Reducing industrial accidents in waste processing

Operators of balers, conveyors and other waste processing plant and equipment often haven't been trained properly and this sometimes results in inefficiencies, reduced throughput and increased plant breakdown. More worryingly is potential health and safety breeches that might result in accidents if proper procedures are ignored. Mark Smith, technical director at Middleton Engineering, which has been working in this sector for the past 30 years, believes better planning; training and maintenance may hold the answers.

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How to avoid being an 'industrial nuisance'

Recycling and waste management operations can generate potential issues such as offensive odours, noise, vibration and fly infestations. If the boundaries set by good neighbour principles are breached, then this leaves the door open for claimants to seek hefty compensation. Neil Ham, partner with Clarke Willmott, explains how businesses can protect themselves from claims.

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Taking a leap of faith into a cleaner future

A great deal has been said and written about the circular economy with all its anticipated benefits. With waste management companies changing their focus from resource operators to manufacturing companies, the emphasis is now on clear policy to ensure its delivery. Freelance writer David Burrows reports.

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Driving the UK market for recycled plastics

In August, the British Plastic Federation Recycling Group launched a manifesto setting out proposals to reform the PRN/PERN system for plastics, increase the use of recycled plastics in UK manufacturing and encourage investment in recycling infrastructure. Three industry experts share their views on the manifesto.

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Collecting underground waste in Nicosia

Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and home to a population of 250,000 residents swelled by cosmopolitan business visitors as well as holidaymakers during the tourist season. The latter tend to stay in the beach resorts but visit Nicosia to see the ancient parts of the city. Waste collection is, therefore, a very important task to maintain the city's cleanliness for citizens, business people and tourists. Specialist in waste collection in Mediterranean countries, Tim Byrne reports on an underground waste container system that helps reduce odours and increases efficiency.

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Scotland: Standing on the cusp of change

There was an energised feel in the air at Glasgow last month, as industry leaders North of the border mapped out their future intentions for waste and resources policy at the annual Scottish Resources conference. Freelance writer Maxine Perella reports.

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Keeping the workforce safe in a risky working environment

Paul Shaw examines the occupational hazards experienced by front line workers in the waste management industry and looks at measures on how to protect them against risks including working with highly combustible materials, exposure to harmful substances and confined space working.

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Financing for growth amid the green shoots of recovery

There have been more than a few green shoots noted in the economy in the recent past, so it’s no surprise that senior decision-makers are now turning their minds to growth opportunities and how this can be achieved in a sustainable and successful way. Sean Dixon, head of services sector, Royal Bank of Scotland, looks at how businesses can plan for growth.

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Physical fire breaks offer concrete solution

With the large number of fires occurring at waste and recycling facilities across the UK, Owen Batham at Elite Precast Concrete, argues there is a growing need for firms to take a more proactive approach to their fire risk management and to develop more sophisticated disaster recovery plans.

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Dust and odour suppression: How to achieve the sweet smell of success

As pollution controls continue to tighten, the companies that tackle odour and dust are enjoying a period of growth; especially as these by-products of processes, ranging from sewage treatment to food factory production, are no longer tolerated by the public - or the statute books. Victoria Madine reports

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Ensuring employee's health & safety

Health & safety has particular importance for waste management which has historically fared badly when it comes to injury rates and fatalities. Chris James, CEO of WAMITAB, emphasises the role training can play in raising standards.

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Are undeployed airbags safe to reuse?

Airbags are believed to have contributed to significant improvements in vehicle occupant safety. However, there are no definitive guidelines over the potential to reuse undeployed airbags. Chas Ambrose and Roger West examine the issue and report how a study commissioned last year seeks to shed light on the debate.