A local authority expert, Mr Coates will hold a similar position at Re-Gen as he becomes policy and external affairs manager. In his role, he will provide advice and help the company interpret legislation and guidance.
Mr Coates told letsrecycle.com he would also strive to “amplify the voice of advanced materials recycling facilities (MRFs)”. Re-Gen operates a 270,000 tonne per year capacity MRF which sorts recyclate from local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales, alongside several Northern Ireland councils.
Commenting on his new appointment, Mr Coates said “Having enjoyed a long association with LARAC, I am excited to join Re-Gen at this important time for the UK’s recycling industry.
“Huge changes are coming for household and business recycling collections from consistency, extended producer responsibility and the deposit return scheme.
“I am really looking forward to using my policy experience and knowledge of local government to help Re-Gen address these challenges with our customers and promote the benefits of advanced MRF technology and commingled collections in providing the most efficient and effective service.”
Mr Coates will leave LARAC on 23 December and assume his new position on 2 January. His role is UK-wide and will not see him move to Northern Ireland.
Local authorities
Mr Coates joined LARAC as interim CEO in December 2021, replacing Lee Marshall, who moved to the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) (see letsrecycle.com story).
Mr Coates then became head of external affairs in March, where he was responsible for representing LARAC’s views in the media, engaging with external stakeholders and national governments and managing the internal policy team and consultations with members (see letsrecycle.com story).
During his tenure, Mr Coates has been vocal on a variety of subjects, including delays to the government’s consultation on consistency in household and business recycling in England, charges for DIY waste at household waste recycling centres and the issue of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and waste domestic seating.
Mr Coates was a previous head of waste at Lincolnshire county council and also held multiple roles related to waste at North Lincolnshire council, as well as being a former vice chair and treasurer of LARAC.
Re-Gen
Founded in 2004 as an integrated recycling company, family-owned Re-Gen operates its Newry-based facility 24 hours a day to process around 400,000 tonnes of materials every year.
As well as processing mixed dry recycling, the company processes residual waste for conversion to refuse derived fuel. Re-Gen has more than 300 employees and sells recyclate in domestic and export markets.
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