The Recycling Association adds to governing council

The Recycling Association, the trade body for the United Kingdom’s recycling businesses, has appointed Sarah Sanpher-McDowell to its governing council.

Sanpher-McDowell will take over the plastics seat for the association, bringing more than 15 years of experience in the waste and recycling sector, including 12 years at Clearpoint Recycling—a U.K.-based waste management and recycling company that specializes in global sourcing and sales of recyclables.

Sanpher-McDowell joins the council following the resignation of Paul Barnes, who stepped down after relocating to Australia. She will serve until May 2026 and is expected to stand for full election at the association’s next annual general meeting.

“The council was keen to welcome Sarah onto our governing board due to her experience and knowledge of plastic recycling, alongside other waste materials, governance and best practice,” association CEO Paul Sanderson says. “Sarah has already attended her first council meeting, and I am sure I speak on behalf of everybody that we were delighted she was able to join us.”

Sanpher-McDowell’s background spans all aspects of the recycling supply chain, from compliance and operations to logistics and export, and the association says her deep knowledge of plastics recycling and collaborative approach will aid the group as it addresses challenges such as extended producer responsibility, plastic export regulations, the U.K.’s Packaging Recovery Note (PRN) system reforms and the circular economy roadmap.

As operations director at Clearpoint, Sanpher-McDowell has helped shape best practices in material quality, responsible sorting and building strong domestic and international partnerships. She also is the founder of the Women’s Recycling Alliance, an initiative that encourages diversity and inclusion in the recycling sector.

“I’m honored to join The Recycling Association council at such a pivotal time for our industry,” Sanpher-McDowell says. “Plastics recycling is often in the spotlight, and I look forward to bringing a practical, solutions-driven perspective to the conversation. I’m passionate about ensuring our sector continues to evolve with integrity, collaboration and innovation at its core.”