Waste Management Archives
July 11, 2008
Sellafield 'dirty for a century'
It will take over 100 years before the toxic nuclear site at Sellafield is safe, it has been revealed.
Continue reading "Sellafield 'dirty for a century'"
July 10, 2008
Nuclear clean-up cost 'to rise'
The cost of decommissioning nuclear power sites could rise "significantly" above the £73bn already estimated, an MPs' committee has said.
Continue reading "Nuclear clean-up cost 'to rise'"
July 9, 2008
Tories unveil recycling pay plans
A Tory government would encourage schemes under which people would be paid to recycle, shadow chancellor George Osborne is due to announce.
Continue reading "Tories unveil recycling pay plans"
July 8, 2008
Group seeks Bush sewage 'tribute'
A citizens group in San Francisco wants to pay an ironic tribute to President George W Bush when he leaves office - by naming a sewage plant after him.
Continue reading "Group seeks Bush sewage 'tribute'"
June 23, 2008
EU moves towards central waste management policy
The European Commission has issued a statement welcoming the recent second reading vote by the European Parliament approving the revision of the Waste Framework Directive, which has been described as "the central pillar of EU waste management policy".
Continue reading "EU moves towards central waste management policy"
May 9, 2008
Recycling, waste-to-energy to play an important part in reducing CO2
More recycling and waste-to-energy programmes will reduce net greenhouse gas emissions. This is the conclusion of three recently published studies.
Continue reading "Recycling, waste-to-energy to play an important part in reducing CO2"
Naples challenged by European Commission
On the road to a solution for the old question of waste in Naples, the Italian has made progress, but not sufficient.
Continue reading "Naples challenged by European Commission"
May 8, 2008
Food waste on 'staggering' scale
People are needlessly throwing away 3.6m tonnes of food each year in England and Wales, research suggests.
Continue reading "Food waste on 'staggering' scale"
May 5, 2008
WRAP highlights food waste
The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has published a new report that highlights the 6.7 million tonnes of food thrown away by UK consumers each year, equivalent to a third of all food bought, and WRAP is urging retailers to educate consumers as to how this amount of waste can be reduced.
Continue reading "WRAP highlights food waste"
April 22, 2008
Father fined for overfilling bin
A father-of-four has been left with a criminal record for overfilling his wheelie bin by four inches.
Continue reading "Father fined for overfilling bin"
April 10, 2008
Council apologises over new bins
Council leaders have apologised over confusion created by a new rubbish collection system in Warwickshire.
Continue reading "Council apologises over new bins"
March 17, 2008
How big an eco-hazard is IT equipment?
Are computers bad for the planet? As a consumer of power, IT equipment is certainly all too visible, and is shaping up to become a prime whipping boy for governments striving to get a lid on their CO2 emissions. After anything that burns petrol, PCs, chargers and that arch eco-criminal, standby mode, now come pretty close to the centre of the crosshairs.
Continue reading "How big an eco-hazard is IT equipment?"
Tories plan waste deals for firms
Major firms should be asked to sign up to voluntary "responsibility deals" to cut waste, the Conservatives say.
Continue reading "Tories plan waste deals for firms"
March 13, 2008
Kenyans ill in 'toxic waste' leak
Hundreds of people near the Kenyan port of Mombasa say they have become ill after a consignment of leaking chemical containers was dumped nearby.
Continue reading "Kenyans ill in 'toxic waste' leak"
March 1, 2008
PM warns stores over carrier bags
Gordon Brown has warned retailers he will force them to cut down on plastic bag use if they do not act voluntarily.
Continue reading "PM warns stores over carrier bags"
February 28, 2008
M&S to charge 5p for carrier bags
Marks and Spencer is to begin charging its food shoppers for carrier bags.
Continue reading "M&S to charge 5p for carrier bags"
February 21, 2008
MPs attack bin charges 'retreat'
Plans for five pilot rubbish charging schemes mark a "wholehearted retreat" and should be dropped, MPs have said.
Continue reading "MPs attack bin charges 'retreat'"
February 19, 2008
Plans for 'rubbish fuel' factory
A cement company has submitted plans to build a factory which would be run by burning some of Warwickshire's waste.
Continue reading "Plans for 'rubbish fuel' factory"
February 15, 2008
Tyre fitters in dumping crisis
Is there a new recycling rip off threatening to cost us all money?
Continue reading "Tyre fitters in dumping crisis"
February 4, 2008
Plastics company challenges London "Bag Bill"
A British plastics company has mounted an official challenge to the London Local Authorities (Shopping Bag) Bill, which is intended to ban the distribution of free throwaway plastic shopping bags in London, because there is no exemption for degradable plastic.
Continue reading "Plastics company challenges London "Bag Bill""
January 8, 2008
Soldiers bulldoze Naples rubbish
The Italian army has begun bulldozing the 100,000 tonnes of rubbish that has piled up in the streets of the southern city of Naples.
Continue reading "Soldiers bulldoze Naples rubbish"
January 5, 2008
Low-energy bulb disposal warning
The Environment Agency has called for more information to be made available on the health and environmental risks posed by low-energy light bulbs.
Continue reading "Low-energy bulb disposal warning"
December 13, 2007
Boss jailed for dumping soil at Ryton farm
The boss of a company which illegally dumped more than 400 tonnes of waste at a Ryton-on-Dunsmore farm has been jailed.
Continue reading "Boss jailed for dumping soil at Ryton farm"
December 4, 2007
Curry houses recycle cooking fat
Curry houses are being encouraged to recycle their cooking oil and cut the amount of fat being poured down drains.
Continue reading "Curry houses recycle cooking fat"
November 22, 2007
Conservatives: Tip taxes could hit charity shops
The Conservatives have said that introducing charges for using rubbish tips would turn charity shop doorsteps into dumping grounds.
Continue reading "Conservatives: Tip taxes could hit charity shops"
November 21, 2007
Cobra beer hit with £25k recycling fine
The producers of Cobra beer have been ordered to pay over £25,000 for failing to meet a legal requirement to take responsibility for its waste.
Continue reading "Cobra beer hit with £25k recycling fine"
November 12, 2007
Think tank calls for "pay-as-you-throw"
The New Local Government Network (NLGN), an independent think tank that seeks to transform public services, has issued a statement calling for alternatives to "pay-as-you-throw" waste charges, with the focus on incentives instead.
Continue reading "Think tank calls for "pay-as-you-throw""
Britain now 'dustbin of Europe'
Britain is officially the "dustbin of Europe", new figures have suggested.
Continue reading "Britain now 'dustbin of Europe'"
November 2, 2007
The lost art of leftovers
We waste too much food and should return to the way we lived during the war, says a new campaign. It would save us money and help save the planet.
Continue reading "The lost art of leftovers"
October 30, 2007
Rubbish charge pilots to go ahead
English councils are to be allowed to pilot plans to charge households according to rubbish they throw out.
Continue reading "Rubbish charge pilots to go ahead"
October 25, 2007
Bins charges decision 'delayed'
A decision on introducing controversial "pay as you throw" charges for rubbish has been delayed, the BBC reports.
Continue reading "Bins charges decision 'delayed'"
October 24, 2007
Brewer to 'recycle' leftover beer
A Suffolk-based brewery has announced plans to build a "beer recovery facility" to turn leftover ale into cattle feed.
Continue reading "Brewer to 'recycle' leftover beer"
October 18, 2007
Incinerator plans may be dropped
Plans to build a new large incinerator in Warwickshire could be scrapped.
Continue reading "Incinerator plans may be dropped"
October 5, 2007
Non-recyclers face £100 fine
Residents in part of London who do not recycle their rubbish could now be hit with a £100 fine.
Continue reading "Non-recyclers face £100 fine"
October 3, 2007
75% support legally binding build site waste plans
Plans which aim to reduce waste on building sites have been broadly welcomed by the construction industry.
Continue reading "75% support legally binding build site waste plans"
October 2, 2007
Irish beat WEEE recycling targets
Irish householders are smashing targets for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment.
Continue reading "Irish beat WEEE recycling targets"
September 28, 2007
Waste company fined over fork-lift truck accident
A waste company in Milton Keynes has been fined over £7500 for serious health and safety offences, following an incident involving a forklift truck which left a worker seriously injured.
Continue reading "Waste company fined over fork-lift truck accident"
September 24, 2007
Paper buyers aim to boost use of recycled material
Use of recycled paper will increase dramatically over the next five years, new research suggests.
Continue reading "Paper buyers aim to boost use of recycled material"
September 20, 2007
Sign up for WEEE schemes of face fines
The Environment Agency has warned there will be no more Mr Nice Guy for those involved in the trade of electrical or electronic goods who are failing to meet their obligations in dealing with e-waste.
Continue reading "Sign up for WEEE schemes of face fines"
September 19, 2007
Blaze destroys WEEE recycling plant
Fire has devastated a major electronics recycling plant in Lincolnshire.
Continue reading "Blaze destroys WEEE recycling plant"
September 18, 2007
Chernobyl to be covered in steel
The authorities in Ukraine have approved a giant steel cover for the radioactive site of the world's worst nuclear disaster - Chernobyl.
Continue reading "Chernobyl to be covered in steel"
September 17, 2007
Firms not ready for waste disposal laws
Accountancy firm Grant Thornton has raised concerns that UK businesses are unprepared for new waste regulations that will affect all firms.
Continue reading "Firms not ready for waste disposal laws"
September 14, 2007
Half of waste tech has limited track record - says study
Over 40% of the processes being promoted as modern solutions for waste management have a 'limited track record', says an independent study of waste processes in 25 countries.
Continue reading "Half of waste tech has limited track record - says study"
September 13, 2007
Landfill laws change next month
At the end of October, rules which govern what can, and what cannot, be sent to landfill will change - with tighter restrictions on a wide range of waste.
Continue reading "Landfill laws change next month"
September 7, 2007
Government pledges £65 million to reduce Yorkshire landfill
The Government has pledged £65 million worth of funding to help North Yorkshire reduce landfill waste by more than three quarters.
Continue reading "Government pledges £65 million to reduce Yorkshire landfill"
September 6, 2007
Canada weighs up waste
A Canadian think tank has carried out an audit of hazardous waste produced in Ontario and has concluded that it continues to threaten the province's environment and economy due to gaps in regulation and enforcement.
Continue reading "Canada weighs up waste"
August 29, 2007
Assets frozen in waste crime case
Powers more often used against drug dealers and career criminals have been exercised to freeze the assets of a Bradford man convicted of illegally dumping asbestos and excavation waste while the authorities investigate how much money he made from the activity.
Continue reading "Assets frozen in waste crime case"
August 25, 2007
Council defends no wheelie bin policy
Portsmouth City Council has had to defend an order to householders not to put rubbish in wheelie bins in case dustmen injure themselves taking it out.
Continue reading "Council defends no wheelie bin policy"
August 23, 2007
Voluntary agreement ends free paper waste wrangle
Westminster City Council, poised to use strong-arm tactics to force publishers of free newspapers to take responsibility for the waste their products produce, has announced an agreement which will see the companies clean up after themselves.
Continue reading "Voluntary agreement ends free paper waste wrangle"
New technology could convert more waste into aggregate
A new technology intended to convert mineral silt and fines to produce an aggregate for use in construction will be developed by the Recycling Commercialisation Centre with support from the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).
Continue reading "New technology could convert more waste into aggregate"
August 22, 2007
'Many' support pay-as-you-throw
Almost two-thirds of people would support a "pay-as-you-throw" system of collecting household waste, a Local Government Association survey suggests.
Continue reading "'Many' support pay-as-you-throw"
August 18, 2007
Battling with street litter
A campaign designed to clean up roads across England and fight 'unsightly' litter was launched this week by a government agency.
Continue reading "Battling with street litter"
August 17, 2007
High street plan for recycle bins
Recycling bins may be placed alongside rubbish bins in high streets and other public places under government plans.
Continue reading "High street plan for recycle bins"
August 16, 2007
Eco-friendly bubble wrap launched
A new compostable bubble-wrap has been launched by a UK company.
Continue reading "Eco-friendly bubble wrap launched"
August 2, 2007
Composting champions inspire green waste disposal
Volunteers in Worcestershire and Herefordshire have clocked up more than 1,000 hours to teach their communities about composting.
Continue reading "Composting champions inspire green waste disposal"
August 1, 2007
Less waste landfilled but recycling still low in Scotland
Scotland has published figures showing that recycling rates are improving in the country - but are still well below the European average.
Continue reading "Less waste landfilled but recycling still low in Scotland"
Blue bins could lift Liverpool's league position
Fed up with coming bottom of waste leagues, council leaders in Liverpool are introducing a raft of measures to make recycling easier for residents.
Continue reading "Blue bins could lift Liverpool's league position"
Staggering 95% vote against alternate weekly waste collection
Virtually all the residents who took part in a council poll asking if they would like to see weekly waste collections replaced by a one-week-on, one-week-off system for recyclable and non-recyclable waste voted against change.
Continue reading "Staggering 95% vote against alternate weekly waste collection"
July 27, 2007
Recovered paper sees real growth in net exports
Over half the paper and cardboard consumed in the UK is collected for recycling and 10 million tonnes of CO2 emissions are saved by recycling paper, the equivalent of taking more than 3 million cars off the road.
Continue reading "Recovered paper sees real growth in net exports"
July 26, 2007
Floods - the waste impacts
Waste management may not be at the forefront of anyone's mind when the flood waters come calling, but the logistics of having to collect the rubbish from streets that resemble rivers and dispose of the millions of plastic water bottles left in the aftermath are far from plain sailing.
Continue reading "Floods - the waste impacts"
Public shuns packaging waste
Almost everyone believes there should be less packaging on products, but less than half claim excess packaging would stop them buying something they wanted.
Continue reading "Public shuns packaging waste"
July 23, 2007
Electrical goods producers warned to obey new waste laws
The Environment Agency is targeting producers of electrical goods yet to register with a recycler under new polluter pays waste laws.
Continue reading "Electrical goods producers warned to obey new waste laws"
July 21, 2007
Recycling champions urge more tyre steel recovery
Three times more steel could be recovered from scrap tyres each year in the UK, new research has revealed.
Continue reading "Recycling champions urge more tyre steel recovery"
July 17, 2007
Mayor hits out at alternate weekly collections
London's Mayor, Ken Livingstone, has once again expressed concerns about alternate weekly waste collections - and pointed out that many Parliamentarians share his fears.
Continue reading "Mayor hits out at alternate weekly collections"
July 16, 2007
EU tightens toxic shipment rules
New rules intended to stop toxic waste getting dumped in developing countries have come into force across the EU.
Continue reading "EU tightens toxic shipment rules"
China's recycling 'saves forests'
China's massive capacity to recycle waste-paper is preventing many forests around the world from being destroyed, a report has concluded.
Continue reading "China's recycling 'saves forests'"
MPs criticise bin collection plan
Fortnightly rubbish collections are not right for all areas and there is no proof they increase recycling, MPs say.
Continue reading "MPs criticise bin collection plan"
July 13, 2007
Kitemark to counter throw away society
A label to help consumers identify long-lasting products that are easy to repair has been launched in Austria in a bid to cut waste.
Continue reading "Kitemark to counter throw away society"
July 12, 2007
The tough problem of plastics
ust 7% of the two million tonnes of plastics waste created each year in the UK is recycled, experts estimate.
Continue reading "The tough problem of plastics"
July 11, 2007
Westminster steps up freesheet waste war
Westminster City Council has become the first local authority to use powers which will force distributors of free newspapers to share responsibility for the waste they produce.
Continue reading "Westminster steps up freesheet waste war"
July 1, 2007
New e-waste recycling laws begin
A much-delayed law that makes British producers and importers of electronic goods responsible for the recycling of their products has come into force.
Continue reading "New e-waste recycling laws begin"
June 29, 2007
Company fined for illegally exporting maggot-infested waste
A waste company in London has been fined £30,000 this month after trying to illegally export maggot-infested household waste to India.
Continue reading "Company fined for illegally exporting maggot-infested waste"
Solar-powered rubbish bin to press the mess
Torbay Council in Devon is the first in the UK to test a new solar-powered bin that compacts waste as it's filled, allowing the bin to hold up to five times the amount of normal rubbish.
Continue reading "Solar-powered rubbish bin to press the mess"
June 25, 2007
New rules will crackdown on waste cheats
Regulators seeking to control the export of waste from the UK have been granted a raft of new powers to allow them to take a tough line on would-be crooks.
Continue reading "New rules will crackdown on waste cheats"
June 18, 2007
Waste and recycling board for London
Government has announced plans to bring in a waste and recycling board for London in the next financial year, with a budget of £19m.
Continue reading "Waste and recycling board for London"
June 15, 2007
UK on track for WEEE Day
Retailers and producers are less than one month away from having to comply by new regulations designed to reduce the environmental impact caused by waste from the disposal of electronic equipment such as television and toasters.
Continue reading "UK on track for WEEE Day"
June 14, 2007
Campaign to reuse furniture
A furniture installation made of recycled furniture went on the show this week as part of a campaign to boost furniture reuse in London.
Continue reading "Campaign to reuse furniture"
June 13, 2007
Recycling is not enough
Recycling alone is not enough to meet the UK's escalating waste problem and people must change their habits to consume less in the first place, according to the Economic and Social Research Council.
Continue reading "Recycling is not enough"
June 7, 2007
Waste Strategy for England 2007 Published
Amid a flurry of Government publications, Defra last week released the
"Waste Strategy for England 2007".
Continue reading "Waste Strategy for England 2007 Published"
May 14, 2007
Cash boost for Welsh waste sector
Companies setting up anaerobic digestion facilities to treat waste in Wales could be eligible for Government support to cover up to 30% of their capital costs.
Continue reading "Cash boost for Welsh waste sector"
April 25, 2007
Tesco to slash own brand packaging
Supermarket giant Tesco has announced plans to reduce packaging on its own-brand products by 25% over the next three years.
Continue reading "Tesco to slash own brand packaging"
April 24, 2007
Alternate weekly collection works, claim councils
Local authorities that collect recyclables and non-recyclable waste on alternate weeks have reported significantly higher recycling rates.
Continue reading "Alternate weekly collection works, claim councils"
April 23, 2007
London boroughs hail MBT facility
A major new facility set up to treat household waste has been heralded by London's local authorities as a demonstration of their commitment to new technologies in the fight to cope with the capital's waste.
Continue reading "London boroughs hail MBT facility"
Westminster's free paper ultimatum
Westminster City Council has told the publishers of two of London's free newspapers that a ban could be put in place barring the distribution of free literature in parts of the West End unless they chip in for recycling staff and infrastructure.
Continue reading "Westminster's free paper ultimatum"
Apology for 'catastrophic' spill
Scottish Water has apologised for pouring millions of litres of sewage into the Firth of Forth.
Continue reading "Apology for 'catastrophic' spill"
April 20, 2007
Beach litter 'increased by 90%'
The amount of litter on Britain's beaches has increased by more than 90% since 1994, says an annual survey.
Continue reading "Beach litter 'increased by 90%'"
April 16, 2007
New boss for WRAP
Following the departure of Jennie Price to pastures new, the Waste & Resources Action Programme has appointed a new CEO, promoting from within.
Continue reading "New boss for WRAP"
March 28, 2007
Small firms unaware of WEEE obligations
When it comes to disposing of their electronic and electrical waste, almost half of small firms are unaware of their legal obligations.
Continue reading "Small firms unaware of WEEE obligations"
March 23, 2007
Producers must accept responsibility for WEEE
Although the cut off for joining a WEEE compliance scheme passed last week, producers of electrical equipment who missed the deadline should be looking to sign up as soon as possible, rather than waiting anxiously for the Environment Agency to come calling.
Continue reading "Producers must accept responsibility for WEEE"
March 22, 2007
London's sewage tunnel given go-ahead
The Government has given the go-ahead for a 30-km tunnel to divert water from overflowing sewers that currently enters the Thames to a wastewater treatment plant.
Continue reading "London's sewage tunnel given go-ahead"
Recycled plastic milk bottles meet safety standards
In a world first, a WRAP funded project has successfully used recycled plastics to produce safe, environmentally friendly milk bottles.
Continue reading "Recycled plastic milk bottles meet safety standards"
March 19, 2007
A third of food is thrown away
British households are throwing away around a third of all the food they buy, amounting to 6.7m tonnes every year.
Continue reading "A third of food is thrown away"
No health risk from bi-weekly collections, says Government
Storing waste at home for two weeks while you wait for the binmen to collect it does not appear to have any adverse health implications, according to research commissioned by the Government.
Continue reading "No health risk from bi-weekly collections, says Government"
March 12, 2007
Waste-to-energy plants link Merseyside with Thailand
Merseyside and Thailand's city of Chiang Mai are set to become the first locations for cutting edge waste-to-energy plants producing biomass fuel and electricity from mixed waste.
Continue reading "Waste-to-energy plants link Merseyside with Thailand"
Bio-plastic bag boom 'imminent'
'Eco-plastic bags' are about to get greener with a new process that replaces petrol derivatives with sunflower oil. The new material will make its entry just as vegetable-derived plastic market is set to rocket, with both France and Italy soon to ban single-use non-biodegradable bags.
Continue reading "Bio-plastic bag boom 'imminent'"
March 8, 2007
UN outlines global e-waste goals
The UN has launched a global initiative to tackle the growing mountain of electrical and electronic waste.
Continue reading "UN outlines global e-waste goals"
March 5, 2007
Guidance will boost real nappy users
A guidebook for healthcare professionals outlining the case for real nappies and advice for professional laundry services have been launched in an effort to reduce the mountains of waste produced by disposable nappies.
Continue reading "Guidance will boost real nappy users"
February 25, 2007
Leaked waste dossier angers authorities
Councils should have the option of charging individual households for the amount of rubbish the produce but a blanket pay-as-you-throw schemes should not be forced upon those responsible for waste collection.
Continue reading "Leaked waste dossier angers authorities"
Zero tolerance for waste crime plea
More resources are needed to investigate serious waste crimes and magistrates need help in understanding the sometimes complex details of environmental crimes.
Continue reading "Zero tolerance for waste crime plea"
February 13, 2007
MEPs vote to cut waste mountain
Members of the European Parliament have voted for binding targets to reduce the amount of waste produced in the EU.
Continue reading "MEPs vote to cut waste mountain"
February 7, 2007
Science backs nuclear burial plan
Scientists have backed the government's plan to store the UK's nuclear waste deep underground.
Continue reading "Science backs nuclear burial plan"
DTI backs waste management campaign
The Department for Trade and Industry (DTI) and the construction industry are backing a new campaign for raising awareness of Site Waste Management Plans (SWMPs).
Continue reading "DTI backs waste management campaign"
February 1, 2007
Recycle Now shares secrets of success
We are all aware these days that, broadly speaking, climate change is bad and recycling is good but sometimes effort is needed to persuade the public to translate that knowledge into action.
Continue reading "Recycle Now shares secrets of success"
Olympic commitment on waste praised
Olympic plans to reuse the vast majority of demolition waste and build with recycled materials where possible have been praised as visionary by an organisation set up to tackle the UK's waste woes.
Continue reading "Olympic commitment on waste praised"
January 31, 2007
Global computer upgrade will see surge in e-waste
The release of Microsoft's Vista operating system will undermine efforts to reduce electronic waste by rendering millions of computers obsolete, according to campaigners trying to highlight the problems faced by recyclers in the developing world.
Continue reading "Global computer upgrade will see surge in e-waste"
January 22, 2007
Landfill almost full in South East as waste crisis looms
The data published by the Environment Agency shows that in England and Wales recycling rates are increasing while the amount of waste sent to landfill has dropped - but parts of the UK will run out of landfill space within the next three years.
Continue reading "Landfill almost full in South East as waste crisis looms"
January 17, 2007
Plastic bottle recycling must double
With four out of five plastic bottles currently being binned in the UK a series of seminars has been launched to help councils and their contractors get to grips with the importance of recycling them and offer advice on how rates might be increased.
Continue reading "Plastic bottle recycling must double"
Defra looks to climate-proof urban drainage
Finding new ways to ward off urban drainage flooding as flood risk rises together with temperatures are the objective of a series of pilot studies launched this week.
Continue reading "Defra looks to climate-proof urban drainage"
January 14, 2007
Rapid city growth means China faces rubbish crisis by 2020
China's fast-growing cities will no longer be able to cope with the amount of rubbish they produce by 2020, according to a government study.
Continue reading "Rapid city growth means China faces rubbish crisis by 2020"
January 7, 2007
'Dustbin' UK tops landfill table
The UK dumps more household waste into landfill than any other EU state, according to figures.
Continue reading "'Dustbin' UK tops landfill table"
December 20, 2006
Festive fixes to wise water use
Festive indulgence can give rise to more water waste than ever, says the Consumer Council for Water, and points the way to water savings with its "five fast fixes."
Continue reading "Festive fixes to wise water use"
Green ideals crumble in flood of festive indulgence
Green intentions do not always translate into action, but never is the gap greater than in the traditionally excessive festive period, a study has found - with lessons to be learnt for business, authorities and consumers alike.
Continue reading "Green ideals crumble in flood of festive indulgence"
December 18, 2006
WEEE regulations will burden small firms, warns FSB
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has condemned the introduction of the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive on 1 July 2007, claiming small businesses will struggle to comply.
Continue reading "WEEE regulations will burden small firms, warns FSB"
December 17, 2006
Amazon turns off Ireland's electronic Christmas
Confusion over the way the WEEE directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) is implemented in different European states has prompted Amazon to cease shipping qualifying products to the Repubic of Ireland (IE).
Continue reading "Amazon turns off Ireland's electronic Christmas"
November 27, 2006
UN warning on e-waste 'mountain'
The world's richest nations are dumping hazardous electronic waste on poor African countries, says the head of the UN's Environment Programme (Unep).
Continue reading "UN warning on e-waste 'mountain'"
Help urged for Ivory Coast waste
The international community must meet the costs of cleaning and restoring sites in Ivory Coast contaminated by toxic waste, the UN says.
Continue reading "Help urged for Ivory Coast waste"
November 17, 2006
Sludge-powered sewage works cut costs
Sewage works could be generating enough electricity from sludge to power themselves and sell surplus kilowatts to the grid, if trials of a cutting edge anaerobic digestion process end in success.
Continue reading "Sludge-powered sewage works cut costs"
November 13, 2006
Pester power push for London recycling
Encouraging children to use 'pester power' to persuade parents to recycle and linking waste issues to climate change could reduce the waste going to landfill or incineration in the capital, according to London's deputy mayor.
Continue reading "Pester power push for London recycling"
WEEE don't want it - councils threaten to opt out of e-waste collections
Producer responsibility is in danger of translating into 'the tax payer foots the bill' according to local authorities concerned that the settlement they are being offered to collect and process electronic waste will leave them out of pocket.
Continue reading "WEEE don't want it - councils threaten to opt out of e-waste collections"
November 2, 2006
Plastics are sticking point for recyclers
Enviromental campaigners have submitted a petition to Coventry City Council calling on it to introduce plastic recycling facilities.
Continue reading "Plastics are sticking point for recyclers"
October 28, 2006
Best battery recycling methods explored
Three very different ways to recycle batteries are being put to the test in an attempt to pinpoint the most efficient way to safely dispose of them.
Continue reading "Best battery recycling methods explored"
October 26, 2006
Landfill Tax celebrates a decade of environmental support
Since its launch ten years ago the Landfill Tax has raised over £700m for projects that benefit communities and the environment.
Continue reading "Landfill Tax celebrates a decade of environmental support"
Radioactive waste 'to be buried'
Britain is to bury its radioactive waste, Environment Secretary David Miliband has told the House of Commons.
Continue reading "Radioactive waste 'to be buried'"
October 23, 2006
Energy from waste vital to meet landfill targets - Defra
Progress is being made on diverting more landfill to recycling and composting but energy from waste must play a much greater role if the UK is to meet its European targets, according to Defra.
Continue reading "Energy from waste vital to meet landfill targets - Defra"
October 20, 2006
'Super sites' are the future of UK waste management
Giant waste processing sites and regional expertise could help the UK avert the impending waste crisis as landfill must be replaced by more sustainable methods of disposal.
Continue reading "'Super sites' are the future of UK waste management"
October 18, 2006
Eco-friendly chalk building opens
An environmentally-friendly building made of chalk extracted from the White Cliffs of Dover has opened its doors.
Continue reading "Eco-friendly chalk building opens"
Fine for letter in recycling bag
Magistrates have fined a man £200 after finding him guilty of putting paper in a recycling sack for bottles and cans only - breaking council rules.
Continue reading "Fine for letter in recycling bag"
October 17, 2006
Time to drink sewage, experts say
Britain should tackle future droughts by recycling more sewage effluent as drinking water, civil engineers say.
Continue reading "Time to drink sewage, experts say"
October 13, 2006
Recycled materials could help pave the way to urban cooling
Crumbled rubber and recycled aggregates could be used to produce pavements that help reduce heat absorption as part of a plan to stop temperatures going through the roof in our sweltering summer cities.
Continue reading "Recycled materials could help pave the way to urban cooling"
Transport of new nuclear waste is 'intolerable risk' to London
Nuclear waste from a new generation of atomic power stations poses an 'intolerable' health and safety risk to the capital, a report commissioned by the Mayor of London has found.
Continue reading "Transport of new nuclear waste is 'intolerable risk' to London"
October 12, 2006
Fears over opening junk mail floodgate
Royal Mail's plans to scrap limits on the amount of junk mail it will deliver have angered council leaders who will have to deal with a surge in waste.
Continue reading "Fears over opening junk mail floodgate"
October 11, 2006
Conservationists flush out unsustainable loo roll
The quantity of recycled fibres being used in toilet roll for British markets is still unacceptably low, according to a leading conservation group.
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October 6, 2006
Worried about WEEE? Then have your say
Producers of consumer electronics and those expecting to be involved in the management of compliance schemes once the WEEE regulations kick in are being asked to raise any concerns as soon as possible.
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October 4, 2006
Councils begin 'pay as you throw'
More than 30 councils are fitting microchips to wheelie bins to work out how much households are throwing away.
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October 2, 2006
More efforts made to stop building site waste
WRAP is attempting to up recycling rates in the construction and demolition industries by offering financial backing to waste contractors wanting to take a slice of this growing sector.
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September 22, 2006
WEEE manufacturers outline case for visible recycling charge
A visible, flat-rate charge on new consumer electronics to pay for the recycling of old ones is the best way to fund their safe and sustainable disposal, according to manufacturers.
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September 20, 2006
French arrests over Ivorian waste
Two senior French officials of the company whose toxic waste has been dumped in Ivory Coast have been charged with poisoning, an official says.
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September 18, 2006
ASBOs for dastardly dumpers as EA tightens the noose on fly tipping
Normally reserved for unruly, hoodie-sporting yobs, ASBOs can now be slapped on persistent waste criminals targeted by the Environment Agency.
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September 11, 2006
Sainsbury's to cut plastic packaging waste
Supermarket giant Sainsbury's plans to dramatically increase the number of products wrapped in compostable packaging - a move it claims could save 3,500 tonnes of plastic from going to landfill every year.
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September 9, 2006
We will need incinerators but public still needs persuading: Defra
After months of consultation on the future of waste the Government remains convinced that a new generation of incinerators is needed to tackle England's waste, but recognises it has a PR battle on its hands.
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Greenpeace grades electronics companies
Environmental NGO Greenpeace has given rankings to top PC and mobile phone manufacturers based on their performance and attitudes to pollution and waste.
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September 8, 2006
Recycling incentives under the spotlight
Subsidised chickens were among the solutions discussed at a gathering of waste professionals in London this week, held to look at incentives that might encourage the public to recycle more - and throw away less.
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August 31, 2006
Scrap cars creating toxic waste
As many as 1.5 million cars are being scrapped illegally in Britain every year, presenting a major environmental hazard, the BBC has learned.
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August 27, 2006
Bugged bins to promote recycling
Microchips in bins which help councils charge for the weight of rubbish collected could be common across the UK within two years.
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SMEs offered free advice on hazardous waste
Organisers of a project providing free advice to small businesses on how to reduce their hazardous waste production - and save money - is looking for firms to sign up to the scheme.
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August 25, 2006
Branded litter - marketing tool or turn off?
Manchester academics have been researching rubbish, and looking at the effects of litter on the reputation of the discarded product.
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August 18, 2006
Giant crane speeds up clean up at nuclear site
A piece of equipment designed to filter radioactive sludge from part of the Sellafield site has been installed using one of the largest cranes in Europe.
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August 16, 2006
Paper chase fails to uncover fraud
The Government investigation into a scandal surrounding the misuse of Packaging Waste Recovery Notes (PRNs) has failed to uncover any deliberate fraud but has found that sloppy administration was rife within some sections of the industry.
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August 14, 2006
Waste management industry signs up to green charter
The waste management industry is the latest sector to sign up to guidelines drawn up by the Environment Agency to help it minimise its environmental impact.
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Ireland's north and south work together to boost recycling
The potential benefits of a shared paper mill have been investigated by Northern Ireland and Eire.
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August 8, 2006
Prizes 'encourage more recycling'
More people are recycling their rubbish because they are being offered prizes such as money, cars and holidays to do so, according to the government.
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July 31, 2006
'Urgency needed' on nuclear waste
The UK government should move with haste to begin burying the country's radioactive waste deep underground, says the Royal Society.
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Give us the powers we need to tackle waste - local authorities
Councils want more powers - and cash - to help them drive down waste while increasing recycling rates.
Continue reading "Give us the powers we need to tackle waste - local authorities"
July 27, 2006
Firms told to cut packaging waste
UK supermarkets and the food industry need to cut the amount of packaging on their products because most of it is ending up in landfills, a report says.
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July 26, 2006
WEEE timetable announced
Energy Minister Malcolm Wicks has outlined a timetable for the introduction of the EC Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
Continue reading "WEEE timetable announced"
UK sets new date for e-waste law
Producers and importers of electronic goods will become responsible for their recycling from July 2007, the UK government has announced.
Continue reading "UK sets new date for e-waste law"
July 15, 2006
Old tyres banned from landfill
As of this Sunday, July 16, used tyres can no longer be landfilled, meaning a boost to the already healthy market for recycling the rubber.
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July 8, 2006
New scheme to ease recycling in the East
Commerce and industry in the East of England will be able to tap into free advice and incentives to recycle when a new initiative is launched later this month.
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July 4, 2006
Study seeks to ease SME recycling
A series of trials will try to identify the hurdles that hinder effective recycling for small businesses, and how they might be overcome.
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July 3, 2006
Time to cut carbon cost of recycling
Recycling is, as we all know, good for the environment. But could more gains be made from the public's willingness to sort their rubbish?
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June 28, 2006
Rubbish tax conditionally welcomed
Industry groups and NGOs have welcomed the news that Government may consider a new tax based on the amount of rubbish produced - but have warned better recycling facilities are needed to make it fair.
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June 27, 2006
PC users 'want greener machines'
Consumers are willing to pay up to an extra £108 ($197) for a PC containing fewer chemicals, a survey has found.
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June 20, 2006
Cut excess packaging, WI urging
A campaign against "unnecessary" packaging used by supermarkets has been launched by the Women's Institute.
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June 19, 2006
Recycling initiatives 'undermining reclamation and reuse'
We all know that reuse trumps recycling in the hierarchy of sustainable waste management, but, according to a champion of building material reclamation, government campaigns to increase recycling rates are hitting the industry hard.
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June 16, 2006
Green light for super incinerator
Plans to build Europe's biggest incinerator in south east London have been given the go ahead by Government.
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June 12, 2006
MP's call for answers on waste plan
Rugby MP Jeremy Wright has stepped into the row over plans to burn waste from London at Rugby Cement.
Continue reading "MP's call for answers on waste plan"
June 7, 2006
WRAP unwraps new business package
Companies which think they know exactly what WRAP has to offer are being asked to look again as the organisation rolls out its new business support plan.
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Sven joins BIG recycle team
It is a fact of life that big sporting events send alcohol consumption soaring in the UK - and they don't come much bigger than the World Cup.
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Johnny helps offices get on the Ball
Celebrity scientist Johnny Ball was on hand to educate office workers on environmental issues this Tuesday as part of London Sustainability Week.
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June 1, 2006
Rubber highway to beat congestion
A congestion-beating project that could lead to some of the UK's 9,000 miles (14,500km) of disused railway being paved with rubber, has been launched.
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May 25, 2006
Defra steps in to tackle low recycling rates
Local authorities with the worst recycling rates in England are to have their targets raised and Defra plans to intervene directly to ensure they succeed.
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May 11, 2006
Giant vacs to suck up Parisian waste
Paris is set to become the latest city to install a network of underground tubes to suck up the waste from homes, eliminating the need for refuse collection vehicles.
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May 8, 2006
Irish farmers smash plastic recycling targets
The Irish Government has been forced to rethink its strategy to encourage recycling of plastic farm waste after take-up of a free collection scheme surpassed all expectations.
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London must act or be swamped with waste
Existing waste management and recycling facilities are likely to buckle under the strain unless urgent action is taken to overhaul London's infrastructure, key waste professionals from the capital have warned.
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May 4, 2006
EU agrees battery recycling law
The European Union has agreed the text of a law that will make recycling of batteries obligatory from 2008.
Continue reading "EU agrees battery recycling law"
April 27, 2006
'Deep disposal' for nuclear waste
A government advisory body is to release draft recommendations on the disposal of Britain's nuclear waste.
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April 11, 2006
WRAP can continue to promote recycling, says EC
The European Commission has given the Waste & Resources Action Programme clearance to continue its work developing markets for recycled products until 2010.
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April 8, 2006
Ship recycling in Whitehall spotlight
The tricky issue of what to do with ships once they reach the end of their working life is up for discussion in the corridors of power.
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April 3, 2006
Card campaign smashes recycling targets
A national effort to collect and recycle last year's Christmas cards has proved a resounding success.
Continue reading "Card campaign smashes recycling targets"
Government turns attention to business waste
Although it makes up 90% of the UK's total, business and industrial waste has often played second fiddle to municipal waste when it comes to Government initiatives.
Continue reading "Government turns attention to business waste"
April 2, 2006
Sellafield sale sparks nuclear waste concerns
Government plans to sell the Sellafield nuclear plant have raised fears about the implications for radioactive waste disposal - further fuelled by the revelation that Britain's nuclear clean-up programme could cost £14bn more than expected.
Continue reading "Sellafield sale sparks nuclear waste concerns"
March 24, 2006
Waste is up but landfill falls
New statistics released by Defra this week show that the amount of waste produced by householders in 2004/05 continued to rise but the tonnage going to landfill dropped.
Continue reading "Waste is up but landfill falls"
March 20, 2006
Ireland needs to take next big step on road to recycling rate rise
Over the past decade Ireland has seen recycling change from an almost-unheard-of activity to a normal part of daily life, but more changes are needed in the near future if it is to meet its EU targets.
Continue reading "Ireland needs to take next big step on road to recycling rate rise"
Recycling cash up for grabs for campaigning councils
Local authorities are being invited to bid for funds from a £16 million pot available to promote recycling to residents living in their area.
Continue reading "Recycling cash up for grabs for campaigning councils"
March 18, 2006
Irish outfit takes a holistic approach to WEEE
A successful project in Ireland has shown how a holistic approach to dealing with waste from the IT sector can not only meet WEEE objectives but surpass them.
Continue reading "Irish outfit takes a holistic approach to WEEE"
March 17, 2006
Mayor and Enfield go head to head over closure of recycling site
London Mayor Ken Livingstone has stepped up the war of words against Enfield Council, formally requesting the local authority replace recycling facilities lost when it sold a public amenity site to land developers.
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March 12, 2006
New York looks to the future of waste
New York City has been investigating ways to manage its waste more sustainably in years to come.
Continue reading "New York looks to the future of waste"
March 10, 2006
Prevention is better than cure for business waste
Cutting back on raw materials and resources not only reduces a company's impact on the environment, it also leads to lower costs.
Continue reading "Prevention is better than cure for business waste"
March 8, 2006
Recycling made easier for city students
Students living in London's halls of residence are being targeted by a campaign to encourage them to increase recycling rates.
Continue reading "Recycling made easier for city students"
March 6, 2006
Bag tax central to Irish packaging waste success story
The Irish authorities are confident of meeting the latest EU targets set for packaging waste and part of the credit is owed to the introduction of the national tax on plastic bags.
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Incineration debate out in open at last
It was something of a Pandora's Box for the waste industry but now the debate on incinerators is out in the open sector professionals have reacted with relief.
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Waste industry 'more dangerous than Iraq'
Nine deaths in eight weeks have marked out working in the waste and recycling industry as one of the most dangerous professions in Britain.
Continue reading "Waste industry 'more dangerous than Iraq'"
March 5, 2006
Industry believes UK off target on landfill
The UK is unlikely to meet its EU targets to divert waste away from landfill according to a survey of industry experts.
Continue reading "Industry believes UK off target on landfill"
March 4, 2006
More restrictive rules on marine dumping come into force
Dumping waste at sea will officially become illegal under international maritime law on March 24, when the 1996 Protocol to the Convention on the Prevention of Maritime Pollution comes into force.
Continue reading "More restrictive rules on marine dumping come into force"
March 2, 2006
WRAP defends use of public funds in Heinz can trials
WRAP has defended its use of public funds in helping food manufacturer Heinz to reduce the weight of its steel cans.
Continue reading "WRAP defends use of public funds in Heinz can trials"
February 27, 2006
WEEE delays lead to cash payout for councils
Local authorities throughout the UK are to receive a cash payment to help them cover the additional costs of implementing WEEE regulations caused by delays to the directive.
Continue reading "WEEE delays lead to cash payout for councils"
UK to pull battery recycling rates up to EU standards
Britain will attempt to turn around a poor record on recycling used batteries, with the country's biggest household battery recycling trial to take off in March.
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February 26, 2006
Pollution and waste piled together by regulators
Proposals to combine the UK's pollution prevention and control system with waste management licensing have been suggested to tidy up paperwork and cut red tape.
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February 23, 2006
Couple turn waste bags into fashion
A couple in India have found a solution to the problem of plastic bags littering the streets of the country's capital, Delhi - by turning them into fashionable handbags.
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February 20, 2006
Green babies should get council nappy cash
Leaders of local government are calling for a wider adoption of schemes that reward the pockets of parents prepared to use real nappies.
Continue reading "Green babies should get council nappy cash"
February 14, 2006
Ministers to unveil waste plans
The government is to launch a review of how to tackle the growing problem of waste in England and Wales.
Continue reading "Ministers to unveil waste plans"
February 13, 2006
Scots hit recycling target
Scotland has achieved its self-imposed targets for recycling household waste but whilst some areas are well ahead of this goal there are still significant pockets of poor performance.
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Millions of trees felled for junk mail
The Liberal Democrats are calling for tighter controls on direct marketing companies after jotting up the number of trees felled to fuel the industry every year.
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February 6, 2006
London recycling figures spark debate
The release of statistics flagging up London as one of the worst recyclers in the country have led to high profile figures leaping to the capital's defence - and going for the throat.
Continue reading "London recycling figures spark debate"
January 30, 2006
Study warning over nuclear waste
The disposal of nuclear waste is a long-term problem
Opponents of nuclear power have seized on an initial report which indicates that a solution to managing radioactive waste may be some way off.
Continue reading "Study warning over nuclear waste"
Weapon waste accounts for surge in UK's nuclear inventory
The latest audit of the UK's nuclear waste has seen a substantial surge as contaminated ground from Britain's atomic weapons establishment is tallied up as low level waste for the first time.
Continue reading "Weapon waste accounts for surge in UK's nuclear inventory"
January 27, 2006
UK 'refuseniks' tackle Big Waste
Tighter regulation and lack of space is leaving officials with the mounting headache of how to deal with the UK's waste problem.
Continue reading "UK 'refuseniks' tackle Big Waste"
January 26, 2006
Burning contaminated waste cost haulier a £16,000
A haulier firm has been fined £16,000 after breaking waste disposal laws.
Continue reading "Burning contaminated waste cost haulier a £16,000"
January 24, 2006
Website to recycle unwanted items
An environmental group in Warwickshire has launched a website for people to recycle their unwanted items.
Continue reading "Website to recycle unwanted items"
January 23, 2006
Huge recycling gap between best and worst boroughs in UK
A league table naming and shaming the UK's worst recyclers - and showering praise on the best - has been published by Defra.
Continue reading "Huge recycling gap between best and worst boroughs in UK"
UK waste industry could learn from European neighbours
Long has Britain looked enviously upon its European neighbours' records on waste management, but why is the UK lagging behind?
Continue reading "UK waste industry could learn from European neighbours"
BIG Recycle returns
A campaign that aims to turn the public on to recycling is set to return for its third year.
Continue reading "BIG Recycle returns"
Wastewater through the recycling glass
Recycled glass could cut the cost of water filtration and help the UK meet its glass recycling targets, new research has found.
Continue reading "Wastewater through the recycling glass"
January 18, 2006
Waste incineration 'set to rise'
Ministers are preparing to back a large increase in the amount of rubbish that is incinerated instead of being buried, according to documents seen by the BBC.
Continue reading "Waste incineration 'set to rise'"
January 16, 2006
Irish recycling success fuels call for incinerators
Attempts to reduce waste and boost recycling in Ireland seem to be working according to a report published by the Environment Protection Agency this week, but the Government claims more incinerators are needed to continue progress.
Continue reading "Irish recycling success fuels call for incinerators"
Big names benefit as WRAP funds future
Household names Heinz and Marks & Spencer are among the beneficiaries of the latest raft of grants awarded designed to reduce food packaging waste.
Continue reading "Big names benefit as WRAP funds future"
January 9, 2006
New landfill device 'nose' no limits
An artificial nose developed in Manchester could reduce the odorous impact of landfill sites and remove the need for brave volunteers to sniff samples of air collected from them.
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December 21, 2005
Waste dumped outside sports club
Large amounts of soil and demolition waste has been dumped outside a Coventry sports club.
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December 17, 2005
City's recycling services expand
Every home in a West Midlands city will be able to leave out newspapers for recycling by the end of 2006.
Continue reading "City's recycling services expand"