Circular Gains in Action: Reflections from the NERF Annual Conference & Awards 2025

The North East Recycling Forum Annual Conference & Awards 2025 brought together one of our strongest line-ups yet - and the energy, insight and optimism throughout the day made it clear just how much excitement, innovation, and determination there is across the North East’s waste and resource sector.

This year’s theme was “Circular Gains: ETS and the Resource Economy”. With the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) continuing to evolve, many organisations are grappling with what it means for their operations, their carbon impacts and the future of resource management. The conference set out to provide clarity, context and direction, and thanks to the expertise of the speakers, this was outlined from the climate context to practical applications.

We were delighted to have Ellie Rose Grimes from Net Zero North East England open the day, grounding the conversation in the region’s wider climate ambitions and highlighting the role our sector will play in achieving them. Her message of collaboration and purposeful action carried through the entire programme.

Professor Margaret Bates delivered a keynote speech, and expertly chaired the conference throughout. Margaret’s combination of deep knowledge, sharp insight and dry humour brought the complexities of circularity and behaviour change to life. She reminded us not just of the scale of the challenge, but of the huge opportunity to turn “circularity into reality” through smarter decisions and better systems.

Each of our speakers added a crucial piece to the ETS puzzle. Matthew Bond from Small World Consulting delivered an unflinching look at the climate science behind the policy, setting out both the urgency and the responsibility facing the sector. Charlotte Rule from the ESA followed with what many delegates described as one of the clearest explanations of ETS mechanisms to date, breaking down cap, scope, monitoring, and compliance in a way that made the system feel much more accessible.

The conversation then moved into the practicalities with Duncan Simpson, who highlighted why understanding ETS requires collaboration, data and a full view of the resource chain, not just isolated compliance. Finally, Dr Stephen Wise with Advetec closed the programme with a forward-thinking exploration of innovation under ETS, encouraging the sector to see the scheme not only as a regulatory requirement but as a driver for better resource use and smarter, lower-carbon solutions.

Alongside the conference programme, the exhibition area was full of energy. Our exhibitors brought a fantastic range of services, products, ideas, and conversations, helping delegates explore practical solutions and new partnerships. Their presence added depth and dynamism to the day and we’re incredibly grateful for their support.

We are also thankful to our sponsors: SUEZ as Regional Event Sponsor; the Environment Agency, LARAC and Net Zero North East England as Associate Sponsors; and Newcastle City Council as our Venue Sponsor, whose backing helps us continue to deliver events that support and challenge the region’s waste sector.

The day rounded off with something entirely new for NERF - our first ever NERF Awards. When the Executive Team reflected on last year’s 35th anniversary conference, it was clear that the North East is not only adapting to change but actively shaping it. We wanted to recognise that, and the passion, creativity and commitment in the entries confirmed just how strong this region is.

This year’s award winners demonstrated the very best of our sector. REfUSE CIC took home the Best Waste Minimisation award for their inspiring Eat Smart Schools programme, empowering young people to lead the way on waste reduction and behaviour change. Durham County Council won the Best Reuse Initiative for a highly effective and collaborative project that delivered meaningful environmental and financial benefits for the NHS, showing what can be achieved when partnerships align with purpose.

The Best Campaign award went to Newcastle City Council, whose playful, football-themed engagement work with Newcastle United captured local pride and reached audiences who may not usually engage with sustainability messages. The judges also awarded a commendation to the South Tyne & Wear Waste Management Partnership for their decade of collaborative impact.

In the Newcomer of the Year category, we celebrated the next generation of sector leaders. Oktay Cetinkaya was selected as the winner for his fresh perspective and innovative approach to engaging communities in reuse and circularity, while the remaining shortlisted candidates were praised for their passion, talent, and contributions to the sector so early in their careers.

Finally, we ended the awards with a moment of reflection and celebration as we recognised Ashley Cooper with a Lifetime Achievement Award. As one of the original members of NERF, Ashley has spent decades shaping the region’s waste and recycling landscape, championing collaboration, supporting peers, and driving the sector forward from its early landfill-focused days to the circular, innovative community it is today.

As the day drew to a close, one message came through clearly: navigating ETS and building a circular resource economy will take collaboration and innovation. The conversations sparked at the conference will continue well beyond the event, guiding how organisations prepare for ETS and how we continue to champion circular solutions.

Thank you to everyone who attended, exhibited, spoke, sponsored, and contributed to NERF Annual Conference. We’re excited for what 2026 has to bring – and will continue to bring the waste and resources sector in the region together to build a more sustainable industry. As always, thank you to our Friends of NERF for your continued support.