Meet the North West Resources Forum Executive Team: Ruth Hunter

In April 2025, we launched the North West Resources Forum, a community for waste and resources professionals across the North West to share best practice, hear the latest innovations and network with colleagues from across the sector.

We were able to launch the forum and run the first few meeting thanks to funding from WRAP, which was supported by Ruth. Ruth is a Local Authority Technical Consultant for WRAP and has a fantastic network within the North West. She is a brilliant advocate for the forum, and we're so pleased to have Ruth's experience on the Executive Team.

Ruth Hunter, Local Authority Technical Consultant, WRAP

How did you first get into the waste and recycling sector?

I fell into the sector in 1996, when I was unsure of the direction I wanted to take after finishing my Geography degree and spotted a funded opportunity at UCLAN for a Masters in Waste Management … and from that moment on my heart was in the waste and resource sector!

Can you tell us a bit about your current role?

As a member of WRAP’s LA Support team, my role is to provide technical support to local authorities to enhance their services, provide greater consistency and quality in materials collected in line with Government policy.  I work with LAs on 1:2:1 projects and with the team to produce a range of guidance and assets.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities in the sector right now?

The opportunities are endless, the sector is brimming with opportunities, driven by regulatory reform, technological innovation, a growing emphasis on circular economy principles and passionate people who want to make a difference.

Why did you want to support the NWRF as part of the Executive Team?

WRAP has supported the North East Recycling Forum for many years and we have seen the benefits and value to the sector and we saw the merits of trying to replicate this for the benefit of the North West and I am privileged that I have been given an opportunity on the Exec to help with the development.

How do you see the North West waste and resources industry evolving in the next 10 years?

Change is on the horizon, greater collaboration is needed to share expertise, and embed new behaviours for circular living in every board room and living room across the NW.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting in this industry, what would it be?

You’ll never look back, always opportunities to learn something new, consider different ways of working and opportunities to learn from the friendliest bunch of like minded people you will ever come across.  Oh and prepare to swap bin holiday photos!

The NWRF runs quarterly meetings which move around the North West region. To be the first to hear about upcoming meetings, join our mailing list.