RDF Conference 2026

The RDF Conference returns for its fourteenth year as the UK's leading forum for everyone involved in the RDF, SRF and energy from waste value chain. Bringing together policymakers, regulators, operators, traders and technology providers, the conference offers a full day of strategic insight, market intelligence and practical guidance at a crucial time for the sector.

With fiscal policy diverging across Europe, landfill reduction targets opening new markets and operational pressures continuing to rise, the 2026 edition examines the regulatory, commercial and technical factors shaping the future of residual waste treatment and RDF and SRF trade.

About

The RDF Conference is the UK's leading annual forum for the RDF, SRF and energy from waste sectors. Now in its fourteenth year, it brings together policymakers, regulators, producers, exporters, EfW operators and technology providers for a full day of strategic insight, market intelligence and practical guidance.

Held in collaboration with the RDF Industry Group, the conference has become the meeting point for the residual waste value chain, tackling the policy shifts, market movements and operational challenges that define the sector. Past editions have featured speakers from Defra, DESNZ, the Environment Agency and leading operators from across the UK and Europe.

The 2026 edition takes place in London on Thursday 26 November under the theme Creating a Level Playing Field for Residual Waste in a Changing European Market, with sessions spanning taxation and market intervention, European supply and demand, UK WTE infrastructure and innovation in quality, sorting and logistics.

What to expect in 2026:

  • Legislation, taxation and market intervention, including UK and EU ETS developments, carbon pricing and fiscal policy for residual waste
  •  The launch of the RDF Industry Group's new report on fiscal consistency and the future of residual waste markets in Europe
  •  European markets in transition, with analysis of supply, demand and future RDF flows across importing and exporting nations
  •  UK WTE infrastructure from 2026 to 2030 and beyond, covering the current fleet, planned facilities and feedstock projections
  •  Operations, quality and innovation, from fuel quality trends and AI-assisted quality assurance to plastics in RDF and lower-carbon logistics
  •  A closing plenary asking what RDF markets will look like in five years' time

Ticket Information

Early Bird: (Register before 15th October 2026)

Standard Conference pass:
£345 + VAT

Local Authority Conference pass:
£225 + VAT

Standard: (Register after 15th October 2026)

Standard Conference pass:
£405 + VAT

Local Authority Conference pass:
£240 + VAT

Who should attend

The RDF Conference 2026 is essential for anyone working in or alongside the RDF, SRF and energy from waste sectors and navigating a fast-changing European market.

  • RDF and SRF producers and processors keeping pace with quality expectations and regulatory change
  • Waste fuel exporters, importers and traders navigating shifting flows, taxation and cross-border rules
  • Energy from waste operators and developers planning around capacity, feedstock and market demand
  • Regulators and policymakers shaping fiscal and environmental policy for residual waste
  • Local authority waste teams managing residual waste contracts and disposal routes
  • Waste management contractors handling collection, treatment and offtake across the value chain
  • Technology and sorting equipment providers driving innovation in quality, recovery and AI
  • Logistics, shipping and freight specialists moving waste derived fuels across the UK and Europe
  • Consultants, analysts and legal advisers supporting compliance, strategy and market intelligence
  • Investors and financiers assessing opportunities in residual waste infrastructure

Headline Sponsor

Sponsored by

Get involved

Join us at the UK's leading conference for the RDF, SRF and energy from waste sectors - bringing together producers, traders, operators and policymakers at a pivotal moment for the European residual waste market. Engage as a speaker, showcase your solutions as a sponsor or partner, or join us as an attendee to hear from those shaping the future of RDF and network with peers from across the value chain.