The Local Authority Recycling Authority (LARAC) has cancelled its conference, due to be held in Birmingham in October, in light of Covid-19 safety concerns and will instead explore opportunities to go online.Whilst lockdown restrictions appear to be easing, event organisers for the annual gathering of local authority recycling officers feel the chance that the government will permit large gatherings even by October is unlikely and decided that even with social distancing in place the event wouldn’t have its “unique feel”.LARAC is currently in discussions with the event organisers Environment Media Group, to explore opportunities to launch a virtual conference as the programme had already been planned for this year. Details will be released soon but the event is targeted for 14 and 15 October, the dates when LARAC 2020 was due to run.The LARAC Conference has been held for the past 29 years and this was due to be the second year at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. LARAC has confirmed that the event will stay at the venue in the coming years, to be held on 6 and 7 October 2021 and 5 and 6 October 2022.Commenting on the decision, Carole Taylor, LARAC Chair, said: “This has been a really tough decision to take as we know how much people look forward to and value the annual UK LARAC Conference. But we had to think first and foremost of the safety of delegates, sponsors and all involved with the event.“We felt that the adjustments needed for social distancing would have meant the event would not have had the unique feel that contributes to making it such a great two days.“Making this decision now gives everyone clarity and allows us the time to look at holding a virtual LARAC Conference instead.”