LARAC (Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee) was formed in 1985 to represent the then emerging voice of local government recycling officers. Since then it has continued to represent local authority views on waste, recycling and resource issues. 

 

LARAC is a membership organisation comprising of local authorities across all four parts of the UK. Membership currently stands at around 300 members and whilst the local authority holds the actual membership of LARAC the organisation represents the viewpoint of the professional officers and so operates as an apolitical organisation. 

 

Throughout its existence LARAC has sought to be the premier recognised voice for local authority recycling officers. The organisation is run by an Executive of 20 people who are all local authority waste professionals, giving their time to LARAC on a voluntary basis. Twelve people are elected to the Executive, one each for nine English regions and one each representing Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. A further six people are elected in an open ballot on a UK wide basis and finally two positions are held open for co-opting individuals whose skills it is felt would be beneficial to the organisation. Supporting the LARAC Executive are two fulltime employees who also manage the day to day running of the organisation. This is supplemented by seconded and short term resources as needed for specific items such as policy development or conference organisation. 

 

Full membership of LARAC is open to all local authorities in the UK, with associate membership available to authorities within the European Union. Despite starting as an organisation formed by recycling officers, local authority officers who are involved with LARAC cover a range of posts within their own authorities, from heads of service to technical and communications officers. They are the people responsible for advising their authorities and delivering day to day municipal waste and recycling services to households and businesses.

 

LARAC provides a number of services for members, including regular E-newsletters, a quarterly print magazine and information and bulletin services through the LARAC website. LARAC also responds to Government consultations on behalf of members and takes part in a wide range and number of industry working groups.

 

For more information please visit: www.larac.org.uk