The 2024 Resource Hot 100 has seen unprecedented engagement, with over 17,500 verified votes cast – a significant increase from previous years. This surge in participation underscores the growing importance of circular economy principles and the waste and resources sector's pivotal role in addressing environmental challenges.

This year's top 10 features a mix of familiar faces and newcomers, reflecting the dynamic nature of the industry. Robbie Staniforth, Innovation and Policy Director for Ecosurety, has edged up a couple of places, joined by his Talking Rubbish podcast co-presenter, James Piper, Chair of City to Sea.

A notable addition to the top ranks is Jarno Stet, Waste & Recycling Manager for the City of Westminster, who placed third. This recognition likely stems from his decade of service as Secretary of the National Association of Waste Disposal Officers (NAWDO). Stet's position as the highest-placed person from a UK Council earns him the inaugural title of Local Authority Leader of the Year, one of our three new Category Awards.

The top 10 also welcomes Mary Creagh, recently appointed Minister for Nature in the new Labour Government, with a remit covering the Circular Economy. A former Hot 100 winner, she now holds the waste resources portfolio at Defra, and her return to the list is a sign that we have someone at the helm of Government policy making that understands the issues.

Another new entry to the top 10 is Zoey Cooper, who joined the waste resources sector less than two years ago. Her rapid rise to prominence, due to her work as Climate and Ecological Emergency Resilience Officer at Exmouth Council, has earned her the title of Newcomer of the Year.

Our third and final category - Innovator of the Year - has been awarded to Sophie Walker, CEO of waste tracking software company Dsposal, whose overall ranking stands at #18 this year. Voters recognised Sophie’s strength in leading Dsposal in playing a key role in developing open source standards for packaging producers, as well as developing innovative software to help producers with compliance.

Margaret Bates: Circular Economy Leader

This year's winner, Margaret Bates, brings over three decades of experience to her new role as Head of the UK packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) Scheme Administrator. Her career spans academia, industry leadership, and now government policy implementation.

Bates' journey in waste management began during her university years, leading to a PhD on landfill funded by the Department of the Environment. Her academic career at the University of Northampton, where she taught sustainable waste management, laid the foundation for her later roles in industry and policy.

In 2020, Bates took on the role of Managing Director at the On Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme, before being seconded to her current position at Defra in February 2024. She maintains a connection to academia as a visiting professor at the University of Northampton.

Reflecting on her win, Bates said: "It's daunting and incredibly flattering. When I think of all the people who were nominated and how inspiring many of them are, it is weird to think that people voted for me. One of the things that I love about this sector is how supportive people are and how the default attitude is to help."

Bates noted the evolution of the industry over her career, commenting on how it is "very different in that we are not talking about landfill as our base, very different in that the diversity of the sector has improved in every possible way – still not perfect but so much more varied than it was. Different in understanding the range of skills that we require to make the difference that we need."

Looking to the future, Bates is optimistic about the UK's circular economy prospects: "I think that this is the most exciting time for the UK Circular Economy – it doesn't seem that long ago we were discussing resources vs waste and now we are talking about how to integrate circular economy in our thinking. We have a minister who specifically has circular economy in their remit – how could anyone in the sector not be excited by that direction of thinking and ambition?"

Bates emphasised the collaborative nature of the challenges ahead: "The sector has always, and will always be, about embracing the challenge, working together to achieve understanding that partnership is the only way to get what we need. We need to understand that it won't be easy – EPR is certainly not easy – but that's because we are changing the way we live and consume."

For those considering a career in the field, Bates offered encouragement: "Circular Economy is the most amazing opportunity to make a difference, it's so diverse and the range of skills we need to deliver circular economy and net zero cover pretty much everything. Whatever your skill set is, there is an opportunity."

Katie Mallinson, Global Marketing Manager for Untha, lead sponsor of this year's award commented: "The Resource Hot 100 is such an important celebration of the incredible talent we have in the waste and resources industry. It shines a light on those individuals who are not only passionate about driving change but are also raising the bar and sharing their knowledge. It’s fantastic to see so many people recognised on the Hot 100 list – many of whom are unsung heroes that might not always be in the spotlight, but whose contributions are making a difference.

"At UNTHA UK, we were proud to sponsor this year’s awards because we believe in the importance of innovation and leadership in shaping the future of our industry. Initiatives like this champion those who are moving the sector forward in meaningful ways. Congratulations to Maragret Bates – a very worthy winner."

Industry Trends and Future Challenges

This year's Hot 100 list illustrates the diversity of roles that play a vital role in transforming the UK's circular economy. From policy-making to operational delivery across the entire waste resources value chain, the list showcases the array of skills and talent needed to drive greater sustainability.

The sector is poised for significant changes, with the forthcoming implementation of pEPR and the potential extension to other materials. The likely advent of deposit return schemes and the new rules to drive increased recycling by households and businesses are set to reshape the industry landscape.

As the waste and resources sector continues to evolve, the Resource Hot 100 remains a valuable barometer of the individuals leading the charge towards a more sustainable, circular future for the UK.

Thank you to our Resource Hot 100 2024 sponsor, Untha, who has helped us shine a light on the great work being done in the sector this year.

Key

This year's position Last year's position

NE - Completely new entry to the Hot 100
RE - Re-entry that didn't rank in 2023

1 44 Margaret Bates Job title: Interim Head of the Scheme Administrator Company: Defra "Stepping up to take the role of Head of the EPR System Administration on behalf of DEFRA is no small feat."

2 4 Robbie Staniforth Job title: Innovation and Policy Director Company: Ecosurety "A tireless advocate of planet-friendly solutions and an inspiration to those in his field."

3 NE Jarno Stet Job title: Waste and Recycling Manager Company: Westminster City Council "An extremely valuable source of information and advice - one of the leading lights of the industry!"

4 NE Barbara Leach FCIWM Job title: Programme Manager - Local Net Zero Accelerator Company: West Midlands Combined Authority "A proactive policy lead who is always listening to industry needs and works tirelessly to implement them."

5 RE Mary Creagh MP Job title: Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Nature) - with responsibility for Circular Economy Company: Defra "It's rare to have a Minister with a track record for understanding the circular economy"

6 26 Scott Butler Job title: Scott Butler Executive Director Company: Material Focus "Driving the issue of waste electricals across the mainstream media and engaging millions of people."

7 RE Anna Scott Job title: Director of Services Company: Keep Britain Tidy "Completely committed to encouraging industry and individuals to think about preventing waste."

8 RE James Piper Job title: Founder Company: Co-owner, Ecosurety "Tells the uncomfortable truth in recycling, and the planet will be better for it."

9 NE Zoey Cooper Job title: Climate and Ecological Emergency Resilience Officer Company: Exmouth Town Council "Zoey is a very positive force in our community and an ambassador for the planet."

10 8 Tracy Sutton Job title: Founder and Lead Consultant Company: Root "Amazing leader who is innovative and leads the world in sustainable packaging."

11 11 Andy Rees Job title: Head of Waste Strategy Company: Welsh Government "Andy is the man leading the way, in the country that's leading the way."

12 7 Adam Read Job title: Chief Sustainability External Affairs Officer, SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, and past president of the CIWM Company: "Not afraid to push the boundaries and our sector's true champion of green skills!"

13 3 Dominic Hogg Job title: Director Company: Equanimator "Simply the best."

14 2 Anna Willetts Job title: Partner, Gunner Cooke, and past president of the CIWM Company: "Knows environmental law inside out and practises what she preaches."

15 15 Nicola Jones Job title: Steel Packaging Recycling Manager Company: Tata Steel UK "A great advocate of packaging recycling at all levels from education right through to policy making. ."

16 NE Gary Moore Job title: Sales director Company: UNTHA UK "A thought-provoking industry leader, well respected and knowledgeable. ."

17 52 Chris Baker Job title: Programme Director Company: Reposit "A leader in his field having pioneered sustainable packaging market growth over the past 20 years."

18 34 Sophie Walker Job title: CEO and Co-Founder Company: Dsposal "Responsible leadership committed to making the world a better place."

19 NE Carla Brian Job title: Head of Partnerships Company: Biffa "A great advocate for the sector and a inspiration for women in sustainability."

20 RE John Scanlon Job title: CEO Company: SUEZ recycling and recovery UK "Works tirelessly to improve how we treat waste for a greener future."

21 RE Graeme Milne Job title: Chief Executive Company: REPIC Ltd "Leading the way in WEEE management and ensuring we still have a worldwide voice."

22 70 Adam Herriott Job title: Senior Specialist Company: WRAP "Helps people understand the issues and change daily habits to have a real benefit on the environment."

23 1 Stuart Hayward-Higham Job title: Chief Technical Development and Innovation Officer Company: SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK "An inspiring leader and a pivotal figure for waste & recycling industry reform!"

24 27 Dr Wendy Fail Job title: Senior Waste Management Officer Company: Northumberland County Council "At the leading edge of waste management, both locally & nationally."

25 NE Grant Keenan Job title: Managing Director Company: Keenan Recycling "Spearheading food waste recycling in the UK. ."

26 49 Catherine Conway Job title: Director & Reuse Lead Company: GoUnpackaged "A trail blazer, advocating for why we should switch to reuse and refill solutions."

27 NE Gary Mayson Job title: Chief Operations Officer Company: SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK Limited "An innovative forward thinking leader."

28 NE Elisabeth Whitebread Job title: Founder & CEO Company: Sprout "Helping parents reduce nappy waste, boost their child's wellbeing, and save money."

29 6 Sarah Poulter Job title: CEO Company: CIWM "A champion for circular economy professionals"

30 NE Mark Fowles Job title: Director Company: William Gilder Group Limited "A passionate advocate for the soils biome!"

31 21 Sam Taylor Job title: Waste and Recycling Manager Company: St Nicks "Dedicated to giving York the best recycling service possible."

32 NE Jody Sherratt Job title: Operations Director Company: Cheshire West Recycling "Setting new standards for local authority waste and recycling services."

33 100 Tim Walker FCIWM Job title: Chief Executive Company: arc21 "Has the vision and foresight to see where Northern Ireland needs to go in terms of waste management."

34 RE Debbie Nesbitt Job title: Sector Specialist (Waste & Recycling) Company: WRAP "Passionate about her work and keen to share knowledge, empower others & come up with new solutions."

35 NE Kat Lees Job title: Direct / Co Founder - Resources and Waste Consultant Company: KaNect Limited "Fully understands and promotes best practice in circular design and minimising waste."

36 NE Lynsey Daly Job title: Head of Waste Strategy & Sustainability Company: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council "Totally committed, showing consistent dedication to creating a sustainable environment."

37 NE Craig Stephens Job title: Consumer Marketing and Campaign Manager Company: WRAP "Runs a great thought provoking campaign and strives for impact. ."

38 10 Iain Gulland Job title: Chief Executive Company: Zero Waste Scotland "Driving the circular economy agenda in Scotland and beyond."

39 RE Sam Reeve Job title: CEO Company: Resource Futures "An exceptional leader who inspires resource management professionals."

40 82 Vicki Hughes Job title: CIWM Junior Vice President Company: Managing Director at McPhee Associates "Works tirelessly and goes above and beyond to represent the waste wood sector at the highest levels."

41 RE Linda Crichton Job title: Team Leader, Packaging Producer Responsibility Company: Defra "On top of a wide range of policy and able to communicate complex ideas in clear language."

42 NE Rachael Hook Job title: Head of Resources and Waste Strategy Company: Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) "Passionate and committed to making a real difference in NI. ."

43 NE Dr Darren Perrin Job title: Director Company: Roland Berger "Excellent expertise and good vision on the evolution of the waste management sector."

44 22 Sam Horne Job title: Head of Waste and Environmental Services & Chair of NAWDO Company: Hampshire County Council "Great ambassador for local authorities."

45 NE Susie Burrage Job title: President of BIR, President of BMRA Company: Recycled Products Ltd "Striving for partnership and constant innovation in the metal recycling industry."

46 NE Kristina Bull Job title: Partner Company: QSA PARTNERS LLP "Leading fundamental positive changes to the future of the fashion industry."

47 14 Dr Tracey Leghorn Job title: Chief Business Services Officer Company: SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK "Tracey drives hard for positive change and is a true stand out leader."

48 53 Steve Gough Job title: CEO Company: Valpak Limited "Steve has been a pioneer in the industry for years and deserve recognition for his tremendous impact. ."

49 55 Hypnocat Job title: Head of Pawsuading Company: Recycle Your Electricals campaign "A recycling crusader who is hypnotising the nation to recycle their electricals’."

50 62 Paul Vanston Job title: CEO Company: INCPEN "Tirelessly forging solutions across the sector to improve sustainability of packaging."

51 NE Bill Swan Job title: Managing Director Company: Recorra "A leader who focuses on positive change and has sustainability at the forefront of the operation."

52 37 John Twitchen Job title: Founder Company: Stuff4Life / env23 "Forward thinking, proactive and always looking for sustainable solutions. ."

53 NE Naomi Johnson Job title: Circular Econony and Social Enterprise Consultant Company: "Committed and passionate about all things waste and resources."

54 76 Sarahjane Widdowson Job title: Director Company: INTELISOS LTD "Committed to educating others about waste management."

55 5 David Allen Job title: Managing Director Company: Recycling Lives "Excellent knowledge of social value opportunities within the industry. ."

56 NE Jon Hastings Job title: Head of Strategy and Development Company: East London Waste Authority "Great thought leader and advocate for everything to do with waste management."

57 NE Adrian Whyle Job title: Innovation Specialist Company: "A fount of knowledge, always willing to share and mentor."

58 NE Hannah Jordan Job title: Commercial Manager Company: Reuse Network "Passionate and committed to working with commercial partners to increase reuse. ."

59 31 Christine McRitchie Job title: Managing Director Company: Earthwise Girls "Spreading the knowledge about how what we buy affects our planet."

60 68 Sophie Thomas Job title: Founder, Thomas.Matthews and etsaW Ventures Company: Senior Director, Useful Projects "A pioneer in design for circular economy and an advocate for innovation in how we deal with waste."

61 RE Gareth Morton Job title: Discovery Manager Company: Ecosurety "Working hard to transform and innovate the waste sector."

62 RE Michael Topham Job title: Chief Executive Company: Biffa "Embracing technology to recycle challenging waste and encouraging innovation at all levels."

63 32 Ceris Turner-Bailes Job title: CEO Company: WasteAid "Helping to grow WasteAids impact and reach."

64 NE Gerrard Fisher Job title: Partner - Circular Business Company: QSA PARTNERS LLP "highly innovative and well informed trailblazer in circular business models and resource conservation."

65 RE Dr Jane Beasley Job title: Director of Operations Company: Zero Waste Scotland "Represents reliable and focused expertise."

66 57 Tom Passmore Job title: CIO and Co-Founder Company: Dsposal Ltd "Conveys the 'geeky' side of packaging data in a way that is accessible to 'non-geeks'."

67 41 Jack Connors Job title: Chief Operating Officer Company: Greenzone Facilities Management Limited "A dedicated professional who cares passionately about the environment. ."

68 35 Paul East Job title: Head of Packaging Recycling and Design Company: RECOUP "Committed to promoting good recycling practices, backed with good knowledge ."

69 91 Martin Hyde Job title: Sustainability and Public Affairs Manager Company: Alupro "A fantastic champion for recycling in the UK."

70 NE AJ Marsh Job title: Head of Batteries Company: Recycling Lives Services "Passionate about making a difference in the battery recycling industry."

71 RE David Greenfield Job title: Managing Director Company: SOENECS "Nobody does more to promote and encourage growth in the circular economy in London and the South."

72 NE James (Jim) Armitage Job title: Head of Procurement Company: Valpak Limited "Exemplifies excellence in resource management, consistently driving innovation and efficiency."

73 78 Emma Burlow Job title: Strategic Sustainability Adviser and Trainer Company: Lighthouse Sustainability Ltd "A hugely effective, knowledgeable and tireless pioneer and change agent in the world of resource management."

74 45 Ray Georgeson Job title: Head of Policy Company: Zero Waste Scotland "Legend! Has an exceptional understanding of the sector."

75 NE Lyndsey Lamb Job title: Principal Consultant Company: ERM "An excellent mentor and true leader in her field."

76 NE Will Ghali Job title: CEO Company: Ecosurety "Strong leader in the transition to a low carbon economy."

77 66 Robin Denson Job title: Head of Supply Chain Company: Mitie "Innovating the waste supply chain at Mitie."

78 38 Beverley Simonson Job title: Program Manager, EU Circular Economy Company: Amazon "A woman leading the way in waste prevention upstream! ."

79 RE Lee Marshall Job title: Policy and External Affairs Director Company: CIWM "A critical person within the resources and waste space."

80 RE Libby Peake Job title: Head of Resource Policy Company: Green Alliance "Leading thinker about what needs to change"

81 NE Hannah Osman Job title: National Cup Recycling Manager Company: Valpak Limited "Helping businesses set up cup recycling solutions quickly and effectively. ."

82 NE Kristy Spindler Job title: Senior Director - Climate Company: Local Partnerships "Kristy is a force for good in the public sector."

83 RE Gwen Frost Job title: Director Company: Resource Futures "A fountain of knowledge and a specialist in the waste sector."

84 NE Howard Bluck Job title: Technical Director Company: British Metals Recycling Association "His knowledge in relation to metal theft and recycling is second to none."

85 63 Brendan O'Shea Job title: Founder and CEO Company: Just Clear "Created an incredible business model that has revolutionised the clearance industry’s approach to preventing waste."

86 23 Gill Mulroe Job title: Co-Chair Company: YH Climate Commission "Encourages waste management professions to achieve chartership and guides them through the process."

87 NE Jonathan Attwood Job title: Head of Technical and Quality Company: IPL BRIGHTGREEN "Great insight into the practical recyclability of various packaging items compared to the theory."

88 30 Michael Taylor Job title: Managing Director Company: Mitie "Mike is driving forward innovation within the waste industry, forming market leading partnerships to make best use of the latest technology."

89 NE Kimberley Pratt Job title: Circular Economy Campaigner Company: Friends of the Earth Scotland "Kim works tirelessly for policies that can bring about a just transition to a circular economy in Scotland."

90 NE Jane Stewart Job title: Independent Director and Chair Company: "An inspiration to all young woman. Hardworking, driven & passionate. ."

91 96 Rick Hindley Job title: Executive Director Company: Podback "Work at Podback is making coffee pod recycling more convenient."

92 43 Jacob Hayler Job title: Executive Director Company: ESA "Shrewd operator who understands needs of industry"

93 RE Emma Tilbrook Job title: Managing Consultant Company: Eunomia Research & Consulting Ltd

94 81 Emma Beal Job title: Managing Director Company: West London Waste Authority "Forward thinking, pragmatic waste service leadership and planning in a very difficult delivery area."

95 NE Michael Pye Job title: Project Manager & EPR specialist Company: "He is passionate and extremely knowledgeable about sustainability- from packaging to paint."

96 80 Sarah Ottaway Job title: Sustainability and Social Value Lead Company: SUEZ "Sarah's depth of knowledge and passion for sustainability and all things Social value, makes her a true advocate of change in waste."

97 40 Cathy Cook Job title: Chair Company: LARAC "Committed to providing local authorities with key, timely information on waste policies, consultations and wider industry topics."

98 47 Simone Aplin Job title: Director Company: Ceres Waste, Renewables & Environment "Commitment to making a real practical difference to the circular economy."

99 NE Daniel Grady Job title: Trading Director Company: "A go-getter in the paper trading industry."

100 NE James Beard Job title: Head of Voluntary Compliance Company: Valpak Limited "James is at the forefront of textiles recycling and is leading the way to more effective ways to recycling difficult items. ."