Materials Recycling Week
Philip Reynolds

Long arm of the law

20 October 2011
The number of legal challenges to energy-from-waste infrastructure seems to be rising. Philip Reynolds finds out more
Food waste firm wins German funding

19 September 2011
Saria Bio-Industries has acquired a majority stake in the Doncaster based food waste recycler PDM Group.
Meltog unveils new security shredding company

16 September 2011
Shredding manufacturers Meltog have launched a new company specialising in the security shredding market.
First approved skip weighing system launched

16 September 2011
Weighing specialists Avery Weigh-Tronix has showcased a new skip weighing system at this year’s RWM in partnership with CIWM show.
Planning is biggest barrier for waste

16 September 2011
The biggest barriers to progress for the waste management industry are planning issues, Environmental Services Association director-general Barry Dennis has warned.
Viridor guidance on countering local opposition

15 September 2011
Community groups opposed to controversial waste infrastructure “probably can’t” be won over, Viridor external affairs manager Dan Cooke has warned.
Olympics 2012 'a wasted opportunity' for waste

15 September 2011
Plans for the Olympic games to act as a catalyst for the development of new waste infrastructure have been a failure, the commission for a sustainable London 2012 chair Shaun McCarthy has said.
Waste policy 'will work' for industry says energy minister

14 September 2011
Energy minister Charles Hendry has told delegates at RWM in partnership with CIWM that waste remains an “integral part” of Government environment and energy policy.
Pay row disrupts £13m recycling depot opening

12 September 2011
Southampton City Council has faced disruption on the opening day of its new recycling depot after waste collection workers refused to turn up at the new facility as part of an ongoing dispute.
Waste and recycling commitment delayed until October

9 September 2011
A revised recycling and waste services commitment for local authorities has been delayed until October.
BMRA welcomes Commons scrap metal debate

9 September 2011
The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) has welcomed the recent House of Commons debate on metal theft and supported calls for a nationally co-ordinated approach to the issue.
CRR to press ahead with judicial review

8 September 2011
The Campaign for Real Recycling (CRR) has been granted permission for its judicial review of the transposition of the Revised Waste Framework Directive (RWFD) into UK law.
All change

8 September 2011
Councils are having to continue providing waste management services in the face of large budget reductions. Philip Reynolds finds out what measures some have taken and why the decisions were made
WEEE re-use: is there an appetite among UK consumers for it?

8 September 2011
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) is back in the spotlight following news that the European Parliament was continuing to push for a 5% re-use target in the re-cast of the WEEE Directive.
MP attacks 'paltry' metal theft prevention efforts

7 September 2011
Efforts to reduce metal theft have been labelled ‘paltry’ by an MP who called for a new licensing regime to better regulate scrap metal traders.
MP condemns 'potentially dangerous' gasification technology

6 September 2011
A Conservative MP has accused Sita of planning a “potentially unsafe” gasification facility in his constituency to “burn recyclables for profit”.
APSRG calls for waste coordinating committee

6 September 2011
The Government has been urged to set up a cross-departmental waste policy committee and use the Green Investment Bank (GIB) to overcome barriers to infrastructure investment.
MPs to debate Surrey Eco Park plans

5 September 2011
Plans for a controversial energy-from-waste (EfW) facilty are to be debated in the House of Commons.
Wood report presents mixed picture for waste sector

5 September 2011
The amount of household waste used as feedstock for biomass power plants is expected to increase by nearly five million tonnes by 2020 - although it will account for a sharply smaller share of the sector.
Application for Allerton Waste Recovery Park

2 September 2011
Public services and waste management company AmeyCespa has submitted a planning application for its Allerton Waste Recovery Park, as part of its £1.5bn waste PFI.
Veolia director starts work as 'red tape' environment champion

1 September 2011
An executive director of Veolia Environmental Services is heading the Government’s drive to help cut environmental regulations faced by the recycing and waste management industry.
Campaigners call for landfill tax revenues to fight fly-tipping

1 September 2011
The Countryside Alliance wants the Government to ring-fence landfill tax escalator revenues to help local authorities cope with their £40m bill to fight fly-tipping.
White heat

1 September 2011
With only a small number of solder manufacturers left, Philip Reynolds finds out more about the white metals industry
Waste expert appointed to GIB advisory group

1 September 2011
Former waste infrastructure delivery programme adviser Melville Haggard has been appointed to the Green Investment Bank (GIB) advisory group.
Waste management company to recycle contaminated sediment

1 September 2011
Waste management company 4Recycling will treat, transport and recycle 32,000 tonnes of contaminated sediment from Falmouth Marina.
Scotland considers new packaging policies

31 August 2011
A review of producer responsibility policy in Scotland has recommended national packaging recovery notes (PRN) and passing full financial responsibility for packaging waste to producers.
Council's refuse trucks to get iPads

31 August 2011
Refuse collection vehicles in Bury are to be equpped with iPads as part of efforts to improve waste collection operations in the borough.
EPI slams Loughborough OBD report

31 August 2011
An oxo-biodegradable additive supplier has condemned the findings of a controversial report into the environmmental impacts of such plastics.
Nectar points trial incentive is just £3.25 a year

31 August 2011
The total number of Nectar points for Birmingham residents who put out their paper waste for recycling each week translates to an incentive of only £3.25 a year per household, it has emerged.
European Council criticised by Parliament and Commission over WEEE recast plans

30 August 2011
Two of the most powerful arms of the EU have criticised proposed modifications by the European Council to the re-cast of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive.
Rossendale halts doorstep collection plans

30 August 2011
Rossendale Borough Council has halted plans to withdraw doorstep collections from hundreds of isolated rural properties, following complaints from local residents and nationwide media coverage of the proposal.
Big Runcorn RDF expansion challenged on two fronts

30 August 2011
Local campaigners and a rival waste management company are separately challenging proposals by Ineos ChlorVinyls to increase the amount of refuse derived fuel (RDF) transported by road to its Runcorn combined heat and power (CHP) plant from 85,000 to 480,000 tonnes a year.
Mixed reactions to REA campaign

26 August 2011
The Renewable Energy Association’s (REA) ‘back biomass’ campaign has divided opinion within the waste and recycling sector.
Call to scrap NNFCC after bags row

26 August 2011
A manufacturer of degradable plastic bags has called for the National Non-food Crops Centre (NNFCC) to be scrapped after it supported Tesco’s decision to drop oxo-biodegradable bags.
INSIGHT: Industry in two minds about future of packaging recovery notes

26 August 2011
Packaging compliance scheme Valpak announced last week that the proposed management buy-out of the company had been postponed, following expressions of third-party interest in the business.
Local authority doubles recycling rates with new commingled collection system

26 August 2011
A newly introduced commingled waste collection system has caused recycling rates to more than double since May, the councils implementing the scheme have claimed.
European Commission proposes EU-wide can deposit refund scheme

25 August 2011
A consultation launched by the European Commission has proposed a Europe-wide beverage can deposit refund scheme, as part of a study to address cross-border operational issues for can collection systems.
GBN makes further acquisitions

25 August 2011
Skip hire company GBN Services has acquired a rival skip hire firm for an undisclosed sum.
Illegally dumped waste returned to Ireland

24 August 2011
Tens of thousands of tonnes of waste illegally dumped in in Northern Ireland are being returned to the Republic.
Industry roundtable calls for London waste authorities to align collection approaches

24 August 2011
Waste industry experts have called for a more collaborative approach to waste collection, and a ‘London-wide’ approach to waste in the capital.
Trade association launches 'back biomass' campaign

23 August 2011
An energy trade association is calling on the Government to provide “sufficient support” for the biomass industry with a new campaign.
Households offered loyalty cards to boost paper recycling

23 August 2011
England’s biggest council is to trial a recycling scheme offering Nectar points to incentivise paper waste collections.
Doorstep collections withdrawn from rural properties

22 August 2011
Householders in rural Lancashire will no longer receive doorstep waste collections, as part of changes to a local authority recycling service.
PFI financing 'extremely inefficient', MPs warn

22 August 2011
PFI financing for new infrastructure is “extremely inefficient” a committee of MPs has warned.
Council plans £600,000 HWRC

19 August 2011
A county council has revealed plans for a £600,000 renovation of its Household Waste Recycling Centre.
Supplier condemns Tesco's oxo-biodegradable bag switch

19 August 2011
A company which supplied additives for Tesco’s oxo-biodegradable plastic (OBP) bags has slammed the decision to abandon the additives as “based less on facts and more on misinformed notions”.
Valpak adjourns annual meeting

18 August 2011
An annual general meeting (AGM) at which Valpak members were to vote on proposals for a management buyout of the company has been postponed until September.
Environment Agency approves AD research

18 August 2011
Research into new waste treatment processes at a ‘one of a kind’ Anaerobic Digestion Development Centre (ADDC) has been given permission by the Environment Agency (EA) without the need for a full environmental permit.
Call for scrapping of NNFCC as biodegradable bag row rumbles on

18 August 2011
A manufacturer of degradable plastic bags has called for the National Non-food Crops Centre (NNFCC) to be scrapped after it supported Tesco’s decision to drop oxo-biodegradable bags.
Campaigners launch e-petition for an incineration tax

18 August 2011
Anti-incineration campaigners are petitioning the Treasury to introduce an incineration tax at half the level of the landfill tax escalator.
OFT proposes investigation of aggregates and cement markets

18 August 2011
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has launched a consultation on proposals to refer the aggregates, cement and ready-mix concrete sectors to the Competition Commission for investigation.
Waste industry welcomes agency worker regulations

17 August 2011
The waste management industry has welcomed forthcoming legislation aimed at improving rights for agency workers.
Tesco drops oxo-biodegradable bags

17 August 2011
Tesco has stopped the use of oxo-biodegradable bags following a Defra report which questioned their environmental benefit.
Anti-EfW campaigners challenge facility appeal ruling

16 August 2011
A campaign group has applied to the Court of Appeal for leave to challenge the rejection of a Statutory Appeal against the construction of a 300,000-tonne energy-from-waste (EfW) incinerator facility.
Scotland plans carrier bag consultation

15 August 2011
The Scottish Government has announced plans to consult in the autumn on methods of reducing single-use carrier bag consumption.
Planning consent for major biomass facilities

15 August 2011
Drax Group has been awarded planning consent for two 1.4m tonne biomass facilities - but progress depends on the Renewables Obligation.
Mitie and Manchester Airport aim for zero waste to landfill by 2030

11 August 2011
Outsourcing company Mitie and Manchester Airport have signed a £1.5m contract aimed at achieving zero waste to landfill by 2030.
WSR announces £4m investment programme

11 August 2011
Waste management company WSR Recycling has announced a £4m expansion programme to more than double the capacity of its waste recovery site in Widnes, Cheshire.
WRAP reports “good progress” in annual report

11 August 2011
WRAP has reported “good progress” in its key priority areas, according to its annual report.
Welwyn Hatfield council pledges £20,000 to anti-EfW campaign

11 August 2011
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council has agreed to provide £20,000 as part of a growing fund to legally challenge plans for a controversial 180,000-tonne Hertfordshire energy-from-waste (EfW) facility.
Merseyside police launch investigation into Sonae death

10 August 2011
Merseyside Police and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) are leading a joint investigation into a fatal industrial accident at the Sonae chipboard plant.
Wales launches awareness campaign for carrier bag levy

8 August 2011
A campaign to raise public awareness of the forthcoming Welsh carrier bag levy has been launched by the Welsh Assembly Government.
N Ireland ‘tests the water’ over independent environment agency

8 August 2011
Northern Ireland environment minister Alex Attwood is “testing the water” over proposals for an independent environment agency in Northern Ireland.
Green economy strategy goes across Government departments

8 August 2011
A cross-departmental strategy aimed at supporting the UK’s transition to a green economy has been launched by the Government.
£800,000 fine for illegal waste boss

5 August 2011
The head of an illegal waste company faces a five-year prison sentence if he does not repay more than £800,000 under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
ESA criticises 'complex and ambiguous' RHI draft guidance

5 August 2011
The Environmental Services Association (ESA) has criticised draft guidance for the implementation of the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for not sufficiently addressing the eligibility of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste, solid recovered fuel (SRF) and refuse-derived fuel (RDF).
CBI says more biomass energy is needed for UK industry

5 August 2011
The Government must link energy and waste policies in order to improve waste management for energy-intensive industries, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned.
NI environment minister proposes C&I recycling targets

5 August 2011
Northern Ireland environment minister Alex Attwood has launched a consultation on a revised delivery programme for the region’s waste management strategy that could include a 60% commercial and industrial (C&I) waste target by 2020.
Small sparks of inspiration

4 August 2011
The CoBRA battery recycling model involves a few people making a big difference, reports Philip Reynolds
Waste management duo buys County Mulch out of administration

4 August 2011
Composting products manufacturer County Mulch and its assets has been acquired by a partnership between waste management companies Countrystyle Group and Material Change.
Recycling rate for England hits 40.8%

4 August 2011
The recycling rate for England rose to 40.8% between January and December 2010, according to new figures provided by Defra.
Veolia Environnement sees 15.5% revenue increase in first half figures

4 August 2011
Veolia Environnement, the parent company of Veolia Environmental Services (VES), has reported a 15.5% increase in revenue in its half-year figures ending June 2011.
Valpak proposes MBO following concerns over PRN future

4 August 2011
Packaging compliance scheme Valpak has written to its members proposing a management buyout, following concerns over the “challenge” of Government waste policy.
Red Tape Challenge to consider environmental regulation from September

3 August 2011
Ahead of the Government’s investigation of “burdensome” environmental regulation as part of its ‘red tape challenge’, there are concerns that Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) could be under threat.
Welsh environment committee launches UK energy policy enquiry

3 August 2011
An enquiry into the impact of UK energy policy on Welsh Government plans has been launched by the Welsh Assembly’s environment and sustainability committee.
Waste Watch and Keep Britain Tidy to merge

2 August 2011
Waste Watch and Keep Britain Tidy are to merge, following a year-long strategic alliance.
Government faces legal challenge over late transposition of rWFD

2 August 2011
The European Commission has commenced infraction proceedings against the UK Government, over its failure to transpose the revised Waste Framework Directive (WFD) by its December 2010 due date.
Wood gate fees increase, contrary to WRAP findings

2 August 2011
Gate fees for waste wood have increased while board mill prices are reducing, according to the Wood Recyclers Association (WRA).
ECO Plastics MD calls for focus on quality over quantity

1 August 2011
ECO Plastics managing director Jonathan Short has called for a “focus on quality” after the company found that reductions in plastic quality could cost local authorities £10m a year.
DECC invites applications for biomass boiler grant scheme

1 August 2011
The Government is inviting applications for a share of a £15m fund for the installation of biomass boilers and other green heaters.
DCLG sets out proposals for 12 month planning decision guarantee

1 August 2011
Planning applications should take no longer than 12 months to be decided, under proposals for a new guarantee scheme outlined by the Government.
16 people arrested in Scotland over metal theft

29 July 2011
Lothian and Borders police have arrested 16 people as part of an operation to combat metal and heavy plant equipment theft across Edinburgh, the Lothians and the Scottish Borders.
Nine local authorities create 'biggest textile recycling service in the UK'

29 July 2011
Nine local authorities in Wales have created what is thought to be the biggest regional textile recycling service in the UK.
Cheshire councils’ Judicial Review rejected by High Court

29 July 2011
Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East Councils have had their Judicial Review of the Government’s decision to withdraw £100m of PFI funding for its joint waste PFI project rejected in the High Court.
Veolia signs contract for Hertfordshire EfW

29 July 2011
Veolia Environmental Services has signed a contract with Hertfordshire County Council for construction of a controversial 180,000 tonne energy-from-waste facility.
Lord Henley threatens to legislate following ‘not good enough’ carrier bag figures

28 July 2011
Environment minister Lord Henley has threatened the use of further measures, including legislation, to curb the number of single-use carrier bags after a 5% increase in bag use in England in 2010.
Southampton refuse collectors return to work

28 July 2011
Refuse workers at Southampton City Council have returned to work this week while strike action continues in the city.
Veridis Energy has EfW refusal overturned after ‘serious procedural errors’

28 July 2011
The notice to reject proposals for a “one of a kind” 140,000 tonne energy-from-waste (EfW) facility near Belfast has been withdrawn, after a review of major planning applications identified “serious procedural errors”.
The review is England playing catch-up

28 July 2011
In the final part of our waste review roundtable, our team of debaters discusses what the industry should be concentrating on to drive it forward
O-Gen to receive double ROCs

27 July 2011
Timber recycling company O-Gen UK has become the first advanced conversion technology plant in the UK to receive double renewables obligation certificates (ROCs) from Ofgem.
Man arrested in connection with 5,000 tonne Swansea waste tyre fire

27 July 2011
A Swansea man has been arrested in connection with the alleged illegal dumping of 5,000 tonnes of tyre waste in a Swansea warehouse, which subsequently caught fire.
West Norfolk borough council votes to oppose Kings Lynn EfW planning application

27 July 2011
King’s Lynn and West Norfolk borough council has voted to oppose a planning application for the Saddlebow energy-from-waste (EfW) facility and written to communities secretary Eric Pickles requesting that the application be called in.
CB Skips fined £150,000 following worker death

26 July 2011
Salisbury skip hire firm CB Skips has been fined £150,000 after a worker was killed by an exploding tyre.
HSE launches consultation on cost recovery plans

26 July 2011
The health and safety executive (HSE) has launched a consultation on the implementation of a new policy for recovering costs from businesses found to be breaking health and safety law.
Draft national framework defers decisions on waste planning policy

25 July 2011
The Government’s revised national planning policy has deferred a consideration of waste planning policy until the publication of an English waste strategy in Spring 2012.
Warwickshire launches HWRC consultation in light of budget cuts

25 July 2011
Warwickshire County Council has launched a consultation on new opening times and policies for its network of household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).
Nestlé factory achieves zero waste to landfill status

25 July 2011
Nestlé UK’s York site has achieved zero waste to landfill status four years ahead of its 2015 target.
NI municipal waste arisings increase 2.6% on the year

25 July 2011
Northern Ireland environment minister Alex Attwood has expressed disappointment that municipal waste arisings between January and March increased 2.6% compared with the same time in 2010.
Veolia call to Planning Inspectorate to request further information rejected

22 July 2011
Waste management company Veolia has called on the Planning Inspectorate to request the “submission of further information” as part of plans to include improved flue gas treatment technology in the company’s Shropshire energy-from-waste (EfW) appeal.
PRN figures reveal “unremarkable” second quarter

22 July 2011
PRN supply figures for the second quarter of 2011 are “unremarkable” following a strong performance by most materials and a total reduction of 2% on the previous quarter.
Sita awarded planning permission for Ipswich EfW plant

22 July 2011
Sita UK has been given planning permission for the construction of a 269,000-tonne energy-from-waste (EfW) facility at Great Blakenham, Ipswich, as part of its £1bn PFI contract with Suffolk County Council.
SWEEEP and compliance schemes launch WEEEConnect

21 July 2011
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycler SWEEEP Kuusakoski has launched a website aimed at raising funds for a forthcoming WEEE TV awareness raising campaign.
Welsh environment minister sets out carrier bag reporting exemption for small businesses

21 July 2011
Retailers with staff of less than 10 will be exempt from record keeping requirements for the forthcoming Welsh carrier bag levy, environment minister John Griffiths has announced.
Defra minister defends second landfill ban consultation

21 July 2011
Defra minister Jim Paice has been forced to defend the Government’s plan for a second consultation on landfill bans in two years, following criticisms that the initial results were “hidden”.
M&S launches hanger recycling service for UNICEF

21 July 2011
Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced a hanger recycling service in order to raise money for UNICEF.
Greenstar plead guilty to Packaging Regulations breach

20 July 2011
Greenstar Environmental has been fined £3,500 after pleading guilty to a single count of breaching the Producer Responsibility Obligations (Waste Packaging) Regulations.
NI launches plastic bag levy consultation

20 July 2011
A consultation into the forthcoming single use carrier bag levy in Northern Ireland has been launched by environment minister Alex Attwood.
Leicestershire waste facility could be scrapped following £86m Defra PFI cuts

20 July 2011
A report by Leicestershire county council has recommended plans for a 180,000 tonne waste facility are scrapped owing to “significant adverse financial impact” of the loss of £86.6m in PFI credits.
Merthyr MP calls for incineration to be stripped from renewable NPS

19 July 2011
A Merthyr Tydfil MP fighting against Covanta’s 750,000 tonne Brig E Cwm energy-from-waste (EfW) facility in his constituency has called for the Government to omit incineration technology from the National Policy Statement (NPS) for renewable energy infrastructure.
Gold surpasses £1000 an ounce

19 July 2011
The price of gold has risen above $1600/ounce, or £1000 an ounce for the first time, following growing concerns over the eurozone debt situation.
Eco Sustainable solutions granted planning permission for £12m biomass facility

19 July 2011
Eco Sustainable Solutions has been awarded planning permission for a £12m biomass power plant on the outskirts of Christchurch, Dorset.
4Recycling wins £450k Biffa digestate recycling contract

19 July 2011
Waste management company 4Recycling has won a contract to recycle digestate from Biffa Waste Services’ anaerobic digestion facility in Staffordshire.
Waste industry “probably best placed” to make nationally significant hazardous waste infrastructure decisions

18 July 2011
The waste management industry is “probably best placed” to make decisions on nationally significant hazardous waste infrastructure, the Government has announced.
Paul Levett appointed non-executive director at Frankis Solutions

18 July 2011
Land remediation specialists Frankis Solutions has appointed former Veolia deputy chief executive Paul Levett as a non-executive director.
Amendment to Covanta’s Brig y Cwm EfW facility rejected

18 July 2011
Covanta Energy has had an amendment to its Brig y Cwm energy-from-waste (EfW) facility rejected by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) on the grounds that it would make the development “substantially different” to the initial application.
Biffa fined £27,000 for 'persistent' landfill odour

14 July 2011
Biffa Waste Services has been fined £27,000 for persistent odour problems at its Houghton Quarry landfill site in Sunderland.
Oxfam to be sole supplier of textile banks to Sainsbury's

14 July 2011
Sainsbury’s is to replace the Salvation Army with Oxfam as the provider of textile recycling banks at its stores.
Extended product lifetimes may have negative impact on manufacturing

14 July 2011
Measures to extend product lifetimes may have a “broadly negative” effect on UK manufacturing, distribution and retail, a report has found.
Sita Lend Lease pulls out of NLWA procurement

13 July 2011
Procurement for the North London Waste Authority’s (NLWA) waste treatment contract has narrowed to two bidders after the Sita Lend Lease consortium announced its intention to withdraw.
Government sets out actions to deliver on biomass electricity generation

13 July 2011
Up to six gigawatts of biomass electricity generating capacity could be deployed by 2020, according to the Government’s renewable energy roadmap.
DECC sets out transition from RO to new FiTs

13 July 2011
The department for energy and climate change (DECC) has provided further details on plans to phase out the Renewables Obligation (RO) in favour of contract for difference Feed-in Tariffs (CfD FiTs) in a new white paper.
Three permanent staff oversaw waste review

13 July 2011
Only three permanent officials oversaw the production of the Government’s review of waste policy, it has been revealed.
Finance could be greater barrier to waste facilities than planning

12 July 2011
Financing waste infrastructure could be more problematic than acquiring planning permission for facilities, a study by Tolvik Consulting has found.
Government white paper outlines plans to decentralise public services

12 July 2011
The Government has outlined key principles for its approach to public service reform, including increasing competition and devolving service provision to the lowest appropriate level, although figures in the waste industry remain sceptical.
Veolia to appeal Nottinghamshire EfW decision

11 July 2011
Veolia Environmental Services (VES) has confirmed that it intends to appeal against communities secretary Eric Pickles’ rejection of a call-in enquiry for its 180,000-tonne energy-from-waste facility in Rufford, Nottinghamshire.
Ardley incinerator appeal dismissed

11 July 2011
North Oxfordshire campaign group Ardley Against Incinerator (AAI) has had its appeal against the construction of a 150,000-tonne energy-from-waste (EfW) facility dismissed at the Courts of Appeal.
Vehicle fleet staff join Southampton waste workers' strike

11 July 2011
Staff maintaining Southampton City Council’s fleet of refuse collection vehicles will join council workers in another week of strike action from today (11 July).
FIT beneficiaries will be allowed to receive venture capital investment

11 July 2011
The Government could scrap plans to prevent beneficiaries of the feed-In tariff (FIT) scheme from receiving venture capital investment from 2012, according to proposed exemptions outlined in a Treasury consultation.
Recycling goes mobile

30 June 2011
Southwark Council is developing an innovative solution to tackle waste in the borough’s flats and estates. Philip Reynolds reports
DECC recognises significance of waste combustion technology

24 June 2011
The department for energy and climate change (DECC) has recognised the role of incineration in its revised draft national policy statement (NPS) for “nationally significant” renewable energy infrastructure.
Milton Keynes Council revives residual waste treatment contract

24 June 2011
Milton Keynes Council is seeking bids for a new residual waste treatment contract, following the withdrawal of PFI credits and the subsequent closure of “Project Reduce”.
Crime boss jailed for 65,000 tonne illegal waste site

24 June 2011
A crime boss has been given the longest ever sentence for a waste crime, after an Environment Agency (EA) investigation identified a 65,000 tonne illegal waste site in Reading.
EC could legislate for EfW district heating networks

24 June 2011
Waste incinerators could form part of future local district heating or cooling networks, under proposals launched by the European Commission.
The future of waste

23 June 2011
Tiffany Holland and Philip Reynolds report on the highlights of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management conference
Local solution fuels profits

23 June 2011
Waste management firm Cwikskip has invested £2m in an RDF facility. Philip Reynolds went to find out more
B&M acquires WSR's commercial collection routes

23 June 2011
B&M Waste Services has bought the commercial waste collection routes of Widnes Skip & Reclaim (WSR) Recycling.
Waste review opens debate about incineration tax

23 June 2011
The wording of Defra’s waste review documents indicate the possibility of an incineration tax, anti-incineration campaigners have claimed, but the industry remains sceptical.
It makes sense for Welsh to set landfill tax levels, says minister

23 June 2011
Proposals to devolve powers to set landfill tax to the Welsh Assembly Government make “good sense”, Welsh environment minister John Griffiths has said.
Defra to launch AD strategy steering-group in September

23 June 2011
The anaerobic digestion (AD) strategy and action plan will be supported by a steering-group comprised of industry stakeholders and the Government, environment minister Lord Henley has announced.
Strategic forum action plan calls for improved CD&E data

22 June 2011
An action plan aimed at halving the level of construction, demolition and excavation (CD&E) waste sent to landfill by 2012 has included a call for improved data on waste arisings from Government.
Third refuse collection strike planned for Southampton

22 June 2011
Southampton City Council staff have announced a third week of strike action for 28 June.
Lord Henley cautions against use of "out-and-out" Government targets

21 June 2011
Environment minister Lord Henley has cautioned against the use of “out-and-out” Government waste reduction targets because of their capacity to distort.
Cheshire councils’ judicial review reaches High Court

21 June 2011
A judicial review into the Government’s decision to scrap £100m of PFI funding for a joint waste project between two Cheshire councils has reached the High Court.
Pickles looking at delivering financial incentive for weekly collections

21 June 2011
The Government is looking at providing financial incentives to help local authorities implement weekly waste collections, communities secretary Eric Pickles has revealed.
Users divided over glass remelt sub-target

20 June 2011
Proposals for a glass remelt sub-target have been welcomed by glass recyclers, but aggregates manufacturers remain cautious.
Six HWRCs to close across Greater Manchester

20 June 2011
The Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA) is to close six of its household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) as part of cost-cutting plans.
Third sector to run two Warwickshire HWRCs in bid to save money

20 June 2011
Warwickshire County Council is to turn day-to-day running of two of its household waste recycling centre (HWRCs) over to the third sector.
EA launches consultation on extension of controversial Nottingham EfW permit

17 June 2011
A consultation has been launched by the Environment Agency (EA) over WRG’s application to alter the permit for its Eastcroft energy-from-waste (EfW) facility to accept an additional 40,000 tonnes of material.
Local authority bodies offer mixed reception to waste review

17 June 2011
Local authority representatives have offered mixed receptions to the Government’s review of waste policy.
ESA dismisses DCLG presumption in favour of sustainable development as “toothless”

17 June 2011
The Government’s draft of its presumption in favour of sustainable development has been dismissed by the Environmental Services Association (ESA) as “toothless”.
Materials sectors welcome proposed landfill restrictions

16 June 2011
Textile and wood recycling associations have both welcomed Government moves to consult on restricting wood and other materials to landfill, as announced in the review of waste policy.
Industry call for real leadership ahead of waste review

16 June 2011
Philip Reynolds reports from a Westminster event held just before the waste review was published
Environcom England fined after stack of cookers fall on worker

16 June 2011
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycler Environcom England has been fined £7,000 after a worker was injured by a stack of falling appliances.
First waste review policies to arrive by end of June

16 June 2011
The first of the Government’s waste review policies, including waste prevention loans to SMEs and a local authority recycling services commitment are due to be put into action in the next fortnight, Defra has confirmed.
LWaRB chair tells CIWM UK “not ready” to move from waste to resource

15 June 2011
London waste and recycling board (LWaRB) chair James Cleverly has told the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management conference that the UK is not yet ready to make the leap from waste to resource.
MPs heap criticism on Spelman and Government waste review

15 June 2011
Environment secretary Caroline Spelman has faced strong criticism from MPs of all parties in a debate in Parliament over the controversial review of waste policy.
Waste review should 'really back' the UK recycling industry

14 June 2011
The waste management industry has called on the Government to deliver policies with a “significant impact” ahead of the launch of its review of waste policy, expected today (14 June).
Southampton faces second strike by refuse collection workers

13 June 2011
Refuse collectors in Southampton have launched a 14-day strike following allegations that the city council is cutting staff wages by 4.5%.
Study finds potential to treble electricity generation from EfW

13 June 2011
Electricity generation from energy-from-waste (EfW) technology could almost treble from its current contribution of 150MW by 2030, a Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) study has stated.
Industry divided over worth of energy from waste

13 June 2011
Industry experts at a conference have given conflicting accounts about the future role of energy from waste (EfW) in Government policy.
Waste has 'more potential for jobs and green growth' than wind power

13 June 2011
The Government needs to focus more on investment in waste infrastructure over other high-profile green sectors, the Environmental Services Association (ESA) has warned.
Councils say no to a return to weekly household rubbish collections

13 June 2011
A rumoured £100m fund aimed at enticing local authorities to return to weekly waste collections will not persuade councils to abandon fortnightly collections, according to reports.
Waste review could “reverse” recycling progress, warns FoE

10 June 2011
Progress made over the last decade in waste and recycling rates could be reversed by the Government review of waste policy, environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth has warned.
Defra waste director confirms review will contain waste prevention plan

10 June 2011
The forthcoming review of waste policy will contain a waste prevention plan, the Government’s director of waste at Defra has confirmed.
Communities and Local Government committee warns ministers to rein in “interventionist urges”

10 June 2011
A committee of MPs has warned ministers to rein in their “interventionist urges” if the Government’s localism agenda is to remain credible.
Biffa Recycling awarded Basildon Council processing contract

10 June 2011
A four year contract to process household recyclables collected by Basildon borough council has been awarded to Biffa Recyclables.
Lords criticise Localism Bill’s waste impacts

8 June 2011
Lords have criticised aspects of the Government’s Localism Bill over the potential impact of the forthcoming legislation on the waste and recycling sector.
London Underground launches anti-littering campaign

8 June 2011
London Underground has increased the number of bins on the tube by 25%, as part of a campaign to encourage commuters not to litter.
Norfolk County Council could face double legal challenge over Saddlebow EfW decision

8 June 2011
Norfolk County Council could face two separate judicial reviews over the decision to award a PFI contract for a controversial 268,000 tonnes per year energy-from-waste (EfW) facility to Cory Wheelabrator.
Viridor acquires Cheshire based Storm Recycling for £1.7m

7 June 2011
Waste management company Viridor has acquired Cheshire based cardboard and plastics recycler Storm Recycling.
Localism bill amendments to CIL could put waste infrastructure at risk, claims ICE

7 June 2011
Revisions to the government’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) could put the development of sub-national infrastructure, such as waste at risk, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has warned.
Small firms get extended lamp recycling options from Recolight

6 June 2011
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) compliance scheme Recolight is to extend its range of collection options to improve access to its lamp (light bulb) recycling facilities for smaller businesses.
Investigation into tax dodging at East Lancs landfill site

6 June 2011
An investigation has been launched at an East Lancashire landfill site operated by Sita, following allegations that a business was allowed to dump waste without paying landfill tax.
Packaging levy mooted for Irish Republic

6 June 2011
Republic of Ireland environment minister Phil Hogan has launched a consultation on the operation of a possible packaging levy in the country.
Sita to submit planning application for rail waste transfer station in Kirkby

6 June 2011
Waste management company Sita is to seek planning permission for a rail waste transfer loading station in Kirkby, Knowlsey, as part of its bid for a 30-year Merseyside residual waste treatment contract.
Green Lane Eco park developers to appeal Salford council decision

3 June 2011
The developers behind a proposed 240,000 tonne eco-park in Salford are to appeal the city council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the facility.
Delays to Nottinghamshire EfW decision costs Notts CC £5m

3 June 2011
The long delayed public inquiry into Nottinghamshire County Council’s proposed energy-from-waste (EfW) facility has cost the council an additional £5m.
Man loses right forearm in baling machine accident

3 June 2011
Waste management company Transwaste Recycling and Aggregates has been fined £12,000 after an employee had his right forearm severed in a baler accident at the company’s Hessle Dock site in North Humberside.
WYG changes methodology but new report adds fuel to collection debate

2 June 2011
Phil Reynolds digs deeper into industry response to WYG’s recent report on waste collection.
May Gurney reports 18% revenue growth in 2010/11 full year results

1 June 2011
Infrastructure service provider May Gurney has posted revenue growth of 18% in its 2010/2011 full year results.
Landfill tonnages more than halve from 2001 levels

1 June 2011
The amount of waste being sent to landfill at the standard rate of landfill tax has more than halved since the 2000/2001 financial year, according to new figures.
FEAD president: Only 80% recycling rates lead to “significant slowdown” in natural resource depletion

31 May 2011
Only recycling rates above 80% allow for a “significant slowdown” in natural resource depletion, the head of the Federation of Waste Management and Environmental Services (FEAD) has warned.
Friends of the Earth hits out at rumoured incentives for weekly waste collections

31 May 2011
Environmental campaign group Friends of the Earth (FoE) has criticised reports of Government plans to announce financial incentives for councils to return to weekly waste collections as part of its forthcoming review of waste policy.
Eric Pickles rejects long-running Nottinghamshire EfW call-in inquiry

27 May 2011
Communities secretary Eric Pickles has rejected a call-in inquiry for Veolia’s proposed 180,000 tonne energy-from-waste (EfW) facility in Rainworth, Nottinghamshire.
Viridor and Shanks consortium to submit detailed solutions for West Lothian waste treatment facility

27 May 2011
Waste management companies Viridor and a consortium of Shanks and John Laing Investments have been invited to submit detailed solutions for West Lothian Council’s waste treatment facility.
Advanced Plasma Power launches joint venture to undertake “world first” enhanced landfill mining project

27 May 2011
UK waste-to-energy company Advanced Plasma Power (APP) has launched a joint venture with global waste management firm Group Machiels, to begin an enhanced landfill mining project in Houthalen-Hechteren, Belgium.
Commingled wheeled bin collections lead to most improved recycling rates finds WYG report

27 May 2011
Local authorities making the greatest improvements to their dry recycling rate are those which have moved to commingled wheeled bin collections, a follow-up to consultancy WYG’s controversial 2010 report has found.
Producer compliance community lacks influence on WEEE audit trail

26 May 2011
Philip Reynolds takes a deeper look into what the recommendations from the EIA report into illegal WEEE exports to africa mean for industry.
Looking ahead to the waste review

26 May 2011
Tiffany Holland and Philip Reynolds bring you the final instalment of our complete guide to the waste review
UK charity Computer Aid calls on governments to “end e-waste” with export and landfill bans

26 May 2011
UK IT charity Computer Aid International is calling on governments to end waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) altogether by banning its export and import and preventing it from being dumped and landfilled.
WLWA begins procurement for 300,000 tonne residual waste contract

26 May 2011
The West London Waste Authority (WLWA) plans to procure a residual waste treatment contract for the treatment of 300,000 tonnes of waste a year.
Southampton refuse workers launch industrial action

26 May 2011
Council staff in Southampton, including street cleaners and refuse collectors, have taken industrial action over allegations by Unite the Union that the city council is “sacking” people and re-employing them on “substantially lower” terms and conditions.
Scottish recycling rate hits 37.8% in 2010

26 May 2011
Scotland’s recycling and composting rate hit 37.8% in 2010, narrowly missing the Scottish Government’s 40% target for last year.
Cornwall EfW decision “fundamentally undermines” Government claims to be the greenest ever, claims MP

25 May 2011
Newquay and St Austell MP Stephen Gilbert has warned that the decision to uphold an appeal for Cornwall’s Energy Recovery Centre (CERC) at St Dennis, St Austell “fundamentally undermines” Government plans to become the greenest ever.
Is open windrow composting under threat from the over-cautious?

25 May 2011
This month, the Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal by Veolia Environmental Services (VES) against a decision of Nottinghamshire County Council to reject its proposal for the construction of an open-windrow composting facility.
Incentive schemes and local authorities dismiss London Assembly findings

25 May 2011
Operators of compulsory recycling and incentive schemes have defended their strategies, after a London Assembly report questioned the long term gains of the schemes and their applicability to London.
PAFA hits out at EU plastic bag consultation

24 May 2011
The EU’s consultation on methods to reduce plastic carrier bag use has been dismissed as an “ill-formed and unwarranted intervention” by the Packaging And Films Association (PAFA).
Biffa Waste Services welcomes odour nuisance ruling

23 May 2011
Biffa Waste Services has welcomed the dismissal of a claim by Hertfordshire residents seeking damages and an injunction for ‘odour nuisance’ at the company’s Westmill 2 landfill site.
Backbench MPs warn environment minister “ambiguity is not an option” on Government incineration policy

23 May 2011
Labour, Conservative and Plaid Cymru MPs have demanded a clear explanation of Government incineration policy, warning environment minister Richard Benyon that “ambiguity is not an option”.
Cornwall EfW appeal upheld by Communities secretary Eric Pickles

20 May 2011
Communities secretary Eric Pickles has upheld a planning appeal by Sita, to allow the construction of Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre (CERC) at St Dennis, St Austell.
European Commission launches consultation on plastic carrier bag reduction methods, including ban

20 May 2011
The European Commission is asking the public for its views on methods to reduce plastic carrier bag waste, including taxation or an EU-level ban.
UPDATE: Northumbria Police launch investigation into “major” Byker scrapyard fire

19 May 2011
An investigation has been launched into the cause of a “major” fire, which tore through a former scrap yard in Byker, Newcastle on 19 May.
Labour MP slams ‘toothless’ clause on EU charging for local authorities

19 May 2011
A Labour MP has dismissed as “toothless” Government efforts to clarify powers to fine councils if EU targets are not met, and warned that the issue of fines for waste charging could “end up in the courts”.
Cornwall Council leader writes to Pickles to uphold EfW appeal

19 May 2011
The leader of Cornwall Council has written to communities secretary Eric Pickles asking him to uphold an appeal for the controversial Cornwall Energy Recovery Centre (CERC), fearing that a dismissal would have “dire financial, environmental and operational consequences for the council”.
Looking ahead to the waste review

19 May 2011
In the second part of MRW’s preview to the waste review, our panel of experts give their views to Philip Reynolds and Tiffany Holland on which way the Government will lean on issues of incentives and household waste collections
Waste Management Services Framework could generate £85m savings for local authorities

19 May 2011
A new waste management services framework, aimed at providing financial and time savings to more than 100 local authorities, has been launched by the London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) and Improvement and Efficiency South East (iESE).
Community recycling groups could benefit from Big Society Bank

18 May 2011
Community recycling groups could be among those benefiting from the Government’s Big Society Bank, under plans outlined by the Cabinet Office.
Industry responds to EIA E-waste report

18 May 2011
The waste industry has welcomed the Environmental Investigation Agency’s (EIA) report into the shipment of e-waste to developing countries.
Viridor calls for “grown up politics” in the Scottish waste debate

17 May 2011
Waste management company Viridor has called for more “grown up politics” in Scottish political discussions on waste.
London Assembly questions long term gains of incentive and compulsory recycling schemes

17 May 2011
The long term increases in recycling rates promised by compulsory and incentive based recycling schemes “remain unsubstantiated” a report by the London Assembly’s environment committee has warned.
Alex Attwood appointed Northern Ireland environment minister

16 May 2011
Social Democratic and Labour Party member Alex Attwood has replaced Edwin Poots in the role of environment minister following elections in the Northern Ireland Assembly
Shanks awarded Unilever European waste management contract

16 May 2011
Buckinghamshire-based waste management company Shanks Group has been awarded a contract from household products group Unilever for the management of waste across Belgium and the Netherlands.
Aylesford Newsprint to launch new marketing paper product in July

16 May 2011
Recycled newsprint manufacturer Aylesford Newsprint is to launch a higher quality paper product in July in a bid to compete in the retail marketing materials sector.
EIA calls on Government to review producer compliance schemes following e-waste investigation

16 May 2011
The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) is calling on the Government to conduct a complete review of the producer compliance scheme (PCS) system, following an investigation into the shipment of e-waste to developing countries.
Industry sceptical after one year of coalition Government

13 May 2011
The waste industry has offered a lukewarm appraisal of the Government’s handling of waste and recycling issues in its first year of power.
Blaenau Gwent to use thank you letters and fixed penalty notices in order to meet WAG recycling target

13 May 2011
Blaenau Gwent council is to collect photographic evidence on residents’ bins and issue fixed penalty notices of up to £100 for persistent non recyclers, under a forthcoming compulsory recycling scheme.
John Griffiths appointed new Welsh environment minister

13 May 2011
Welsh Assembly Member for Newport East John Griffiths has been appointed Welsh Assembly Minister for Environment and Sustainable Development by first minister Carwyn Jones.
Defra to amend Packaging Regulations following End of Waste criteria

12 May 2011
It is understood that Defra is to amend the Packaging Regulations, following concerns that the publication of the End-of-Waste Criteria Regulation for scrap metal will affect the role of accredited packaging recovery note (PRN) reprocessors.
Looking ahead to the waste review

12 May 2011
Tiffany Holland and Philip Reynolds provide the first of a three-part guide to what the industry wants from the waste review
Boris Johnson launches new Recycle for London campaign

12 May 2011
London mayor Boris Johnson has launched a new ‘Recycle for London’ campaign aimed at encouraging Londoners to recycle their waste.
DTS Environmental launches skip hire service following £3m blaze

12 May 2011
Barnsley-based DTS Environmental has launched a skip hire service, following a fire at a recycling facility that almost wiped the company out.
Eric Pickles calls in Mercia EfW planning application

11 May 2011
Communities secretary Eric Pickles has called in proposals for Mercia Waste Management’s 200,000 tonne EnviRecover energy-from-waste (EfW) facility for his own determination.
Metal recycler fined £15,000 after worker’s jaw shattered

11 May 2011
Bedfordshire based Ampthill Metal Company has been fined £15,000 and asked to pay £21,718.05 in costs after a driver’s jaw was shattered by a locking mechanism on the vehicle he drove.
Four bidders shortlisted for Edinburgh and Midlothian AD contract

10 May 2011
Four companies have been shortlisted for the procurement of facilities to treat food waste from Edinburgh and Midlothian councils
Planning Inspectorate rejects Veolia composting appeal as potential risk to human health

10 May 2011
Veolia Environmental Services’ appeal against the decision by Nottinghamshire county council to refuse planning permission for a composting facility adjacent to a food processing and packaging facility has been rejected by the planning inspectorate as a potential risk to human health.
Greenergy to produce biofuels from high fat foods

9 May 2011
A partnership between edible oil recycler Brocklesby and fuel supplier Greenergy will see the production of biodiesel from unsellable high-fat foods such as pies, crisps and pasties.
Mytum and Selby Recycling convert landfill site into MRF

9 May 2011
Mytum & Selby Recycling has successfully excavated a former landfill site into a MRF facility, thought to be the first of its kind in Europe.
English recycling rate reaches 40.3%

9 May 2011
Household recycling rates in England reached 40.3% between October 2009 and September 2010, according to new figures.
Hinkcroft Transport fined £87,837 for waste permit breaches

6 May 2011
New Cross based Hinkcroft Transport has been fined £87,837 after the company admitted to breaching waste permit conditions that led to “persistent foul odours” from shredding mixed degradable waste.
Sita and Nuvia begin construction on nuclear de-scaling facility

5 May 2011
Sita and and radioactive waste expert Nuvia have begun construction of a facility for cleaning and recycling North Sea gas and oil equipment which has been contaminated by natural radioactive material.
Faulty monitoring at EfW facility leads to anomalous dioxin readings over 10 times safe limit

5 May 2011
A Wolverhampton energy-from-waste (EfW) facility mistakenly read dioxin levels at more than 10 times the recommended safe limit, due to a faulty monitoring process.
Government “does not intend” to pass waste targets to local authorities, minister claims

4 May 2011
The Government “does not intend” to set recycling targets for local authorities, environment minister Richard Benyon has claimed.
EU budget proposes increase to environment and waste fund

3 May 2011
The EU’s environment and waste fund is set to receive an additional €5m (£4.48m), according to provisional figures for the 2012 EU budget.
Hertfordshire announces Veolia as preferred bidder for EfW contract

28 April 2011
Hertfordshire County Council has appointed Veolia ES Aurora as preferred bidder for its residual waste treatment PFI contract.
Norfolk County Council proceeds with controversial King’s Lynn EfW decision

28 April 2011
Norfolk County Council has confirmed the decision to award Cory Wheelabrator the contract for a controversial 170,000-tonne energy-from-waste (EfW) facility in King’s Lynn, following a meeting of its cabinet scrutiny committee.
Advertising Standards Agency throws out North Selby mine complaints

28 April 2011
The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) has rejected a number of complaints that challenged environmental claims made in a brochure for Peel Environmental’s proposed Renewable Energy Centre in North Selby.
UPDATE: Five bailed in connection with M1 scrap yard fire

27 April 2011
Five men arrested in connection with the Mill Hill scrap yard fire which closed parts of the M1 motorway have been released on bail.
UPDATE: Tesco to remove local authority bring banks from its premises

27 April 2011
Tesco has announced plans to remove local authority recycling facilities from its premises in a letter sent to all local authorities.
Herts EfW figures are “flawed” claim opposition group

26 April 2011
Plans for a controversial energy-from-waste (EfW) facility in Hertfordshire are based on flawed, out of date information, local campaigners have alleged.
CBI report calls for larger-than-local planning where needed

26 April 2011
‘Larger-than-local’ planning will be important for encouraging investor confidence and identifying waste infrastructure requirements where needed, a report by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has said.
Greenstar Holdings and Biogen Power consortium withdraws from SWaMP procurement

21 April 2011
The Greenstar Holdings and Biogen Power consortium has withdrawn its bid for the Southern Waste Management Partnership (SWaMP2008) residual waste treatment contract in Northern Ireland.
North Selby renewable energy centre abandons gasification plans over noise assessment

20 April 2011
Plans for a 120,000-tonne gasification facility on the site of a disused mine in North Selby, Yorkshire, have been abandoned after it was found that the project breached noise assessment regulations.
Welsh Green manifesto pledges 70% recycling by 2015

20 April 2011
The Welsh Green Party has pledged to increase recycling rates to 70% by 2015 – 10 years ahead of the current Labour-Plaid Cymru coalition target.
Cameron denies conflict between Government waste policy and localism

19 April 2011
There is no conflict between localism and recent Government announcements on preferred waste policies, Prime Minister David Cameron has said.
Police launch investigation into M1 scrap yard fire

19 April 2011
The scrapyard fire which caused the closure of the M1 has been referred to the police for further investigation.
Transport secretary calls for infrastructure report after scrap yard fire

19 April 2011
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has ordered a report into risks to transport infrastructure from nearby sites, after a fire in a scrap yard below the M1 resulted in lane closures and disruption for motorists.
Defra proposes further food labelling guidance

18 April 2011
Defra is considering new guidance to improve the clarity of food labelling, in order to reduce the 5.3 million tonnes of food wasted by the public each year.
ROI clamps down on landfill with €20 levy increase

18 April 2011
Landfill levies in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) are due to almost double from €30/tonne (£26) to €50/tonne (£44) by September 2011, as part of a range of measures announced by the Government to provide “certainty on waste policy”.
Southwark extends 10,000 property food waste collection pilot to borough flats

18 April 2011
The London Borough of Southwark is to extend its 10,000 property food waste collection trial to a series of flats in the area.
TOR2 “did not adequately consider” staged roll-out option

15 April 2011
Torbay council did not adequately consider the merits of a staged roll-out option for the implementation of its TOR2 recycling scheme, according to the report by the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Board.
Viridor awarded five year contract with Charnwood Borough Council

15 April 2011
Charnwood Borough Council has awarded Viridor with a five year contract for the transportation and sorting of 16,000 tonnes of mixed recyclables from the borough’s households.
Scrap yard fire in Mill Hill closes M1

15 April 2011
Sections of the M1 closed for four days after 40 firefighters were called to a fire in a Mill Hill scrap yard in the early hours of 15 April, directly below the motorway.
Scottish National manifesto pledges to “build on recycling rates” with new waste legislation

15 April 2011
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has promised to legislate for restricted inputs to energy-from-waste (EfW) facilities, “progressive” landfill bans and extend biomass from food and farm waste if re-elected.
Enfield Council miscounts thousands of fly-tips

14 April 2011
Enfield borough Council has revealed that it miscounted “thousands” of fly-tipping incidents which were cleared up by council officers but not included in final statistics.
Welsh Labour manifesto pledges biodegradable ban regulations in next Assembly term

14 April 2011
The Welsh Labour Party manifesto has pledged to introduce regulations to restrict biodegradables from landfill in the next Assembly term if it is re-elected to the Welsh Assembly Government.
Welcome for end-of-waste regs but much is left unclear for traders

14 April 2011
With the arrival of the long-awaited End-of-Waste Regulations for iron, steel and aluminium scrap, the industry has breathed a collective sigh of relief.
Press Association survey underestimates scale of AWC switch

13 April 2011
A Press Association (PA) survey which identified that 69% of UK councils had switched to alternate weekly collections (AWC) has underestimated the scale of the uptake, MRW can reveal.
UK taken to court over the “prohibitive expense” of challenges to environmental projects

13 April 2011
The UK is being taken to the European Union Court of Justice (ECJ) over the high costs of challenging environmental project decisions, including waste facilities.
Government waste review could eschew numbered waste targets

13 April 2011
The Government’s forthcoming review of waste policy could be little more than a “series of case studies” and offer no numerical waste targets, according to speculation circulating in the sector.
Edinburgh council trials food waste recycling scheme across 20,000 homes

12 April 2011
City of Edinburgh Council has announced a trial food waste collection service for 20,000 homes as part of its new waste and recycling strategy.
WRG pulls out of Prosiect Gwyrdd contract bid

11 April 2011
The number of bidders for the Welsh waste treatment contract known as Prosiect Gwyrdd has narrowed to three, after Waste Recycling Group (WRG) announced its withdrawal from the procurement process.
Ministerial letter warns councils against “illegal stealth waste collection taxes”

11 April 2011
Councils have been warned against “illegal stealth taxes” and the creation of waste container monopolies in a letter from local government minister Bob Neill and environment minister Lord Henley.
UPDATE: NLWA procurement narrows to three bidders

8 April 2011
The North London Waste Authority (NLWA) has invited three bidders to develop detailed solutions for its waste treatment contract and its waste fuel use contract, which are continuing despite the withdrawal of £258.4m Government PFI investment last year.
Industry supportive of EU proposal on landfill ban but is cooler on bags

8 April 2011
In recent weeks the EU has announced proposals to phase out biodegradable waste sent to landfill and consider a “Europe wide” approach to plastic bags, which could include a ban.
BDR announces 3SE as preferred bidder for £750m PFI

8 April 2011
The Barnsley Doncaster and Rotherham (BDR) Partnership has appointed 3SE as preferred bidder in principle for its £750m residual waste PFI contract.
Cornwall council is “peddling EfW doomsday myth” claims influential MP

7 April 2011
An influential MP has criticised Cornwall Council for “continuing to peddle the doomsday myth that incineration is the only answer to avoid multi-million pound fines”, and called on communities secretary Eric Pickles to reject the appeal for an energy-from-waste (EfW) facility at St Dennis, near St Austell.
North Wales residual treatment contract narrows to three bidders

7 April 2011
A partnership of county councils in north Wales has shortlisted three bidders for its 150,000-tonne residual waste treatment contract.
What suits locally is going to be the best choice

7 April 2011
In the final part of our Recycling United Re-Ignited roundtable discussion, industry experts consider what makes a good MRF and what conclusions can be drawn. Words by Philip Reynolds
LWARB provides £4m for Orchid waste-to-fuel facility

6 April 2011
The London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) will award Orchid Environmental a £4m loan for the development of a waste-to-fuel facility.
Over 10,500 register interest in Merthyr EfW

6 April 2011
Over 10,500 people have registered their interest in Covanta’s proposed Brig Y Cwm energy from waste (EfW) facility which will be examined by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC).
Environmental Industries Commission calls for national waste planning statement

5 April 2011
The Environmental Industries Commission’s (EIC) new policy manifesto has called on the Government to publish a statement outlining waste infrastructure requirements, in order promote development of facilities at local level.
Defra reveals existence of cross departmental EfW project board

5 April 2011
The existence of a closed cross-Whitehall energy-from-waste (EfW) board aimed at developing consistent policy across Government departments has been revealed by Defra’s deputy director of energy from waste and food waste.
Somerset HWRCS charge £2 per use

5 April 2011
Household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) in Somerset are charging residents £2 per use and are operating at reduced hours in order to save the services from closure.
EU resource roadmap will propose incentives for resource efficient products

5 April 2011
The forthcoming European resource efficiency roadmap will propose incentives for resource-efficient products and create a secondary materials market for the EU, according to European environment commissioner Janez Potocnik.
EfW opposition group launches legal challenge against Eric Pickles’ Ardley decision

4 April 2011
Communities secretary Eric Pickles is facing a legal challenge from a North Oxfordshire campaign group about his decision to uphold a planning appeal for the Ardley energy-from-waste (EfW) facility.
Government waste policy doesn’t understand investment barriers are at the “front end”

1 April 2011
Confused Government energy policy “does not understand” that some of the greatest barriers to waste project investment are at the “front end”, said Grant Thornton LLP director Nigel Mattravers.
North Lincolnshire names WRG and Cemex preferred bidders for £250m waste contract

1 April 2011
North Lincolnshire County Council has awarded preferred bidder status for its £250m waste contract to Waste Recycling Group (WRG) and Cemex.
40 million tonnes of residual waste “should be going to energy recovery”

31 March 2011
Around 40 million tonnes of residual waste “should be going towards energy recovery in the current climate”, according to Covanta Energy’s director of public affairs.
Construction Recycling Alliance awards first ‘approved supplier’ status to EcoSheet

31 March 2011
EcoSheet creator 2K Manufacturing has become one of the first UK companies to be awarded the Construction Recycling Alliance’s (CRA) new ‘approved supplier’ scheme.
Collection points add up to a material gain

31 March 2011
In the second part of MRW’s Recycling United Re-Ignited roundtable discussion, industry experts look at how to improve the quality of collected materials. Words by Philip Reynolds
Industry takes a closer look at planning and fuel duty in the Budget

31 March 2011
Since its first day in office, the coalition has promised to be the ‘greenest Government ever’. But how green was chancellor George Osborne’s first full Budget, and what does it mean for the waste sector?
Schedule 2 regulations delayed

29 March 2011
Amendments to Schedule 2 of the Controlled Waste Regulations which should have been introduced on 6 April have been delayed following a “substantial number” of consultation responses.
ROI to introduce reverse charging VAT rules for scrap metal supply

29 March 2011
The Republic of Ireland is to introduce a “reverse charging” mechanism for VAT on scrap metal, which will see the responsibility fall to the recipient, rather than the supplier of the metal.
Government enterprise zones unlikely to become starting points for waste planning

29 March 2011
Government plans to create a series of Local Enterprise Zones (LEZ) have the “potential” to broaden the options for waste facility developers, but are unlikely to become starting points for waste planning, WYG director Ben Arnold has said.
Welsh recycling rate shows year-on-year increase

29 March 2011
The level of municipal waste in Wales sent for recycling and composting in the final three months of 2010 reached 42%, according to figures provided by the Welsh Assembly Government.
60% of people do not believe they produce too much waste, EU survey finds

28 March 2011
An EU-wide survey has found that almost 60% of respondents believe they are not producing too much household waste.
UPDATE: Government will prevent FITs beneficiaries from venture capital investment

28 March 2011
Waste management companies that benefit from Feed-In Tariff (FIT) schemes will be prevented from receiving investment from Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) and Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) from April 2012.
Merthyr residents protest outside IPC to oppose 750,000 tonne EfW

28 March 2011
Residents from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, and surrounding villages have delivered more than 6,000 registration forms opposing the construction of a large energy-from-waste (EfW) facility, during a demonstration outside the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) offices.
EU Commission launches proposals to phase out biodegradable waste to landfill

25 March 2011
A representative of the European Commission (EC) has announced the body’s intention to propose a phase out of biodegradable waste to landfill between 2020 and 2025.
Final two bidders selected for resurrected Gloucestershire waste project

25 March 2011
Gloucestershire county council has agreed to continue with procurement of a residual waste project and has announced the final two bidders, despite Government withdrawal of PFI credits in 2010’s comprehensive spending review.
Environmental experts warn over “mixed messages” from budget policy announcements

24 March 2011
A panel of environmental experts have warned against “mixed messages” in environmental policy announcements in the 2011 Budget.
Tap into waste data

24 March 2011
German waste weighing specialist Moba Mobile Automation is bringing its mobile weighing technology to the UK. Philip Reynolds went to find out more
Quality issue that won’t go away

24 March 2011
Is the quality debate still polarised under commingled versus source separated? MRW editor Paul Sanderson gathered six experts from both sides of the industry to discuss materials quality and areas of common ground. Words by Philip Reynolds
WRAP launches consultation on updated aggregate quality protocol

23 March 2011
WRAP has launched a six week consultation on an updated quality protocol for aggregates from inert waste.
WAG launches food and packaging sector plan

22 March 2011
The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) has launched a series of proposals aimed at reducing food and packaging waste, in its new sector plan consultation.
Resource Futures to take ownership of NHHWF

22 March 2011
Environmental consultancy Resource Futures will take ownership of the National Household Hazardous Waste Forum (NHHWF) following a decision by the forum’s executive committee.
Northern Ireland opens consultation on 60% recycling target by 2020

22 March 2011
Northern Ireland could set an “aspirational” target of recycling 60% of its municipal waste by 2020, following a consultation on a new recycling policy.
Waste review could “lean on councils” to introduce weekly food waste collections

21 March 2011
The Government’s review of waste policy is expected to scrap Landfill Allowance Trading Schemes (LATS) and could “lean on” councils to introduce weekly food waste collections, according to a Local Government Group (LGG) briefing note seen by MRW.
Boris Johnson launches multi-million waste infrastructure fund

21 March 2011
London mayor Boris Johnson has launched a fund of more than £70m aimed at financing new small-scale waste infrastructure in the capital.
Government proposes increasing FITs tariffs for farm-scale AD

18 March 2011
The Government has proposed new tariffs for farm-based anaerobic digestion (AD) plants in its fast-track consultation on the Feed In Tariff (FITs) scheme.
European Commission to consider plastic bag ban

18 March 2011
The European Commission is to consider a “Europe wide” approach to plastic bags, which could include outright bans on single use carrier bags.
FoE photo stunt calls on Cameron to halve residual waste by 2020

18 March 2011
Environmental charity Friends of the Earth is to stage a series of photo stunts for local newspapers across the country, urging David Cameron to set a goal of halving residual waste by 2020 in the waste review.
King’s Lynn calls for Eric Pickles to adjudicate “undemocratic” EfW decision by its own county council

18 March 2011
The borough council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk have called on Communities Secretary Eric Pickles to call in an “undemocratic” decision by Norfolk County Council to press ahead with the development of a 170,000 tonne energy from waste facility, after a poll revealed 92% of respondents opposed the plan.
Labour MP calls for Government to end support for electricity-only generation from wood

17 March 2011
The chair of the all-party group for the wood panel Industry has called on the Government to end its support for electricity-only generation from wood, and labelled the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) a “further crushing blow” to competitiveness in the wood sector.
Localist agenda for waste creates dilemmas, Lords warn

17 March 2011
Principles of localism make for a “dilemma” in the context of waste collections, members of the House of Lords have warned.
Recycling helped us to go for growth

17 March 2011
Tyre and wheel specialist ITWS has seen its business grow from strength to strength. Philip Reynolds discusses how it has done so with managing director Les Williams
Scotland introduces carbon metric and £4m food waste scheme

16 March 2011
A new “world-leading” carbon-led approach to recycling performance has been unveiled by the Scottish Government.
European Council chooses “tepid” WEEE collection target

16 March 2011
Proposals to introduce 85% collection targets in the revised Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive appear to have softened following a consideration of the European Parliament’s decision by the Council of the EU.
Eco park planning decision delayed over HSE health concerns

15 March 2011
Surrey County Council has delayed a planning decision on Sita’s Charlton Lane eco-park following Health and Safety Executive (HSE) concerns that proper health and safety procedures have not been accounted for.
Community right of appeal proposals criticised by DCLG minister over business impact

15 March 2011
Proposals to introduce a community right to appeal against controversial planning applications have been criticised by local government minister Greg Clark for introducing possible ‘expense and delays’ for infrastructure providers.
Plastic bag industry calls on Welsh Government to drop carrier bag levy

14 March 2011
Two plastic bag bodies have called on the Welsh Assembly Government to reconsider its forthcoming carrier bag levy, after a recent EA life cycle analysis “strongly demonstrates the environmental credentials of plastic carrier bags”.
Waste derived biofuel benefit could be doubled under revised RTFO

14 March 2011
Fuel companies using waste derived biofuels could receive double their current rewards, under amendments to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) proposed by a Department for Transport (DfT) consultation.
Bottle deposit schemes could raise £432m

14 March 2011
Controversial drink bottle deposit refund schemes could raise more than £432m for charities, according to new research.
GIB “needs to be a bank” claims Environmental Audit Committee

11 March 2011
A report from the Environmental Audit Committee has warned the Government that the long awaited Green Investment Bank (GIB) “needs to be a bank”.
Highland council criticised over governance deficiencies in CHaP plant

11 March 2011
Highland council has been criticised by Scotland’s Accounts Commission for failing to establish “effective governance” over a community heat and power project.
WAG municipal sector plan introduces recommended waste collection blueprint

10 March 2011
A ’blueprint’ for preferred household waste collection methods is one of a number of actions recommended by the Welsh Assembly Government in its newly published municipal sector plan part one.
Princess Anne opens Cory MRF

10 March 2011
Princess Anne has officially opened Cory Environmental’s new Smugglers Way MRF in Wandsworth.
18 London boroughs to receive £3.7m flat recycling boost

9 March 2011
Grants totalling £3.7m are to be delivered to 18 London boroughs, in order to develop underground recycling storage systems, recycling incentive schemes and mobile recycling facilities for flats across the capital.
Islington to begin compulsory recycling from 4 April

9 March 2011
Islington residents may face fixed penalty notices of £110 for not recycling, under a new compulsory recycling service to be introduced in the borough from April 2011.
Pressurised gas cylinder explodes at Warwickshire HWRC

8 March 2011
Warwickshire county council has issued a warning over the dangers of incorrectly disposing of gas cylinders following an explosion at a Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in the region.
529kg of MSW generated per person in UK in 2009, figures show

8 March 2011
529kg of municipal solid waste (MSW) was generated per person in the UK in 2009, according to figures published by Eurostat, the European Union statistical office.
Derby and Derbyshire council leaders snubbed by Bob Neill over waste planning concerns

8 March 2011
The leaders of Derby and Derbyshire councils have been snubbed by Local Government minister Bob Neill, following a letter to the Minister stating their concern that it is “increasingly difficult to gain planning permission” for controversial waste facilities.
WRG announced as preferred bidder for Lincolnshire EfW

7 March 2011
Waste Recycling Group (WRG) has been announced as the preferred bidder for Lincolnshire Waste Partnership’s 150,000-tonne energy-from-waste (EfW) facility in North Hykeham.
ADBA announces biomethane credit trading platform proposals

7 March 2011
The Anaerobic Digestion and Biogas Association (ADBA) has proposed the creation of a biomethane-based carbon credit trading platform to support the growth of the anaerobic digestion (AD) industry.
Only 25 UK organisations offer separate food waste collections to SMEs

7 March 2011
Only 25 organisations across England, Scotland and Wales offer separate food waste collections to small businesses, figures show.
Wales to receive greater waste legislation powers

4 March 2011
Powers to pass future waste legislation without seeking Parliamentary approval will be awarded to the National Assembly for Wales, following a referendum.
30 million litre bioethanol facility unaffected by RDA cuts

4 March 2011
Financial support for a 30 million litre bioethanol from waste facility is to be maintained despite the closure of the Regional Development Agency (RDA) which is providing a portion of the project’s investment.
Poots: 50% EU recycling target is “not testing enough for Northern Ireland”

4 March 2011
Northern Ireland environment minister Edwin Poots could raise the EU’s 2020 landfill diversion target after he described the 50% target as “not testing enough for Northern Ireland”.
BiogenGreenfinch secures planning permission for 45,000 tonne Warwickshire AD facility

4 March 2011
Planning permission has been granted by Warwickshire county council to BiogenGreenfinch for a 45,000-tonne anaerobic digestion (AD) facility in Warwickshire.
UK energy providers launch Green Gas Certification Scheme

3 March 2011
A certification scheme aimed at eradicating the double-counting of registered biomethane has been launched by a group of UK energy providers.
Positive signs on how community waste collections might work

3 March 2011
Although ‘localism’ and ‘the big society’ have been the buzzwords on every minister’s lips since the formation of the coalition Government, we are only just beginning to see how the rise of ‘people power’ might affect the waste industry.
Landfill tax receipts fall for first time in 2009/10

3 March 2011
Receipts from landfill tax in the 2009/10 financial year have fallen for the first time since 1998, according to the latest figures.
EU committee to vote on updating packaging and packaging waste definitions

3 March 2011
A European Union committee is to vote on amending the definitions of packaging and packaging waste in the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD).
Liberal Democrat London Assembly member hits out at TFL waste reduction efforts

2 March 2011
The Liberal Democrat London Assembly environment spokesman has slammed litter reduction efforts on the London underground, claiming they are blocking higher recycling rates.
EA announces updated processed fuel oil quality protocol

2 March 2011
A revised quality protocol for recovering waste lubricating oils into Processed Fuel Oils (PFO) has been announced by the Environment Agency.
Cornish supermarkets to be offered bring banks by private contractors

1 March 2011
Private contractors in Cornwall are to operate supermarket bring banks in conjunction with large supermarket chains in the region, after the withdrawal of Cornwall Council involvement in the service.
UKWIN seeks right of appeal for local residents against incinerators

1 March 2011
The UK Without Incineration Network (UKWIN) has called on the Government to equalise the planning appeal process for local residents in its forthcoming National Planning Policy Framework.
RICS pushes for rare earth metals recycling programme

1 March 2011
Efforts to achieve Government targets of 15% renewable energy by 2020 could be unattainable without a recycling programme for rare earth metals, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has warned.
Biomethane to grid facilities may be forced to dilute gas with propane

28 February 2011
Anaerobic digestion (AD) facilities which provide biomethane to the grid may be forced to dilute their gas with propane, following concerns raised by gas regulator Ofgem.
WRAP trials explore new AD markets

25 February 2011
A series of WRAP trials investigating the potential use of anaerobic digestate in landscaping and regeneration projects have begun in England and Scotland.
Concerns over NHHWF future prompt EGM

25 February 2011
The National Household Hazardous Waste Forum (NHHWF) has announced an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) over growing concerns about the future of the forum.
PaperChain has “no current desire” to pursue CRR judicial review

24 February 2011
PaperChain has issued an official stance on the Campaign for Real Recycling’s intention to seek a judicial review, stating that it has “no current desire” to question the legislation.
Court of Appeal strikes out Sita UK appeal against GMWDA contract award

24 February 2011
An appeal lodged by Sita UK against the High Court decision to strike out a £90m damage claim against the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA) has also been struck out in the Court of Appeal.
Government stalling on RHI is “sapping investor confidence” warns REA

24 February 2011
Delays in the publication of the RHI are “sapping the confidence of potential investors” the Renewable Energy Association (REA) has warned.
Commingled inclusion appears legally reasonable, waste expert claims

24 February 2011
The inclusion of commingled waste collections in the UK transposition of the revised Waste Framework Directive (WFD) appears legally “reasonable” according to a solicitor specialising in waste and environmental law.
Hertfordshire announces county wide textile recycling contract

23 February 2011
A contract to sell recycled textiles across all 11 Hertfordshire counties has been announced by the Hertfordshire Waste Partnership.
Scottish recycling rate hits 37.7%

22 February 2011
The amount of municipal waste sent for recycling in Scotland has risen to 37.7%, according to figures released by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
Shanks and Babcock team to rescue Wakefield waste PFI

22 February 2011
Babcock International and Shanks Waste Management have reached an agreement to bring the Wakefield waste PFI project to financial close.
Ardley incinerator achieves planning approval from Eric Pickles

21 February 2011
A planning appeal has been granted by communities secretary Eric Pickles for the 300,000-tonne energy-from-waste (EfW) facility at a landfill site in Ardley, Oxfordshire.
Right to Challenge legislation poses “questions for local authorities about risk and liability”

21 February 2011
Right to Challenge proposals that could allow community groups to take ownership of waste collections pose questions for local authorities “about the risk and liability that they are prepared to accept when services are delivered differently”, an MP scrutinising the legislation has warned.
4.25m litres of biodiesel could be generated by Teesside waste, finds report

21 February 2011
Up to four million litres of vehicle fuel could be generated from food waste in Teesside, research has revealed.
UNESDA and EFBW recommend PET bottle design criteria to members

18 February 2011
Criteria for the improvement of quality and economic viability of PET bottles have been recommended by two leading European beverage and bottled water associations to their members.
Cardiff food charity receives £393,000 cash boost

18 February 2011
FareShare Cymru has received £393,000 capital funding from the Welsh Assembly Government, which will contribute towards the establishment of a Cardiff FareShare franchise.
SATCoL defends relationship with Kettering Textiles Ltd

18 February 2011
The Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL) has defended its contract with Kettering Textiles, commenting that it has been “completely transparent about how we work together”.
What does the waste industry feel about the latest sorting row?

18 February 2011
‘Commingled’ was the word on everyone’s lips last week, following the Campaign for Real Recycling’s announcement that it would seek a judicial review of the decision to include the controversial collection measure in the UK transposition of the EU Waste Framework Directive (WFD).
Wales dares to be different

17 February 2011
The Welsh Assembly has set itself challenging targets for recycling household waste. Philip Reynolds finds out more in this exclusive series of interviews with those driving the country’s strategy
Benyon defends Government incineration policy over growing Radlett incinerator opposition

17 February 2011
Defra minister Richard Benyon has stated that incineration policy will be part of plans to be the “greenest Government ever,” after growing opposition to an incinerator in Hertfordshire reached the House of Commons.
Green Economy Council launches

17 February 2011
A council of green business leaders and Government ministers from environmental, energy and business departments has met for the first time to discuss the Government’s forthcoming Green Economy Roadmap.
Taxpayers’ alliance survey slammed by waste industry

17 February 2011
A Taxpayers’ Alliance survey into the number of bins each local authority collects has been criticised by figures in the waste industry for oversimplifying waste collections.
GMWDA phases out community recycling credits

16 February 2011
Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA) has announced it is phasing out textile recycling credits for community organisations following the growth of secondary markets for the materials.
Four in five Welsh homes received food waste collections in December 2010

16 February 2011
Separate food or food and green waste collections are now provided to 80% of homes in Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government has announced.
Communities could take ownership of waste collections under proposed Right to Challenge legislation

15 February 2011
Community recycling organisations and local communities could soon take ownership of waste collection rounds in their areas, under Right to Challenge proposals outlined in a new consultation.
Commingled collections in WFD are a “clarification”

15 February 2011
The inclusion of commingled collections in the transposition of the revised Waste Framework Direcitve (WFD) is “clarification for the avoidance of doubt” a political consultant has said.
Scottish Environmental Services Association launches waste manifesto

15 February 2011
The Scottish Environmental Services Association (SESA) has called for greater private sector investment for waste infrastructure and closer alignment of energy policy from the next Scottish Parliament in its new manifesto.
Northumberland County Council could generate £300,000 a year from HWRC donations

15 February 2011
Northumberland County Council has identified up to £300,000 a year of possible income from the sale of goods collected at household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).
78% of school food waste is avoidable, claims WRAP report

14 February 2011
Up to 78% of food waste generated in schools is avoidable, a WRAP study has found.
CBI report: EfW electricity output could quadruple by 2016

14 February 2011
Up to 6% of UK electricity could be generated from energy from waste (EfW) by 2016, claims a Confederation of British Industry (CBI) report.
Ship recycling demands new legislation claims Environment Commissioner

14 February 2011
The ship recycling market requires “specific legal instruments” to provide incentives for positive operators, European environment commissioner Janez Potocnik has said.
Veolia launches appeal against Shropshire EfW decision

10 February 2011
Veolia Environmental Services has announced plans to appeal against Shropshire Council’s rejection of plans for a 90,000 tonne Energy from Waste (EfW) facility in the region.
Data driven by satnav

10 February 2011
Vehicle tracking technology provides new opportunities for fleet managers. Philip Reynolds investigates
New WEEE rules are all very well but collections are under-reported

10 February 2011
A recast of the Waste Electricals and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive has been a long time coming. But last week stakeholders finally got their wish, as the European Parliament voted to toughen targets and increase recycling rates for the legislation.
NLWA receives bids for revised waste procurement

9 February 2011
The North London Waste Authority (NLWA) has announced it plans to revive the procurement process for waste services in seven North London boroughs following the withdrawal of £258.4m PFI credits by the Government in 2010.
Wakefield waste PFI may be rescued by replacement bidder

9 February 2011
The stalled Wakefield waste PFI project could be returned to life, with Babcock International believed to be almost ready to announce a new bidder.
Campaign for Real Recycling seeks judicial review over commingled inclusion in Waste Framework Directive

9 February 2011
The Campaign for Real Recycling (CRR) says it will seek a judicial review over the inclusion of commingled collection systems in the transposition of the revised Waste Framework Directive (WFD) into English law.
Huhne “disappointed” by only two AD FITs

8 February 2011
Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has brought forward a review of the Feed-In Tarrifs (FITs) scheme, after figures reveal that only two Anaerobic Digestion (AD) plants are using the benefit.
Eunomia kerbside report: does collection scheme make any difference?

8 February 2011
A report into optimal kerbside waste collection systems is “not likely to put to bed” the collection methods debate, after it identified that at current performance levels, kerbside sorting performs only marginally better than two-stream collections.
Local authorities consider cutting HWRCs in order to save money

7 February 2011
The number of Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) could be reduced by up to a quarter in some counties, after three local authorities proposed cuts to the number of sites in their regions.
Deputy Mayor of London concerned over Localism Bill’s charging powers

4 February 2011
The deputy Mayor of London has voiced concern over powers in the Localism Bill to pass fines to local authorities for national infringements of EU targets.
MEPs vote to upgrade WEEE directive collections

3 February 2011
WEEE collection targets could increase to 85% by 2016 following a vote by MEPs.
English household recycling rate hits 40%

3 February 2011
The percentage of household waste which was sent for recycling, composting or re-use reached 40.1% between July 2009 and June 2010, according to figures from Defra.
EU materials strategy proposes piloting recycling incentive schemes

3 February 2011
Actions and research on recycling incentive schemes and best practice guidance for the collection and treatment of key waste streams have been proposed in the EU’s newly adopted raw materials strategy.
Construction and waste: in it together

3 February 2011
Waste consultant George Dobson and TRL recently launched a new online tool designed to bring the waste and construction industries together, Philip Reynolds went to find out more
Infighting fears threatening Green Investment Bank

2 February 2011
The future shape of the Green Investment Bank (GIB) has been called into question, after revelations that energy secretary Chris Huhne and business secretary Vince Cable are at “loggerheads” with Treasury officials.
European Parliament to vote on increasing WEEE directive targets

2 February 2011
A vote on the decision to upgrade WEEE Directive targets to an 85% collection rate is expected in the European Parliament this week.
Waste programme identifies three potential new waste protocols

1 February 2011
Three potential quality protocols designed to treat 4.2 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste in the South East have been announced by the European Pathway to Zero Waste (EPOW) programme.
No tug of war over waste arisings in Sheffield, claims BDR

1 February 2011
A shortage of waste arisings in Sheffield that has led to one EfW facility applying for permission to increase its catchment area is not expected to impact on the proposed construction of a second facility in the region, the team behind the project has said.
BMRA cautions against perceived "scarcity" of strategic metals

1 February 2011
There is “no evidence” that strategic metals such as platinum, titanium and the rare earth metals are intrinsically scarce, the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) has warned a committee of MPs.
Salvation Army criticised over recycling contractor payments

31 January 2011
The operator of the Salvation Army’s nationwide clothes recycling banks has earned almost £10m since 2008, an investigation has revealed.
Merthyr energy from waste facility is based on “bogus consulation” claims FoE

31 January 2011
The decision by the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) to allow a controversial incinerator to progress to the examination phase was based on a “bogus public consultation”, Friends of the Earth has claimed.
Bin company Straight announces 8% increase in turnover

31 January 2011
Waste container supplier Straight plc has announced an 8% increase in turnover in its 2010 year end results.
London RCVs could face pollution fines of £200 a day from 2012

28 January 2011
Refuse Collection Vehicle operators in London could face daily fines of £200 per vehicle from 2012 if they do not upgrade to tighter emissions standards, under amendments announced by Transport for London (TFL).
Southwark considers SELCHP to heat 3,000 homes

28 January 2011
Waste energy from a combined head and power plant could heat around 3,000 homes in Southwark, under plans being considered by the council.
1066 and all that: time to ignore councils' traditional boundaries

27 January 2011
During the previous fortnight, it feels as though everyone has taken a view on the Institution of Civil Engineers’(ICE) State of the Nation: Waste and Resource Management report, both from within the waste sector and outside it.
Sum of its parts

27 January 2011
Philip Reynolds finds out about Finnish body manufacturer NTM’s revolutionary compartmentalised recycling system
232 million tonnes of waste sourced biofuels in RTFO year two

27 January 2011
Around 232 million litres of biofuel were sourced from waste and by-products in the second year of the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), according to the Renewable Fuels Agency’s (RFA) year-end report.
Henley welcomes Envac technology at UKTI panel debate

27 January 2011
Envac UK ’s Surrey Canal project has been commended by environment minister Lord Henley during a national panel debate at the UK Trade & Investment’s Nordic/Baltic Business Conference.
Pickles: “We intend to increase frequency of rubbish collections”

27 January 2011
Communities secretary Eric Pickles has set out Government intentions to work with councils to “increase frequency of rubbish collections”.
Hinckley & Bosworth take delivery of Dennis Eagle RCV fleet

27 January 2011
Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council has taken delivery of a fleet of new Dennis Eagle refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) as part of a move to a dual-stream alternate weekly collection service.
Ferrous prices drop £15 a tonne

27 January 2011
Ferrous prices have dropped £15 a tonne this week, following the withdrawal of Turkey from the international market.
ICE survey: 80% of people satisfied with rubbish and waste disposal

27 January 2011
An Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) satisfaction survey revealed 80% of people are satisfied with rubbish and waste disposal services in their area.
Counter-terrorism review could halt local authority “bin spying” powers

26 January 2011
Powers for local authorities to conduct Waste Compositional Analysis (WCA) could be removed from local authorities, following a review of counter-terrorism powers.
Presteigne and Norton reach 67% recycling rate

25 January 2011
A community in Powys is nearing the Welsh recycling target of 70% by 2025, after it achieved a 67% recycling rate in the second quarter of the 2010/11 financial year.
ROI Incinerator levy legislation may be halted

25 January 2011
The shock resignation of Republic of Ireland environment minister John Gormley could call a halt to proposed incineration legislation in the country.
Derbyshire Dales District Council issues £3m double waste tender

24 January 2011
Derbyshire Dales District Council has issued a tender for a duo of eight-year waste collection service contracts worth up to £3.15m a year in total.
Sutton considers early morning and evening waste collection rounds

24 January 2011
Sutton borough council is considering plans to introduce waste collection shifts which run in the early morning and mid evening, in order to drive down costs.
UK ranks 18th in Europe for MSW generated per person

21 January 2011
The UK has been ranked 18th highest among the 27 EU member states for levels of municipal solid waste (MSW) generated per person, according to a new European Commission report.
OFT announces organic waste treatment study

21 January 2011
A study examining the market for the treatment of organic waste has been announced by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
Expert calls for research on waste site air quality

20 January 2011
There is a “bad need” to build a representative picture of airborne particulate problems around typical waste sites, an industry expert on air quality has warned.
Northern Ireland recycling rates rise

20 January 2011
Recycling and composting rates for municipal waste in Northern Ireland have risen to almost 40% between July and September 2010, according to new figures.
Recycling will be “increasingly important” to protect resources claims AEA report

19 January 2011
Recycling and reuse will become “increasingly important” for businesses in order protect limited resources such as aggregates, lithium and rare earth metals, a new report has claimed.
FoE postcard campaign calls for 70% recycling target

19 January 2011
Friends of the Earth (FoE) has presented environment minister Lord Henley with over 1,500 postcards signed by members of the public, calling for a 70% household waste recycling target by 2020.
2K Manufacturing begins full EcoSheet production

17 January 2011
2K Manufacturing has started full production of EcoSheet, the plywood replacement board, after a series of trials with several UK construction companies.
Ireland could introduce incinerator levies

17 January 2011
A Bill which could allow ministers in the Republic of Ireland to introduce ‘waste facility levies’ for incinerators has been published.
Government departments jostle for position to determine waste collection frequencies

17 January 2011
Even if you were lucky enough to avoid the growing piles of uncollected waste during the Christmas holidays, the war of words between the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and the Local Government Association that restarted the collection frequency debate was difficult to miss.
Scottish Landfill ban timetable carries “significant risk of failure” claims Highland Council

14 January 2011
There is a “significant risk of failure” in the Scottish Government’s two year lead-in times for introducing landfill bans, Highland Council has warned.
Fuel duty "could see costs passed to waste producers"

14 January 2011
The 0.76p a litre rise in fuel duty could see additional costs passed to waste producers, the director of a national commercial and industrial waste company has warned.
How shredders are moving with the times

13 January 2011
Machtech Services operations director David Ingham speaks to Philip Reynolds about Lindner’s redesigned Micromat shredder range
Appetite for destruction - confidential waste shredding

13 January 2011
London Waste Solutions recently expanded into the confidential shredder business. Philip Reynolds took a ride on its new vehicle to find out more
Easy Skips director jailed for waste offences

13 January 2011
The former director of Easy Skips (NE) has been sentenced to 904 days in custody after failing to comply with a confiscation order.
Ferrous prices increase up to £40 tonne

13 January 2011
Ferrous prices have risen by up to £40 a tonne in some regions this week, following the release of the new home steelworks prices for January deliveries.
Welsh recycling rate increases to 45%

13 January 2011
45% of Welsh municipal waste was recycled, reused or composted between July and September 2010, according new figures.
Institution of Civil Engineers cautions against “one size fits all” collection schemes

13 January 2011
The Institution of Civil Engineers has warned the Government against “one size fits all” approaches to waste collection and sorting arrangements in a new report.
Localism powers to fine authorities are “confusing for waste”

11 January 2011
Proposed powers to fine to local authorities if the UK fails to meet EU targets will present a “confusing picture” for waste, a legal expert has claimed.
Enterprise recommended for Peterborough collection contract

10 January 2011
Enterprise Managed Services has been named as preferred bidder for Peterborough City Council’s household waste and recycling collection contract.
Resource Futures to shed jobs in response to changing market conditions

10 January 2011
Research and consultancy firm Resource Futures has cut jobs and closed its Leeds office as part of a streamlining operation.
Diversification will help C&D waste sector survive “lean 2011”

10 January 2011
Growing sector legislation and company diversification will help the construction and demolition (C&D) waste sector to survive a lean 2011, the director of the Construction Recycling Alliance (CRA) has argued.
Glasgow waste treatment contract narrows to two bidders

7 January 2011
Glasgow city council has shortlisted two bidders for the final stage of its residual waste treatment contract.
Birmingham waste collectors announce further strikes

6 January 2011
Refuse collection staff at Birmingham city council have voted for further strike action following an ongoing a pay dispute.
MVV Umwelt appointed preferred bidder in South Devon PFI

6 January 2011
MVV Umwelt has been announced as the preferred bidder in the £95m South Devon Waste Partnership PFI scheme.
Cheshire councils pursue legal action over recycling and waste PFI credit axe

5 January 2011
Cheshire councils will seek a judicial review over the decision to withdraw £100m of PFI credits in the comprehensive spending review.
London Assembly environment committee welcomes Boris’ SME focus in waste strategy

5 January 2011
The chair of the London Assembly’s environment committee has welcomed the Mayor’s focus on SMEs in his draft business waste strategy.
New depot to divert surplus food from landfill

22 December 2010
Around 1,050 tonnes of unwanted food could be diverted from landfill and delivered to the needy over three years, thanks to a surplus food depot opened by London Mayor Boris Johnson.
C&I arisings in England fall by a third

22 December 2010
Commercial and industrial (C&I) waste arisings in England have fallen by a third in seven years, according to the final results of a Defra survey.
Waste trading service boasts 53 million tonnes of capacity

21 December 2010
An online waste trading service has posted more than 53 million tonnes of annual permitted waste capacity for users during its first four months of operation.
AWS Eco Plastics embarks on “new chapter of growth”

21 December 2010
Plastic bottle recycler AWS Eco Plastics has changed its name to ECO Plastics to “mark a new chapter of growth” for the business.
Edwin Poots announces £2m waste fund winners

21 December 2010
Northern Ireland environment minister Edwin Poots has announced 22 successful applicants of a share of the £2m Rethink Waste Fund.
WRAP and Environment Agency budgets slashed

20 December 2010
Budgets for environmental arm’s length bodies WRAP and the Environment Agency (EA) are due to decline by £18m and £32.9m by 2014-15, respectively, according to new budget settlements published by Defra.
Viridor acquires Adapt Recycling

20 December 2010
Waste management company Viridor has acquired Adapt Recycling, as part of wider expansion plans.
Energy minister commends Sterecycle as “pioneers”

17 December 2010
Energy minister Charles Hendry has described Sterecycle as waste management “pioneers” during a visit to the company’s Rotherham plant.
Government launches consultation on grandfathering bioliquids

17 December 2010
The Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) is considering whether to grandfather bioliquids, as part of a consultation on electricity market reform.
Eric Pickles allows Viridor appeal over Ardley incinerator

17 December 2010
Communities secretary Eric Pickles has upheld a Viridor appeal against the decision to refuse an initial planning application for the Ardley energy from waste (EfW) facility by Oxfordshire county council.
Welsh waste legislation receives royal assent

16 December 2010
Wales has become the first country in the UK to set statutory recycling targets, following royal assent of the Waste (Wales) Measure.
AmeyCespa awarded North Yorkshire and York waste PFI contract

16 December 2010
The contract for the 25 year North Yorkshire County Council and City of York Council waste PFI contract has been awarded to AmeyCespa.
Sita proposals not taken forward in Localism Bill

16 December 2010
Legislative amendments proposed by Sita UK that would have allowed communities to benefit from waste infrastructure have not been taken forward into the final Localism Bill.
DCLG issues funding settlement for local authorities

15 December 2010
The provisional funding settlement for English local authorities in 2011-12 and 2012-13 has been revealed by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
Localism Bill repeals PAYT

14 December 2010
Powers to allow local authorities to charge for waste collections are due to be repealed in the Government’s newly published Localism Bill.
FMB Wales director champions construction reuse platform

13 December 2010
An online trading platform will help to make “huge inroads” into reducing construction and demolition (C&D) waste arisings in Wales, the director of the nation’s Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has claimed.
Northern Ireland launches SWMP consultation

13 December 2010
Plans to introduce Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs) for building projects worth more than £300,000 have been announced in a consultation launched by the Northern Ireland Executive.
CEN chair defends controversial Eunomia report

10 December 2010
Conservative Environment Network (CEN) chair Peter Ainsworth has defended a controversial waste report, after its view on Government waste collection “rhetoric” was criticised by the Minister for Local Government.
EcoSheet to be preferred hoarding on Bovis Lend Lease projects

10 December 2010
Construction company Bovis Lend Lease has signed a framework agreement to use a recycled waste hoarding as a preferred solution.
WRAP report identifies kerbside recycling benchmarks for local authorities

10 December 2010
A number of performance “benchmarks” for local authority kerbside recycling collection schemes have been identified in a new WRAP report.
LATS should be scrapped claims Eunomia report

9 December 2010
The Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme (LATS) is “redundant” and should be scrapped, according to a new report by Eunomia.
Aylesbury Vale council leader calls in Bucks incinerator decision

9 December 2010
The decision by Buckinghamshire county council to appoint WRG as preferred bidder for a controversial Energy from Waste (EfW) facility has been called in by the leader of Aylesbury Vale District Council (AVDC).
Wood waste management and collection is a “major challenge” for joinery industry

9 December 2010
The management and collection of wood waste is a “major challenge” faced by the joinery sectorin to reducing waste wood arisings, a new efficiency plan has claimed.
Local Green Points recycling incentive scheme launches

8 December 2010
A recycling incentive scheme which rewards communities for their performance has been launched in the UK.
Prosiect Gwyrdd announces shortlisted bidders for waste contract

8 December 2010
The Welsh waste treatment deal known as “Prosiect Gwyrrd” has announced a shortlist of four bidders for the £1.1bn contract.
2012 delivery of the GIB could cause “chilling effect” in green investment

7 December 2010
A “chilling” of investment flow into green energy projects in the near term could be prompted by the delivery timetable of the Green Investment Bank (GIB), the vice president of an environmental investment group has warned.
Project Reduce PFI to close

7 December 2010
Milton Keynes Council and Northamptonshire County Council’s joint waste PFI is due to be cancelled, following a review of the project.
Bioflame receives £4.5m investment

7 December 2010
Small scale biomass plant developer Bioflame has received an investment of up to £4.5m from cleantech energy fund ESB Novusmodus.
Kerbside plastic collection rates rise

6 December 2010
Kerbside collection rates for plastic bottles saw an increase of 27% on previous years, according to a new survey.
Defra reveals methodology behind PFI cuts

6 December 2010
Estimated municipal solid waste (MSW) arisings of 55.4 and 59.3mt, which exceed predicted 2020 landfill directive targets by between five and ten percent for household waste, were a key determinant in Defra’s decision to withdraw funding credits for seven waste PFI projects.
GW Butler partners with 707 Resource Management

6 December 2010
A £2.5m partnership deal has been struck between healthcare waste company GW Butler and waste management firm 707 Resource Management, as part of a national expansion plan.
Northern Ireland household recycling rates increase 1%

3 December 2010
Recycling rates for household waste in Northern Ireland have increased by 1.2 percentage points from 2008-2009 according to new figures.
New bill proposes end use register for LA waste

3 December 2010
A proposed duty on local authorities to publish an “end use register of materials” has been introduced to parliament in the form of a new bill.
Scotland Bill introduces draft landfill tax powers

3 December 2010
Authority to set landfill tax levels could be devolved to the Scottish Government, as part of new draft legislation designed increase the country’s tax setting powers.
Veolia launches Medway waste collection contract

2 December 2010
A £2.3m waste transfer station and a new commingled recycling service will be introduced in Medway, following the renewal of the council’s recycling contract with Veolia Environmental Services.
Scotland launches consultation on landfill bans and mandatory source segregation

2 December 2010
A new consultation, which proposes landfill bans and compulsory source segregation of recyclables from commercial premises, has been launched by the Scottish Government.
Strong enough for the job

2 December 2010
German machine manufacturer KramerAllrad is looking to expand its UK market with a new range of machines. Philip Reynolds visited its German factory to find out more
Recycling really takes off

2 December 2010
Stansted airport faces some unique waste management challenges. Philip Reynolds pays a visit to find out more
HSE issues skip tipper guidance

1 December 2010
New guidance to protect against accidents when tipping out skips has been issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
WAG passes Welsh carrier bag levy

1 December 2010
A proposed charge to shoppers in Wales for single use carrier bags has been passed into law by the Welsh Assembly.
May Gurney profits grow 19%

1 December 2010
May Gurney has reported a rise in pre-tax profits of 19% in its half year results for 2010.
L&S launches uPVC recycling scheme

30 November 2010
A specialist recycling service for uPVC windows and doors has been launched by a South coast waste management company.
North Ireland Waste PFI narrows to two bidders

29 November 2010
Only two bidders remain for the Southern Waste Management Partnership (SWaMP) waste PFI contract in Northern Ireland, the partnership has announced.
Belvedere EfW future called into question

29 November 2010
The future of an energy-from-waste (EfW) facility in Belvedere, Kent, has been called into question after the parent company of the facility’s engineering procurement and construction (EPC) contractor instituted insolvency proceedings.
Welsh Assembly launches consultation on implementation of statutory recycling targets

29 November 2010
A consultation on recycling definitions, monitoring arrangements and financial penalties has been launched ahead of the introduction of statutory recycling targets in Wales.
Scottish recycling rate hits 37%

26 November 2010
Scottish municipal recycling rates have risen to 37.2%, according to figures published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
New construction waste tool launched

26 November 2010
An online resource management tool that aims to improve communications between construction contractors and the waste industry has launched today.
Pay-as-you-drive haulage insurance scheme could reduce premiums by 25%

26 November 2010
A ’pay-as-you-drive’ insurance scheme for small truck fleets could lower insurance premiums by 25%, the developers have claimed.
Solihull Council awards public sector collection contract

25 November 2010
A contract for the collection and disposal of waste from public sector sites such as schools, libraries and council offices in Solihull has been awarded to Veolia Environmental Services UK.
Cumbria county council considers £2m cuts to waste initiatives

25 November 2010
Proposals to cut waste prevention budgets, recycling credits and close recycling centres are being considered by Cumbria County Council in an effort to reduce spending in the region.
Edinburgh to trial food waste collections across 20,000 homes

24 November 2010
Edinburgh City Council will introduce both plastic bottle and food waste recycling schemes to 250,000 homes in the region from early next year.
Benefits of a single environment body are “significant” Davidson claims

24 November 2010
A single environmental body in Wales has been described as having a “significant potential benefit” by Welsh Environment minister Jane Davidson.
Waste industry welcomes “long overdue” Schedule 2 consultation

24 November 2010
Proposals to allow local authorities to charge for both collection and disposal of waste from schools, hospitals and universities have been welcomed by figures in the waste industry.
West Sussex county council launches draft C&I strategy

22 November 2010
A draft strategy to divert 740,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste a year from West Sussex and its districts has been launched.
Government launches consultation on revised planning charges

22 November 2010
Proposals to allow local authorities to set their own planning fees have been set out in a consultation by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
Structural reform plans “give the weapons” to hold Coalition to account on green issues says PM

19 November 2010
Prime minister David Cameron has described the structural reform plans for key policy announcements as “giving you the weapons” to hold the Government to account on its green credentials.
Waste carriers need to make “greater song and dance” over good waste disposal practices

18 November 2010
Waste carriers should do more to highlight good practice and discourage illegal waste tipping, a head of a leading waste disposal company has claimed.
WRAP launches advice for compost use in green roof construction

18 November 2010
New guidance on the use of quality compost in green roof construction has been launched by WRAP.
Construction Recycling Alliance could fulfil “much needed function” for the construction industry

18 November 2010
The newly formed Construction Recycling Alliance (CRA) could fulfil a “much needed function” for the construction industry, the Alliance’s director has said.
Waste project investment rises despite WAG and Scottish Government cuts

17 November 2010
The Welsh Assembly Government and Scottish Governments have proposed additional funds to support waste management, despite overall spending cuts in their respective draft budgets.
Construction Recycling Alliance launches

16 November 2010
A new organisation aimed at supporting reduction, reuse and recycling of unwanted materials by members of the construction industry has been launched in the UK.
New EA regulations could result in higher legal costs for waste operators, expert claims

16 November 2010
Forthcoming Environment Agency (EA) powers to sanction environmental offenders could result in a “double whammy” of fines, a legal expert has claimed.
Welsh materials reuse platform launches

15 November 2010
A reuse platform aimed at reducing the level of virgin construction waste sent to landfill in Wales is now available.
Major injuries are four times more common in the waste sector than national average, figures claim

15 November 2010
Incidents of fatal and major injuries in the recycling sector are four times the all-industry average, new figures reveal.
Welsh environment minister calls on “entrepreneurial spirit” to design out waste

12 November 2010
Welsh environment minister Jane Davidson has called on businesses in Wales to use their “entrepreneurial spirit” to improve product packaging and design-out waste.
Royal United Hospital Bath issues treble waste collection tender

12 November 2010
The Royal United Hospital Bath (RUHB) has issued a tender notice for recycling and residual waste collections, as well as confidential paper shredding, as part of its drive to improve its environmental credentials.
Paper recycling firm takes delivery of Mercedes-Benz fleet

11 November 2010
A paper recycling firm has taken delivery of a fleet of Mercedes-Benz trucks for its waste collection operations.
Commercial waste arisings on the increase according to Defra survey

10 November 2010
Commercial waste arisings in England eclipsed that of industrial waste in 2009, according to an interim survey conducted by Defra.
Defra business plan sets out timetable for key waste announcements

10 November 2010
A definite timetable for the publication of key waste policy announcements has been revealed, following the publication of Defra’s departmental business plan.
Defra and WAG launch consultation on Schedule 2 waste

9 November 2010
Powers allowing local authorities to charge for the disposal as well as collection of so called “Schedule 2” waste could be granted under new Government proposals.
Waste industry welcomes English waste figures

8 November 2010
Figures in the waste industry have heaped praise on the recent English municipal recycling and composting figures for 2009/10, despite the fact that they fell short of the 40% target set by the previous Government.
Sita signs agreement to build first waste plastic to diesel facilities

8 November 2010
An agreement to build Britain’s first end-of-life plastic to diesel conversion facilities has been signed by Sita UK and Cynar Plc.
Building the future

27 October 2010
Raymond Brown Minerals & Recycling recently opened its first MRF for commercial and construction waste. Philip Reynolds paid a visit
BP awards Total Waste Management Alliance £4m waste drilling contract

22 October 2010
BP has awarded £4m worth of North Sea drilling waste disposal contracts to Scottish waste management company Total Waste Management Alliance (TWMA).
Poots welcomes Irish waste repatriation progress

22 October 2010
Northern Ireland environment minister Edwin Poots has welcomed efforts to repatriate 250,000 tonnes of waste from Northern Ireland waste sites back to the Republic.
GIB “will be a bank” confirms Lord Taylor

22 October 2010
The Green Investment Bank (GIB) will operate as a publically funded bank as opposed to a fund, a member of the Government has confirmed.
Spending review has shifted the “tectonic plates” of the waste industry political insiders claim

22 October 2010
Figures in the political arena have described the departmental budget cuts announced in the comprehensive spending review as having “shifted the tectonic plates” of the waste management industry.
Welsh environment minister calls for greater co-operation between local authorities and the third sector

21 October 2010
Welsh environment minister Jane Davidson has called for greater co-operation between local authorities and the third sector to reduce the costs of waste management.
Seven waste projects lose PFI credits in spending review

20 October 2010
Defra has announced that as part of its Comprehensive Spending Review settlement it is withdrawing funding for seven waste PFI projects – saving the Government £26m by 2017-18- because they “will no longer be needed to meet landfill diversion targets set by the European Union.”
Construction industry launch materials action plans

20 October 2010
Figures in the construction industry have launched a series of action plans aimed at reducing waste arisings across five construction and demolition waste streams.
Boris Johnson launches Draft Business Waste Strategy

20 October 2010
Boris Johnson has opened consultation on a draft waste strategy which aims to set a “high-level direction” for management of business waste in the capital between 2010 and 2031.
Carpet recycling body strengthens landfill reduction commitment

18 October 2010
Carpet manufacturers have strengthened their commitment to meeting an industry target of diverting 25% of carpet waste from landfill by 2015, with a new programme aimed at encouraging carpet recycling uptake.
Community lamp recycling initiative predicts “bright future”

18 October 2010
A community lamp recycling scheme is predicting a “bright future” following its launch in early September, the company’s managing director has claimed.
WRAP launches NIR best practice guides

18 October 2010
WRAP has launched a pair of good practice guides aimed at maximising Near InfraRed (NIR) sorting rates for plastic packaging waste.
Waste firm fined £5,000 after employee breaks ribs

15 October 2010
A waste management firm has been fined £5,000 after one of its workers suffered broken ribs while pushing waste cardboard.
Municipal recycling rates in Northern Ireland hit 37.4%

15 October 2010
Municipal recycling rates in Northern Ireland rose to 37.4% between April and June 2010, new figures show.
Industry offers mixed reaction to quango cuts

15 October 2010
Figures in the waste industry have offered a mixed reaction to the Cabinet Office announcement of the abolition of quangos operating in the waste management industry.
1p rise in fuel duty is a "huge thing" for waste collection rounds

11 October 2010
October’s 1p per litre rise in diesel and petrol duty is a “huge thing” for council waste collection rounds, Fife Council’s transport manager has warned.
Viridor signs construction contract for Runcorn EfW

11 October 2010
Waste management firm Viridor has signed an engineering procurement and construction (EPC) contract with Keppel Seghers for the construction of the second phase of one of Europe’s largest energy-from-waste (EfW) plants.
Heil completes £2.5m RCV contract

8 October 2010
RCV body manufacturer Heil has delivered a fleet of refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) with Hull city council, as part of a £2.5m contract.
Consulting group launches waste planning masterclasses

8 October 2010
Consulting and business group Mouchel has launched a series of masterclasses to provide stakeholder training for waste management in the context of the planning process.
Mary Creagh appointed Shadow Environment Secretary

8 October 2010
Mary Creagh has been awarded the portfolio of Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the appointment of Ed Miliband’s Labour shadow cabinet.
Welsh climate reduction strategy outlines waste applications

7 October 2010
A Welsh climate change strategy has outlined plans to tackle greenhouse gas emissions through the increased use of anaerobic digestion (AD) technology and landfill gas reductions.
Crusher firm supplies machines to Haiti

7 October 2010
Red Rhino Crushers has secured a contract to supply 24 machines to help recycle rubble in Haiti following January’s earthquake.
New Earth Solutions appoints contractor for 200,000 tonne waste plant

7 October 2010
New Earth Solutions has appointed Dean & Dyball Civil Engineering as principal contractor for its new waste treatment facility in Avonmouth.
O-I awarded £1.3m grant for green glass furnace

6 October 2010
Glassmaker O-I has been awarded a Scottish Government grant for investment in a new green glass furnace at its Alloa plant.
Veolia fined £225,000 following worker death

6 October 2010
Veolia Environmental Services UK has been fined £225,000 following the death of an employee in a vehicle collision.
Sita UK CEO appeals to communities secretary for infrastructure incentives

5 October 2010
Sita UK chief executive David Palmer-Jones has proposed an amendment to a forthcoming Government bill that would offer householders incentives to accept unpopular waste infrastructure.
Communities secretary calls for a greater focus on C&I waste

5 October 2010
Communities secretary Eric Pickles has called for a “grown up way” of dealing with commercial and industrial waste in the forthcoming waste policy review.
Aldersgate group set out ‘key criteria’ for Green Investment Bank

4 October 2010
An environmental group has called set out a number of what it calls ‘key criteria’ necessary for the formation of the Green Investment Bank (GIB).
WRAP quality protocol could divert 3 million tonnes of waste from landfill

4 October 2010
A protocol which could divert three million tonnes of industrial waste from landfill has been launched by WRAP and the Environment Agency (EA).
Shadow environment minister criticises Coalition landfill policy

30 September 2010
Shadow environment secretary Hilary Benn has criticised the Coalition’s waste policy in his speech to the Labour party conference.
Veolia launches gas powered RCV fleet

30 September 2010
Veolia Environmental Services has installed the largest gas powered refuse collection vehicle (RCV) fleet in the country in its collection round with Sheffield City Council.
10,000 tonnes of organic C&I waste could support new waste infrastructure in the North East

30 September 2010
Almost 10,000 tonnes of food waste a year derived from public sector organisations could provide impetus for new organic waste infrastructure in the North East, new research claims.
Construction products association develops flooring action plan

29 September 2010
An action plan to divert some of the 90% of flooring sent to landfill each year has been launched by the Construction Products Association.
The right kit to handle the sector’s growth

29 September 2010
With the growth of the waste sector, materials handling solutions are more important than ever. Philip Reynolds takes a closer look
Investigation reveals clothing reuse theft scam

29 September 2010
A scam by charity collectors to steal bagged clothing donations meant for other charity shops has been revealed by a national newspaper.
Ed Miliband hailed as “greenest Labour leader to date”

27 September 2010
Ed Miliband is the “greenest leader of the Labour party to date”, according to the head of an environmental campaigning charity.
Dorset Works Organisation establishes multiple construction waste collection contracts

24 September 2010
Dorset county council’s contracting arm has established a framework agreement with nine subcontractors, in order to drive down the use of construction waste in the region.
The great outdoors

24 September 2010
Philip Reynolds reports from the outdoor area of the show
Advisory committee on packaging to be axed according to leaked list

24 September 2010
The advisory committee on packaging is due to be abolished by the Coalition Government, according to a list leaked by The Telegraph.
Climate change body recommends lowering RTFO target

23 September 2010
The chairman of an influential Government climate change body has recommended lowering a key renewable transport fuel target in a letter to energy secretary Chris Huhne.
Hippowaste expands fleet network

23 September 2010
Waste management company Hippowaste has expanded its national fleet network with three new local transport depots in Plymouth, South and West London.
Wales increases recycling rate to 44%

23 September 2010
Wales has increased its recycling rate to 44% in the second quarter of 2010, according to figures published today.
Compactor management system launches in the UK

22 September 2010
A new monitoring device aimed at eliminating half full compactor collection rounds has been launched in the UK.
CPRE calls for return of deposit refund schemes

20 September 2010
The return of deposit refund schemes (DRSs) for glass, aluminium and plastic drinks bottles in the UK could save local authorities £160m a year, an environmental campaign group has claimed.
Avery Weigh-Tronix sets world record at RWM

17 September 2010
A weighbridge manufacturer has set a Guinness world record for the most people weighed on a single scale during the final day of RWM in Birmingham.
Collectives will be the key

16 September 2010
Collective Waste Contracts (CWCs) could help share the cost of commercial waste recycling, an LRS senior consultant told the Recycling and Waste Management exhibition (RWM).
Waste Review should look to horizons of 2050

14 September 2010
The forthcoming review of waste policy could set direction as far ahead as 2050, a Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) official told visitors attending the Recycling and Waste Management exhibition (RWM).
Where next for UK recycling?

13 September 2010
With the waste review’s terms of reference announced recently by Defra, MRW wanted to find out what the industry view of it was. So editor Paul Sanderson invited four key figures to MRW’s office to question them on their views. Philip Reynolds took notes
Recycling minister calls further commercial waste regulation “unlikely”

10 September 2010
Environment minister Lord Henley has described further regulation of commercial waste as “unlikely” during a fact-finding visit to recycling facilities in North London.
Waste industry divided over Government landfill ban deferral

9 September 2010
Opinion is divided in the waste management industry over the Government’s announcement that it is “not minded” to introduce landfill bans before the publication of the waste review.
UK Government meets landfill targets but remains reticent on bans

8 September 2010
The current Government is “not minded” to introduce landfill bans on certain waste streams in England according to its responses to two landfill consultations.
Two construction firms specify recycled plywood for hoardings

8 September 2010
Two construction firms have stipulated the use of recycled plastic plywood in future construction hoardings.
Preliminary survey finds almost half of plastic bottles recycled in UK

6 September 2010
45% of plastic bottles in the UK are now being collected for recycling, according to preliminary findings from a new packaging survey.
Electrical supplier fined £10,900 under WEEE regulations

6 September 2010
A supplier of hairdressing equipment has been fined almost £11,000 under the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations, in the first prosecution of its kind.
Ken Livingstone hits out at Mayor Boris’ waste policy

6 September 2010
Ken Livingstone has described mayor of London Boris Johnson’s London Waste and Recycling Board (LWARB) as an “expensive joke”.
WRAP grant encourages Welsh businesses to use recycled packaging

6 September 2010
Welsh manufacturers could receive grants of up to £50,000 from the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) Cymru in to improve their uptake of recycled packaging.
Northern Ireland environment minister offers grant for local waste projects

3 September 2010
A £200,000 grant will be made available to help community waste projects in Northern Ireland lower their revenue costs.
Bobbing and weaving

3 September 2010
Despite a tough financial climate, Bobcat is back with a new range of machines. Philip Reynolds finds out more
Welsh Assembly Government offers grants to improve regional waste infrastructure

2 September 2010
Welsh local authorities will be given access to £3.16m of funding to increase waste infrastructure in the region.
BuilderScrap to launch Welsh construction material trading platform

2 September 2010
A web tool designed to pair unused construction materials with buyers is due to be launched in Wales as part of plans to reduce construction waste arisings in the region.
The first 100 days

2 September 2010
With the coalition Government recently celebrating its 100th day in power, Philip Reynolds looks back at the key waste and energy policy announcements of the new administration
Ashford businesses recieve recycling ‘toolkit’

26 August 2010
Businesses in Ashford are to recieve a recycling ‘toolkit’ to help them reduce waste arisings.
Plastic bag reuse rate ‘proves’ need for levy, claims Welsh environment minister

26 August 2010
Narrowly missing single-use plastic bag reduction targets ‘prove’ the need for a bag levy, Welsh environment minister Jane Davidson has claimed.
Verdant orders eight plastic-bodied street cleansing vehicles

25 August 2010
Waste management contractor Verdant has ordered eight plastic-bodied street cleansing vehicles for two of its collection rounds.
Airport food waste to be used as farm fertiliser

25 August 2010
Food waste generated at Heathrow airport will be turned into fertiliser for local farms, under an agreement between BAA and Vertal.
Local Government Bill offers scope for local waste collection referendums

23 August 2010
Members of the public could receive powers to decide the frequency of their local waste collection services under reforms announced by the Government earlier today.
Waste management company forced to close after illegally depositing waste

23 August 2010
A waste management company has been forced to close after it was found to be illegally depositing and keeping waste on its site without a permit on two occasions.
Investing in fluff is a step too far

20 August 2010
Automotive shredder residue now represents a viable revenue stream and a way of helping to meet the UK’s upcoming ELV recovery targets. So why are so few metals recyclers investing in it? Philip Reynolds finds out
UK increases plastics packaging recycling rate by 14% on 2009

20 August 2010
Levels of plastic packaging recycled in the UK increased 14% on 2008 figures, according to the Waste & Resources Action Programme’s (WRAP) Plastics MarketSituation Report.
More investment required in countryside waste infrastructure claims rural coalition

19 August 2010
A group of rural organisations has called on the Government to encourage greater investment in small-scale renewable energy infrastructure in the countryside.
University develops biofuel derived from whisky by-products

19 August 2010
A patent for a new biofuel derived from whisky by-products has been filed by a Scottish University.
Westminster council extends business recycling scheme to Marylebone

18 August 2010
Westminster City Council is extending a commercial and industrial (C&I) waste collection service to businesses in Marylebone.
WRAP launches guidance for NHS Trusts to help reduce construction waste

18 August 2010
Guidance aimed at reducing construction waste and the costs of building work throughout the health sector have been launched by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
Recycling minister unveils voluntary agreements for business waste

16 August 2010
Courtauld-style voluntary agreements aimed at reducing business waste will minimise the need for “further regulation”, recycling minister Lord Henley announced earlier today.
CBI warns devolved planning powers could lead to further delays for waste infrastructure

16 August 2010
Devolving infrastructure planning powers to ministers could lead to further delays in the construction of seven biomass and energy-from-waste (EfW) facilities, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has warned.
Fife council uses BMI trailer fleet for food waste transport

13 August 2010
Fife Council is using five BMI trailers as part of an extension of a trial food waste collection and recycling service in the region.
Outsourced waste management services under threat from government reforms

13 August 2010
The Government is considering scrapping a code that delivers public sector benefits to many waste management services outsourced to the private sector, as part of a cost-cutting measure.
University starts construction of on-site AD plant

12 August 2010
An agricultural university has begun construction of a £3m anaerobic digestion (AD) plant after winning a share of a green fund.
Southwark council replaces street cleaning fleet with environmentally friendly vehicles

11 August 2010
Mercedes-Benz has provided a fleet of 35 environmentally friendly vehicles for Southwark council’s street cleaning rounds.
Northern Ireland environment minister welcomes reuse initiative

11 August 2010
Northern Ireland environment minister Edwin Poots has commended a reuse project which is helping divert household waste from landfill.
£3m of waste medicine generated in Cumbria last year

10 August 2010
Almost £3m worth of waste medication was incinerated in Cumbria last year, according to the region’s NHS trust.
Public bodies criticise Welsh carrier bag levy

9 August 2010
Consultation responses have criticised the “administrative burden” placed on small businesses and local authorities by the planned introduction of a levy for carrier bags in Wales.
Scaffolder fined almost £95,000 for illegal waste dumping

9 August 2010
A scaffolding company has been fined nearly £95,000 on two charges of dumping, treating and keeping illegal construction waste without a licence.
Northern Ireland clamps down on illegal waste dumping

6 August 2010
Northern Ireland is repatriating 250,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste to the Republic of Ireland as part of a crackdown on the practice.
English household waste arisings fell nearly 1m tonnes in Q3 2009

6 August 2010
English household and municipal waste arisings fell almost a million tonnes each between July and December last year, new figures show.
Waste industry criticises Defra terms of reference over lack of detail

6 August 2010
Figures in the waste industry have criticised the terms of reference for a key Government review because of their perceived lack of detail.
Stansted launches food waste recycling service

5 August 2010
Stansted airport has launched a food composting initiative to divert its 5,000 tonnes of food waste a year from landfill.
Defra announces plans to relax RDF regulation

5 August 2010
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is to relax regulations on refuse-derived fuel (RDF) so that it is treated in the same way as virgin fuels.
Local authority C&I recycling services for SMEs doubles in three years

2 August 2010
Local authorities are offering almost double the number of commercial and industrial (C&I) recycling services for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) than they were three years ago, a survey has found.
Anti-gasification campaigners hit out at Green Lane eco park plans

30 July 2010
Plans to construct a 240,000 tonne ‘eco park’ in a residential area of Salford have been criticised by an opposition group, who claim that the health impacts on local people are untested.
Defra waste review will explore waste incentives and weekly collection schemes

29 July 2010
Further incentives and the wider roll-out of weekly collection schemes will be explored in the forthcoming review of UK waste policy, according to the study’s terms of reference.
Keenan Recycling launches commercial food waste collection service

29 July 2010
Scotland’s First Minister has given his support to a new commercial food waste recycling service launched in Aberdeen yesterday (30 July).
Glasgow city council issues tender for commercial and industrial waste collection

29 July 2010
Glasgow City Council has issued a tender for the collection of 50,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste in the city.
TJ Group acquires 135,000 tonne commercial MRF

28 July 2010
A Hampshire-based waste management company has acquired a 135,000 tonne commercial MRF as part of its expansion programme.
Corilla Plastics closes loop to develop a 100% recycled plastic skip

26 July 2010
A South Yorkshire recycling firm has developed a skip made from 100% recycled plastic using investment from a market development programme.
Waste company charged £11,390 for illegal waste operation

26 July 2010
A waste company has been charged £11,390 in fees and compensation costs after pleading guilty to running an illegal waste operation.
Sky Properties lodges plans for 240,000 tonne recycling eco-park

23 July 2010
Plans have been lodged to construct a trio of high-capacity waste processing facilities in Salford as part of a multi-million pound eco-park.
£3,200 fine for demolition company burning C&I waste

23 July 2010
A £3,200 fine has been delivered to a Scottish demolition company which was found to be burning a variety of commercial and industrial waste.
Caroline Spelman reminds councils that ‘bin spying’ is no longer Defra practice

23 July 2010
Environment secretary Caroline Spelman has written to local authorities to remind them that the practice of ‘Waste Compositional Analysis’ (WCA) is no longer supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
Defra announces withdrawal of funding for Sustainable Development Commission

22 July 2010
The coalition Government is to withdraw its funding for the Sustainable Development Commission (SDC), environment secretary Caroline Spelman announced earlier today (22 July).
Perfect fit for new MRF

22 July 2010
Selecting the correct baler for Veolia’s first commercial MRF posed a number of challenges. Philip Reynolds finds out more
Quarterly Northern Ireland recycling rates remain unchanged

22 July 2010
Recycling rates in Northern Ireland for the first quarter of 2010 have barely increased relative to the same period in 2009, provisional figures show.
Growing split in recycling portfolio between DCLG and DEFRA is an “economic and environmental risk”

21 July 2010
The division of waste policy between the Government’s environmental, community and climate change departments is an “economic and environmental risk” according to the head of a leading environmental policy group.
Further insight into Defra waste policy review expected shortly

21 July 2010
Further details on the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) official waste policy review are due to be unveiled in the coming weeks.
Welsh environment minster seeks energy infrastructure planning powers from UK

19 July 2010
Welsh environment minister Jane Davidson is seeking greater planning powers for national energy infrastructure projects in Wales.
Environmental consultancy launches sustainable construction review service

19 July 2010
An environmental consultancy has launched a review service for the sustainable design of new buildings and refurbishment projects.
Majority of packaging recycling claims are “advisory in nature”

19 July 2010
Up to 97% of all recyclability claims made on consumer products are merely advisory in nature, a report claims.
Friends of the Earth campaigner calls for Government to end PFI investment in ‘dying’ incineration technology

16 July 2010
An environmental campaigner has called on the new Government to scrap PFI investment because it leads to “expensive, inflexible incineration”.
Waste directive ruling on definition of ‘separate collection’ reignites collection debate

14 July 2010
Requirements to formally adopt a ‘separate’ waste collection system into UK law with forthcoming EU waste regulations have reignited the collection debate among the waste management industry.
Recycled content in eco-electronic products is a “polarising” issue for consumers

13 July 2010
The use of recycled plastic and metals in consumer electronic products is a “polarising” issue for consumers, according to a new WRAP study.
Veolia appeals against Nottinghamshire County Council information ruling

13 July 2010
Veolia Environmental Services (VES) has renewed legal action against its waste partner Nottinghamshire County Council, in a bid to prevent the publication of financial documents relating to the £850m PFI contract signed by the two parties.
Boris Johnson announces £8m funding for London Reuse Network

12 July 2010
London mayor Boris Johnson has announced an £8m grant for the London Community Resource Network (LCRN) to create a London Reuse Network (LRN) for household goods.
JCB announces lower fuel backhoe loader

9 July 2010
A new digger which promises fuel savings of up to 16% has been launched by construction vehicle manufacturer JCB.
Recolight announces partnership with community recycling scheme

9 July 2010
Light bulb compliance body Recolight has partnered with the Community Battery Recycling Alliance (CoBRA) in an effort to increase collection rates for low energy light bulbs.
Eric Pickles revokes Regional Spatial Strategies

9 July 2010
Communities secretary Eric Pickles has fulfilled the Government’s plans to revoke Regional Spatial Strategies (RSSs).
Waste hierarchy to be legally enforced says revised Waste Framework Directive consultation

8 July 2010
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) opened a second consultation on the implementation of the Waste Framework Directive into UK law today. The consultation is seeking responses from stakeholders on the interpretation and implementation of a number of policies which must be incorporated into UK law by 12 December.
Lack of policy detail in Welsh waste measure makes financial scrutiny “impossible”

8 July 2010
The Welsh Assembly’s finance committee has said it is “impossible to comment” on the financial impact of a Welsh waste bill because of a lack of policy detail contained in the measure.
Welsh environment minister calls for ‘fundamental restructuring’ of delivery bodies in Wales

7 July 2010
Welsh environment minister Jane Davidson has announced a “fundamental restructuring” of environmental delivery bodies in Wales, as part of a forthcoming environmental policy framework.
Construction begins on Wales’ first commercial-scale AD plant

7 July 2010
Construction has begun on Wales’ first commercial scale anaerobic digestion (AD) plant in Rogerstone, Newport.
Veolia opens first MRF for commercial waste

5 July 2010
Veolia Environmental Services (VES) has opened its first materials recycling facility (MRF) for commercial waste in Castle Donington, Derby.
Energy secretary puts local residents at the heart of incinerator infrastructure planning decisions

5 July 2010
Energy secretary Chris Huhne has put local support for incineration at the heart of future investment in the technology during a question and answer session in the House of Commons.
S+S awarded contract for Greenstar plastic sorting plant

5 July 2010
Sorting systems manufacturer S+S Inspection has been awarded a £1.8m contract by Greenstar WES to supply sorting technology for its non-bottle plastics sorting facility.
Northern Ireland to employ WRAP waste Quality Protocols

2 July 2010
The first of WRAP’s Quality Protocols for the recovery of usable materials from waste have been extended to Northern Ireland.
EA and WRAP chief executives named on highest earning quango chief list

2 July 2010
The chief executives of both the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the Environment Agency (EA) have been named on a list of the highest earning senior figures in government quangos..
Southwark Council break ground on 85,000 tonne inner London MRF

1 July 2010
Southwark council and Veolia Environmental Services held a ‘ground breaking’ ceremony to begin the construction of an 85,000-tonne integrated waste facility in Southwark, the first of its kind in inner London.
£2m WRAP grant aims to fill projected 3.7m tonne infrastructure gap

1 July 2010
The Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has delivered £2m-worth of grants to waste management companies in the West Midlands to fill a projected waste infrastructure gap of 3.7 million tonnes in the region.
Climate committee report claims AD represents ‘significant scope for emissions reduction’

1 July 2010
The Government’s Committee on Climate Change has identified ‘significant scope for emissions reduction’ through anaerobic digestion (AD) technology in its new report.
A “million tonnes” of C&I waste will support two treatment plants in Leicestershire, claims Biffa

1 July 2010
A “million tonnes of non-domestic waste” sent to landfill in Leicestershire will support the construction of two waste treatment facilities within five miles, claims a waste management company behind one of the plans.
Veolia awards VINCI West Berkshire waste construction contract

30 June 2010
Veolia Environmental Services has awarded the contract for the construction of an 80,000 tonne waste management facility to VINCI Construction UK.
Infrastructure Planning Commission due to be abolished

30 June 2010
The Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) is due to be abolished and its functions absorbed into the Planning Inspectorate, decentralisation minister Greg Clark has announced.
Waste management industry hits out at AWC repeal plans

28 June 2010
The waste management industry has criticised communities secretary Eric Pickles’ plans to encourage local authority provision of weekly waste collection services rather than fortnightly ones.
Corus executive Kirby Adams to stand down

28 June 2010
Kirby Adams has announced his intention to stand down as chief executive and managing director of Tata Steel Europe and its UK subsidiary Corus.
Leading UK companies call for “more emphasis” from Government on tackling commercial and industrial waste

28 June 2010
A coalition of leading UK companies has called on the Government to provide a greater focus on tackling commercial and industrial waste (C&I), as part of a proposed designing-out waste framework.
Welsh waste bill criticised over ‘double penalty’ risks

28 June 2010
A Welsh National Assembly committee has voiced concern that a proposed waste bill may result in local authorities being charged twice if they fail to meet reduction targets
Business coalition group calls for £2bn a year green bank investment

28 June 2010
Capital investment of £2bn a year is required for the Green Investment Bank to be “effective”, said the deputy director of an environmental business coalition.
Peterborough council invites new bidders for two waste infrastructure projects

25 June 2010
Peterborough city council has invited two new waste management firms to bid for the design and construction of an energy from waste (EfW) and materials recycling facility (MRF) after one of the original bidders for both projects withdrew.
EfW could provide up to 7% of Scotland’s renewable electricity output

25 June 2010
Residual commercial, industrial and municipal biowaste could provide up to 7% of Scottish renewable electricity via energy from waste (EfW) plants, according to a Sustainable Development Commission Scotland report.
Industry body calls for developers to ‘design in’ waste management solutions

25 June 2010
A leading industry body has urged developers to incorporate waste storage and collection solutions into the design process for new commercial and residential buildings.
Hydrex announces refinancing to fund new expansion

25 June 2010
A plant equipment rental firm has announced its intention to refinance, in order to become the ‘leading supplier’ of plant solutions.
AWC will ‘not suit all councils’ claims controversial Audit Commission report

24 June 2010
A controversial report which communities secretary Eric Pickles alleged “triggered the move” to alternate weekly waste collections (AWCs) actually warned inspectors that “alternate week collections will not suit all councils or all areas”.
Wales increases recycling by 8 percentage points between 2007 and 2010

24 June 2010
The percentage of municipal waste sent for recycling, reuse and composting in Wales increased eight percentage points (pp) between March 2007 and 2010, according to figures released by the Welsh Assembly today.
Online scrap trading tool expands physical plastics platform

24 June 2010
An online trading tool for secondary materials is due to expand its physical plastics platform after 3,000 tonnes of material was traded in a single month.
Viridor acquires Reconomy Recycling Solutions

24 June 2010
Viridor has acquired waste management company Reconomy Recycling Solutions (RRS) for £23.8m.
30m litre bioethanol from waste plant receives DECC grant

23 June 2010
A 30m litre bioethanol-from-waste plant has received a £7.3m grant from the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) and One North East.
Wealden council issues RCV tender for kerbside collection expansion

23 June 2010
Wealden District Council has issued a £1.5m tender notice for up to ten new refuse collection vehicles, in order to extend its kerbside recycling service across the district.
Supreme Court throws out Ardagh Glass appeal

22 June 2010
A five year dispute over the legality of the Quinn Glass plant has been settled, after an appeal against the ‘unlawful’ granting of retrospective planning permission for the site was thrown out by the Supreme Court.
WRAP launches guide and tool for designing out waste

21 June 2010
A design guide and online tool aimed at helping civil engineers to ‘design out’ waste from construction projects has been launched by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
Welsh Assembly unveils new waste strategy

21 June 2010
A zero waste strategy has been launched by the Welsh Assembly Government containing a 70% recycling and composting target.
Communities Secretary orders repeal of support for alternate weekly collections

18 June 2010
Communities secretary Eric Pickles has ordered the Audit Commission to stop encouraging the uptake of alternate weekly collection (AWCs) schemes by local authorities.
Future landfill shortages and legislation will drive EfW investment, says waste expert

17 June 2010
The UK waste management industry is heading for a ‘perfect storm’ of factors that will drive investment in advanced energy from waste (EfW) technologies, the advisor to the Mayor of London told Futuresource.
JCB to launch waste vehicle operator training scheme

16 June 2010
Vehicle manufacturer JCB has announced plans to provide Operator Training Course for their Wastemaster vehicle range.
Futuresource exhibition opens

16 June 2010
An estimated 9,000 attendees from across the UK and Europe are expected to attend the three day Futuresource waste management exhibition, which opened at ExCeL London yesterday.
“Most sustainable building in London” to use 25% recycled biodiesel

14 June 2010
A building termed the “most sustainable in London” plans to provide a quarter of its power from recycled biodiesel.
Green and Pleasant Recycling announce 15,000 tonne anaerobic digestion plant

14 June 2010
Green and Pleasant Recycling have announced plans to build a 15,000 tonne anaerobic digestion plant on Bocaddon farm in Looe, Cornwall.
Construction body calls for collective action to meet landfill reduction targets

11 June 2010
The head of a leading construction body has called for collective action across the construction industry in order to meet a 50% reduction in construction waste to landfill by 2012.
Announcement of DCLG cuts causes confusion for waste management industry

11 June 2010
There is confusion over how Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) plans to cut £1.166bn from its budget will affect local authority waste collection services.
Dennis Eagle chief engineer calls for greater Government support for Refuse Collection Vehicles

11 June 2010
Truck body manufacturer Dennis Eagle’s chief engineer has called for greater support from Government for carbon reduction technology in refuse collection vehicles (RCV).
Welsh planning policy places new emphasis on renewables

10 June 2010
The Welsh Assembly Government has put plans to increase renewable use and reduce construction waste in local planning decisions at the heart of its new planning policy.
UK landfill methane emissions among the highest in Europe

10 June 2010
Methane emissions from UK landfill sites were among the highest of any EU15 country in 2008, a European Environment Agency (EEA) report warns.
Conservative MPs stand in Environment Committee Chair election

9 June 2010
Former Conservative agriculture, countryside and environment spokesmen are due to stand as candidates for the first Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee Chair election today.
Scotland introduces Zero Waste Plan

9 June 2010
A new waste plan which proposes landfill bans and stringent waste reduction targets has been introduced in Scotland.
Recycling incentive schemes “aren’t necessary” claims May Gurney

9 June 2010
Recycling incentive schemes supported by the coalition Government are “unnecessary” according to the head of a leading infrastructure support service.
Closure of regional partnership boards will not "weaken situation" for waste infrastructure

7 June 2010
Government plans to streamline the planning system through the closure of regional partnership boards will have little impact on waste infrastructure, an expert has claimed.
Coalition scraps ‘pay-as-you-throw’ recycling scheme

7 June 2010
Plans for local authorities to introduce a ‘pay-as-you-throw’ recycling scheme were informally scrapped by the Government today, following a decision not to approve any pilot schemes trialling the measure.
New Volvo trucks to include sustainability declaration

4 June 2010
Truck manufacturer Volvo’s latest range of vehicles will come with a detailed sustainable lifecycle history.
Welsh Environment minister announces consultation on plastic bag levy

4 June 2010
A second consultation on a proposed a levy for plastic bags will be launched by Welsh environment minister Jane Davidson today.
Weighbridge manufacturer introduces scrappage scheme

3 June 2010
An international weighbridge manufacturer has introduced a scrappage scheme to encourage greater business investment in waste infrastructure.
Meeting Scottish waste reduction targets could cost £1.3bn

2 June 2010
Ambitious plans to meet Scotland’s waste reduction targets could cost an additional £1.3bn by 2025, claims a report commissioned by the Scottish Government.
Pod recycling system reduces Horsham landfill by 35%

2 June 2010
An initiative that combines new recycling technology and a commingled collection system has reduced the amount of waste Horsham council sends to landfill by 35%.
HSE announces planned inspections of waste management vehicles

24 May 2010
A wave of inspections of transport risks in waste management operations will take place in 2010-11, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has announced.
Welsh NHS to examine further carbon reductions

24 May 2010
The Welsh NHS has promised to assess its carbon footprint with a “major exercise” designed to improve the service’s sustainability.
DEFRA and DECC to make spending cuts of over £240m

24 May 2010
More than £240m of cuts will hit the Government’s two environmental departments, as announced by chief secretary to the Treasury David Laws this morning.
Lord Henley acquires portfolio for recycling and waste

18 May 2010
Conservative peer Lord Henley has been given the portfolio for recycling and waste management in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
£7m asphalt recycling plant nears completion

17 May 2010
A £7m computer-controlled asphalt recycling plant in Erith, Kent, will be complete by the summer, said its owners.
David Cameron promises "greenest government ever"

14 May 2010
Prime Minister David Cameron has promised “the greenest government ever” following his support for a carbon reduction campaign which will aim to reduce CO2 output across the government’s 250,000 hectare estate.
Conservative MPs appointed DEFRA, DECC and planning ministers

14 May 2010
Three Conservative MPs have been appointed Ministers of State in the government’s two environmental departments.
Former Shadow Environment Secretary appointed to Home office

14 May 2010
The former Conservative Shadow Environment Secretary has been awarded a position at the Ministry of Justice, instead of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Fork truck rentals companies accused of cutting corners to remain competitive

13 May 2010
Fork-lift truck rentals companies have been accused of “cutting corners” in safety and vehicle maintenance in order to keep rental prices low.
Chris Huhne and Caroline Spelman appointed DECC and DEFRA Secretaries

12 May 2010
Liberal Democrat Chris Huhne and Conservative MP Caroline Spelman have been appointed Energy and Environment Secretaries following the formation of a Conservative and Lib-Dem coalition.
CRR brands Paignton the “home of recycling discussion”

11 May 2010
The Campaign for Real Recycling (CRR) has announced plans to exhibit at the Plant & Waste Recycling Show (PAWRS) Paignton show in June, a week before Futuresource.
Campaign group welcomes biofuel subsidy extension

11 May 2010
The controversial repeal of a Government biodiesel subsidy has been halted for sustainably sourced fuel.
England raises recycling rates

11 May 2010
English household recycling rates have increased to almost 40% for the year ending September 2009, new Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) figures show.
Sita announced as preferred bidder in £1bn EfW contract

10 May 2010
Sita has been selected as the preferred bidder for a £1bn waste PFI contract for Suffolk County Council.
RCV rental company takes first delivery of new Olympus truck

10 May 2010
A refuse collection vehicle (RCV) hire company is the first of its kind to take delivery of the new model Dennis Eagle truck. Trash UK, which provides repair and spot leasing of RCVs, took delivery of the Olympus truck in April.
Verdant begins transition to bio-diesel

7 May 2010
Verdant has begun the first phase of a fleet-wide transition to bio-diesel fuels, following the upgrade of its refuse collection vehicles (RCV) in West Sussex.
Lafarge launch cement recycling scheme

6 May 2010
Cement manufacturer Lafarge will begin a collection and recycling service for out of date cement bags, in an effort to discourage construction waste from being sent to landfill.
Welsh Conservatives slam Assembly sustainability targets

6 May 2010
Welsh Conservatives have attacked the recent Welsh Assembly Government’s sustainability report for its “lack of clarity” over measurable sustainability targets.
Selby AD plant appoints technology provider

6 May 2010
The “UK’s biggest” anaerobic digestion (AD) plant has appointed Entec Biogas to supply its digestion technology.
Environmental businesses feel “uncertainty” towards IPC

5 May 2010
Businesses in the environmental technologies sector feel “uncertainty” towards the Government’s Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC), a new survey has revealed.
England may experience “perverse outcomes” from Welsh landfill ban

30 April 2010
A proposed ban on sending certain waste streams to landfill in Wales could lead to “perverse outcomes” for English landfill sites, the Environment Agency has warned.
Lobby group demands stronger resource efficiency efforts from new government

30 April 2010
The new government must prioritise plans for a low carbon economy in its first hundred days of power, claims a leading environmental group.
Brighton and Hove to enforce SWMP from June

30 April 2010
Brighton & Hove City Council will begin tighter regulation of construction sites to ensure that site waste management plans (SWMPs) are being followed.
Lib-Dems and Labour pledge new packaging recycling measures

29 April 2010
Both the Liberal Democrats and the Labour Party have promised initiatives to improve packaging recycling in their environment manifestos.
Powerday kicks off renewed Chelsea contract with zero waste to landfill status

28 April 2010
Waste management company Powerday has celebrated the signing of a renewed waste collection contract with Chelsea Football Club, with the news that the club has reached zero waste to landfill status.
A tilt towards efficiency

30 April 2010
Tilter technology is changing the way metal recyclers have traditionally prepared material for export, writes Philip Reynolds
Bin sensor technology revolutionises waste collection

30 April 2010
A new bin sensor could reduce commercial waste collection costs by up to 55%, the company behind the technology claims.
Sita introduces commercial food waste recycling scheme

30 April 2010
Sita has launched a commercial food waste collection and recycling scheme in South London.
AWS signs additional plastics recycling deal with WRG

21 April 2010
AWS Eco Plastics has secured a deal to collect and recycle plastic bottles from two Waste Recycling Group sites. The new contract to collect baled plastic bottles from the Luton and Carnaby sites follows the current collection and recycling agreement between AWS and WRGs Wrexham facility.AWS will recycle ...
AWS signs additional plastics recycling deal with WRG

21 April 2010
AWS Eco Plastics has secured a deal to collect and recycle plastic bottles from two Waste Recycling Group sites. The new contract to collect baled plastic bottles from the Luton and Carnaby sites follows the current collection and recycling agreement between AWS and WRGs Wrexham facility.AWS will recycle ...
Plaid Cymru pledges waste prevention targets

21 April 2010
The Welsh Nationalist party Plaid Cymru has pledged support for binding waste prevention targets in its 2010 election manifesto. The party has proposed a goal of recycling 80% ...
Room for improvement for recycling in Northern Ireland

21 April 2010
Northern Ireland has failed to significantly improve 2008s recycling rates, after it increased the percentage of municipal waste sent for recycling by just over 1% in a year. In total, 29.9% of municipal waste was sent for recycling and composting in the final quarter of 2009, a slight increase over the same period in 2008, which stood at 28.3%.
Scottish Green manifesto mentions recycling only once

21 April 2010
The Scottish Green Party has made only a single mention of recycling in its new election manifesto. This appears in the statement recycling creates six times more jobs per tonne of waste than landfill made in the context of the partys green jobs pledge.
JCB pay-deal signals market improvement

20 April 2010
Industrial vehicles manufacturer JCB has agreed a pay rise with shop-floor staff after a slight improvement in the market.GMB union staff in 11 UK sites (Including Rocester, Wrexham, Cheadle, Uttoxeter, Rugeley and Foston Derbyshire) voted to accept what the company has called a historic 3% pay rise, which will come into force on July 1 and cover the next three and a half years, with yearly pay reviews linked to inflation rates. The agreement comes after ...
JCB pay-deal signals market improvement

20 April 2010
Industrial vehicles manufacturer JCB has agreed a pay rise with shop-floor staff after a slight improvement in the market.GMB union staff in 11 UK sites (Including Rocester, Wrexham, Cheadle, Uttoxeter, Rugeley and Foston Derbyshire) voted to accept what the company has called a historic 3% pay rise, which will come into force on July 1 and cover the next three and a half years, with yearly pay reviews linked to inflation rates. The agreement comes after ...
Industry body supports manifesto pledges

19 April 2010
A leading industry association said it is broadly supportive of the manifesto commitments on waste management from the three main parties, but has warned that more could be doneEnvironmental Industries Commission (EIC) policy director Danny Stevens told MRW: Theres not a huge amount in the manifestoes about waste and recycling, but were broadly supportive of whats there. Its just a shame they didnt go further. Stevens said that Labours pledge to ban recyclables ...
Materials processor says safety procedures "ignored" after accident

19 April 2010
A metals processor has claimed that an accident at one of its yards was partly due to safety procedures being ignored by the workforce. All Metals Recycling (AMS) was fined £12,500 by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) after Derek Baxters right leg was run over by a forklift truck as he knelt at the end of an aisle. Manchester Crown Court heard that the route had been narrowed by stock in the isle and that there was not a walkway for pedestrians. The ...
Peugeot vows to replace plastic polymers in vehicles

19 April 2010
PSA-Peugeot Citroen has pledged to replace up to a third of the plastic polymers in its cars with recyclable materials by 2015.Currently around 20% of the weight of Peugeot vehicles are made of non-recyclable plastic polymers, including spoilers, supports, parcel shelves and seating. The company aims to replace a third of these with natural fibres such as flax and hemp, bioplastics and plastic polymers from renewable resources. ...
Green party launch manifesto

16 April 2010
The Green party would make it easy to do the right thing by doubling current investment in recycling and waste disposal and opposing incineration if elected.An extra £3 billion per annum would be directed to waste management under a Green government, which they claim would create 60,000 new jobs. We have to recognise that sophisticated waste management costs more than burying it in the ground, explains the Green ...

Materials Recycling WeekPhilip Reynolds

Materials Recycling Week
Philip Reynolds