The Recycling Association has announced the appointment of Sarah Sanpher-McDowell, Operations Director at Clearpoint Recycling, to its governing Council.
Sarah Sanpher-McDowell
She 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.
Paul Sanderson, Chief Executive, The Recycling Association, said, “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. 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. Her deep knowledge of plastics recycling, coupled with her collaborative approach and leadership in driving industry standards, positions her as a vital asset to the Association as it tackles challenges such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), plastic export regulations, PRN reforms and the circular economy roadmap.
As Operations Director at Clearpoint Recycling, Sanpher-McDowell has helped shape best practices in material quality, responsible exporting, and building strong domestic and international partnerships. She is also the founder of the Women’s Recycling Alliance, an initiative that encourages diversity and inclusion in the recycling sector.
Sanpher-McDowell said, “I’m honoured to join The Recycling Association Council at such a pivotal time for our industry. 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.”
