RWM is an unmissable event for those in the waste sector. Technology is evolving at a fast pace, and it is an invaluable event where innovations are on show and can be viewed up close and personal. It can really change the way you view operations when you see the possibilities available to streamline processes.
So much time can be saved on arranging meetings and machinery trials when there are so many exhibitors under one roof, demonstrating their products so that you can see them first-hand.
Other vital parts of the exhibition are the many talks and seminars geared towards increasing understanding and knowledge of the recycling and waste management industry, as well as promoting best practice and innovation.
Hot topics such as energy from waste and the circular economy will be discussed, alongside items relating to the most pressing issues at the moment including Brexit and the disposal of plastic.
As a construction and demolition waste management company, O’Donovan’s has invested heavily in ensuring that it can reuse and recycle as much of the waste produced from clients’ sites as possible, so that 100% of waste is diverted from landfill.
But since China banned the import of plastic waste, it has caused a bottleneck in relation to the recycling of plastics.
But why didn’t manufacturers – which produced more than 50 strains of plastic – consider the end life of their product before they produced it, instead of leaving the inevitable ‘car crash’ to happen for waste management companies to clean up? If we are to reach a true circular economy, plastics need to be destined for a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.
O’Donovan’s biggest challenge as a waste haulier is the shortage of drivers. It has been well documented that there is a shortage of qualified HGV drivers in the UK and this remains the case.
Despite a growing need for people to work in our sector and the thousands of people out there looking for jobs, it seems that the waste and logistics sector is not appealing.
So I am looking forward to hearing more on this topic and what further impact Brexit will have on recruitment from abroad – as well as what the sector can do to attract talent and well-trained drivers.
O’Donovan will be a keynote speaker at RWM 2018, at the NEC on 12-13 September. Free tickets are available from rwmexhibition.com
If you would like to exhibit and stand alongside JCB, Mercedes Benz and Saint Gobain, then email Nick Woore at nick.woore@prysmgroup.co.uk or tel 0117 929 6083
Jacqueline O’Donovan is Managing director of O’Donovan Waste Disposal
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