a keynote session on "Leading the UK Waste Sector: Strategy, Change and Future Direction," bringing together some of the industry's most senior executives to debate investment priorities, regulatory change and the transition to a circular economy:

• Marc Angell, Chief Financial Officer, Biffa
• John Scanlon, EVP UK, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
• Neil Grundon, Chairman, Grundon
• Anna Willetts, Partner & Environmental Criminal Lawyer, GunnerCooke
• Rory Brien, Head of Municipal Treatment, FCC Environment
• Mark Burrows-Smith, Chief Executive Officer, Encyclis

Digital compliance and DRS readiness under the spotlight

With mandatory digital waste tracking due to come into force for permitted receiving sites from October 2026, the Collections & Transport Theatre will host a dedicated panel unpacking what operators need to know before the deadline:

• Jake Kingsley, Operational Readiness Lead, Defra
• Stuart Hayward-Higham, Chief Technical Development & Innovation Officer, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
• Triinu La Caille, Head of Sustainability & Compliance, Mitie Waste & Environmental
• Steve Brown, Founder & CEO, Wastrio

On day two, attention turns to the Deposit Return Scheme, with a panel assessing industry readiness one year out from implementation:

• Carla Brian, Public Affairs and Partnerships Director, Biffa
• Patrick Brighty, Head of Recycling Policy, Environmental Services Association
• Sondre Henningsgard, Vice President Business Development, Tomra

Circular economy strategy takes centre stage

The Circular Economy & Sustainability Theatre will host "From Plan to Action with the Circular Economy Taskforce," exploring how the Taskforce is helping turn circular economy ambition into practical delivery:

• David Greenfield, Circular Economy Institute
• Libby Peake, Senior Fellow and Head of Resource, Green Alliance
• Wayne Hubbard, Circular Economy Consultant, UnfoldCC

The UK's biggest collections operators, together on one stage

"The Big 5 in Collections" brings together senior leaders from the UK's largest waste collection companies to discuss service innovation, fleet decarbonisation and the future of collections:

• Brian Ashby, Head of Municipal Collections and Streetscene, FCC Environment
• Jacob Hayler, Environmental Services Association
• John Wrigley, UK Managing Director Municipal Services, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK
• Steve Cole, Managing Director, Biffa
• Stuart Allen, Director of Business Development Municipal, Veolia

A strong CIWM presence across the programme

CIWM President Vicki Hughes is one of the most in-demand voices on this year's agenda, joining panels on Women in Waste & Recycling, Processing Filter Cake and Fine Aggregate Materials, and Making the Sector Desirable to the Future Workforce. She's joined by Tina Benfield, Technical Manager at CIWM, who features on the "Refiguration of Construction & Demolition Waste Data: A Decade On" panel.

Celebrating the sector's future talent

The ESS Future Talent Hub will host the 35 Under 35 Awards, recognising the rising stars shaping the future of the waste and resources sector, followed by a dedicated Networking & Drinks reception. The awards will be presented by Neil Grundon, Chairman of Grundon Waste Management.

Specialist sessions from policy and enforcement leaders

RWM's 2026 programme also features exclusive insight from:

• Eleanor Williams, Head of Strategy, PackUK — an update from PackUK's technical committees on the latest packaging EPR reforms
• Steve Molyneux, Director of Energy and Resources, Environment Agency — presenting the Agency's 10-point plan for tackling waste crime and strengthening enforcement against illegal operators
• Vicki Hughes, President, CIWM — joining a panel on Women in Waste & Recycling, focused on improving diversity, inclusion and recruitment across the sector

RWM takes place 16-17 September 2026 at the NEC Birmingham, as part of the Environmental Services & Solutions (ESS) Expo - a portfolio of co-located shows covering the full spectrum of environmental services and sustainability.