Resourcing Scotland is back for 2026! The flagship event for Scotland’s resource and waste management industry returns on Thursday 5 November 2026 at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh, bringing together professionals from across the sector for a day of insight, discussion, collaboration and celebration.

Book your ticket here: https://buytickets.at/resourcingscotland/1948576

Delivered by CIWM Scotland, REA, RMAS, SESA and the Local Authority Waste Managers and Officers Network, Resourcing Scotland 2026 will explore the theme: From Route Map to Reality: Delivering Scotland’s Circular Economy Reform.

Programme

Plenary Session: Scotland’s waste and resource sector is entering a pivotal period as major policy reforms move from ambition to implementation. This year’s plenary session will bring together leaders, decision-makers and practitioners to explore how UK initiatives such as the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) and the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), alongside Scotland’s Circular Economy Route Map, are shaping the future of resource management.

Through honest discussion around policy alignment, sector readiness, delivery challenges and practical solutions, delegates will gain valuable insight into the opportunities and barriers ahead – leaving better informed, better connected and better prepared to support Scotland’s transition to a circular economy.

Breakout Sessions: Following the plenary programme, delegates will have the opportunity to attend two interactive breakout sessions covering some of the most pressing issues facing the sector:

🔥 Fire Risks and Mitigation: Showcasing Best Practice and Lessons Learned
Battery-related fires continue to present a significant challenge for the waste industry, with more than 1,200 incidents recorded across the UK in 2023/24. This session will explore practical approaches to fire prevention, detection and suppression, sharing lessons learned from recent incidents and showcasing best practice in protecting facilities, vehicles and frontline workers. Speakers include Scott Armstrong (Glasgow City Council) and Nicola Curtis (Biffa), with an additional speaker to be confirmed.

♻️ Improving Recycling Collections Through Behaviour Change
With an estimated 52% of Scotland’s residual waste stream made up of recyclable materials, improving recycling performance requires more than infrastructure alone. Chaired by Jenny Grant (Renewable Energy Association), this session will explore how behaviour change interventions can increase capture rates, reduce contamination and improve participation. Speakers include Evonne Cannan (Zero Waste Scotland) and John Morrison (South Ayrshire Council), with further speakers to be announced.

🤝 Reuse Partnerships: Delivering Social and Environmental Benefits
Hosted by Circular Communities Scotland, this session will explore how strong partnerships can unlock the social, economic and environmental benefits of reuse. Delegates will hear directly from organisations delivering successful reuse initiatives, including Andrea McLaughlan (Ecogenesys), James Dunbar (New Start Highland), Alice Moxley (Multibank) and CirculariTay, sharing experiences, overcoming barriers and exploring how successful models can be replicated across Scotland.

👥 Mind the Gap: Skills and Careers in the Waste and Resource Industry
In discussion with Vicki Hughes, President of CIWM, this session will explore the changing skills needs of the sector and the actions required to attract, develop and retain the workforce of the future. Inspired by the CIWM Presidential campaign Think Again, the session will challenge perceptions of careers in resource management and highlight the diverse skills and expertise needed to build a resilient sector.

📍 Maximising Recycling, Minimising Costs: Local Authority Collections
Chaired by Ross Sharp-Dent (Scottish Borders Council), this session will examine the practical impacts of major policy changes including pEPR, DRS, flexible plastics collections and ETS. Speakers including Derek Rooney (Local Partnerships), Kat Laasko (Zero Waste Scotland), David Goodenough (Cireco), Peter Page (Textile Recycling International) and Graeme Shirlaw (Stirling Council) will share practical insights into maximising recycling performance while managing costs.

🛠️ Management of Residual Waste Plastics
This session will explore the challenges and opportunities associated with managing residual waste plastics, including approaches to improving recovery, reducing environmental impacts and supporting Scotland’s circular economy ambitions.

Networking Reception and Awards: As the day transitions into the evening, delegates will be invited to a relaxed networking reception accompanied by a live string quartet – the perfect opportunity to connect with colleagues, continue conversations and unwind after a busy day.

The event will conclude with the Resourcing Scotland Awards, celebrating excellence and achievement across the industry. We are inviting nominations for three prestigious awards:

🏆 Outstanding Young Person of the Year
🏆 Outstanding Team of the Year
🏆 Outstanding Organisation of the Year

Do you know an individual, team or organisation making a real difference in Scotland’s resource and waste sector?
Submit your nomination here: https://form.jotform.com/260902672332049

The full agenda is currently being developed, with further speakers and session details to be announced soon.

Book your place at Resourcing Scotland 2026 today and join colleagues from across the sector as we move from route map to reality: https://buytickets.at/resourcingscotland/1948576

We look forward to welcoming you to Edinburgh on 5 November 2026.