'Recycle for Norfolk' - that's the theme of a major waste conference taking place in Norwich on Tuesday 10 October. The conference, hosted by the Norfolk Waste Partnership* at the John Innes Centre, will look at how Norfolk is tackling the challenge of reducing the increasing amount of rubbish produced by the county.

'Recycle for Norfolk' - that's the theme of a major waste conference taking place in Norwich on Tuesday 10 October. The conference, hosted by the Norfolk Waste Partnership* at the John Innes Centre, will look at how Norfolk is tackling the challenge of reducing the increasing amount of rubbish produced by the county.

Barry Coleman, Chairman of the Norfolk Waste Partnership and Leader of Great Yarmouth Council, said: "The conference brings together many diverse groups from within Norfolk such as parish councils, local environmental groups, schools and businesses to discuss issues around waste and recycling. It's an excellent opportunity to exchange views and information with peers and waste professionals to help pave the way ahead for Norfolk to build on its already tremendous recycling performance."

This is the fourth annual waste conference to be held in Norfolk. Ian Monson, Cabinet Member for Waste and Environment at Norfolk County Council, said: “Norfolk faces huge challenges in achieving our recycling targets and dealing with the escalating costs of disposing of waste. The County Council and its partners are committed to an ongoing debate that is open and honest about the waste problems that we all face.”

Guest speakers include Peter Stokes from the Industry Council for Packaging and Environment, who will explain how the packaging industry is working to minimise waste, increase the amount of recycled content in new packaging and develop new and innovative forms of packaging.

John Hemsworth, Head of Environment and Health at Great Yarmouth Borough Council will outline how all councils and the Environment Agency are working together to share intelligence on flytipping, helping to reduce the number of incidences and increase the amount of cases taken court.

Other speakers include people from Norfolk community recycling projects, local councils, Government agencies and a local school. Topics range from the simple steps that everyone can take to reduce household waste (like community composting and using local recycling facilities) to opportunities for community-led initiatives and how councils can work together.

Presentations include:

t 'COMPO' Narborough Community Composting Scheme' - Tim Cara

The COMPO scheme works with the local community to collect green waste for composting and glass bottles for recycling.

t 'Schools Waste Action Club (SWAC) - Jenny Craven and Mark Henderson from Norfolk County Council and Mattishall Primary School.

An interactive presentation with audience participation will allow guest to learn about the work conducted in schools to raise awareness about recycling, reuse and composting.

t 'Recycling Centre Improvements' - Mark Allen, Norfolk County Council

Mark will outline the work of the County Council and its contractors to improve the County Council's 20 recycling centres.

t 'EASTEX' - Alun Housago, Norfolk County Council

Alun will talk about this free online database which helps businesses find other companies that might have a use for their unwanted waste materials.

t 'Agricultural Waste' - Alder Tye, Easton College

Legislation on dealing with agricultural waste is changing - this presentation will provide advice and guidance on the changes to agricultural waste.

t 'Resource Saver Project' - Heidi Seary and Gemma Sortwell, Community Reuse Network East (CRNE)

Heidi and Gemma will outline the regional project to improve the links between business and the community sector to help increase the reuse and recycling of materials.

t 'Residual Waste in Norfolk ' - Joel Hull, Norfolk County Council

Joel will talk about the huge challenges faced by Norfolk over the coming years.

Other speakers include Carl Nichols from WRAP (Waste Resource Action Programme) and representatives from Breckland and South Norfolk councils. There will also be trade stands with information about waste schemes operating in Norfolk.