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Resource efficiency

An industry view: How is it going with the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013?

The aims of the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013 have been welcomed by trade bodies, legitimate scrap metal dealers, the police and the Home Office, however, how is its implementation going? Nicola Guest, marketing manager at Alchemy Metals & Carbide Recycling, reports from the coal face of the industry.

Setting 2017 plastics packaging targets

The ambitious targets for recycling of plastic packaging set by the government are still the hottest topic in town. Philip Law, public and industrial affairs director at the British Plastics Federation, reports on that and other issues of concern to the British Plastics Federation.

Tenerife municipality opts for soundproofed RCVs

The largest island of the seven Canary Islands, Tenerife hosts around five million tourists which generates a significant amount of waste. Tim Byrne, a specialist in waste collection in Mediterranean countries, looks at how the authorities deal with its waste collection challenge.

Pollutec 2013: Driving forward eco transition

Pollutec Horizons runs from 3 to 6 December in Paris. As Europe’s eco-technology event in 2013, it represents an important milestone on the road to environmental and energy transition. Covering the full array of themes, it is of relevance to a broader and broader range of professionals, says Stephanie Gay-Torrente, deputy director, Pollutec.

Recycling: A process as circular as the earth?

Closed loop recycling and the circular economy are buzzwords in today’s waste management sector, however, what about the way minerals have been continuously recycled over the centuries? Dr Tim Johnson, technical director, Tetronics looks at the role thermal treatment plays in helping to recycle essential minerals.

Segmentation: A tool for local authorities?

Waste Awareness Wales have launched a waste and recycling segmentation model that aims to become an essential tool for local authority waste and recycling marketing development. Dan Finch, national campaigns officer, Waste Awareness Wales, explains how it was developed and its practical uses.

Helping power stations switch to biomass

Changes in environmental policy are bringing about a transformation in the UK’s energy industry and forcing the hand of the ‘Big Six’ to review the operating philosophy of their ageing generation facilities. Lynn Campbell reports on how a contractor helped Ironbridge Power Station convert to biomass.

Westbury and the renewable heat incentive

Government financial incentives are a cost effective way to allow UK businesses to become carbon neutral. One of these schemes is the renewable heat incentive, which was introduced by the government in 2011. Essex-based company Westbury was the second business in the UK to sign up for it. Jonathan Hey, MD Westbury Garden Rooms and Westbury Windows & Joinery, reports.

From soya to swill: Is the 'pig idea' viable?

Launched in June this year, the Pig Idea campaign is gathering pace, but is it a sustainable answer to managing food waste? David Burrows seeks the opinion of waste and food sector experts as to whether pigs should help the UK deal with the six million tonnes food waste it is expected to be landfilling by 2025.

Addressing waste challenges on the Asian continent

Waste management poses challenges for many governments, especially for developing countries such as Vietnam and Indonesia. Eugene Tay, director of Green Future Solutions, looks at the varying waste management procedures across Asia.

Issue of concern within the end of life vehicles sector

Two topics currently receiving the attention of the Motor Vehicle Dismantlers’ Association are the ABI code of practice on the disposal of motor salvage and the Scrap Metal Dealers Act 2013. Chas Ambrose, chairman, Motor Vehicle Dismantlers' Association, reports.

Greater Manchester closes composting loop

With the largest waste management contract in Europe, the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority has opted for in-vessel composting to ‘Revive’ the food and garden waste in Greater Manchester. Rebecca Sutcliffe, communications and communities officer with Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority, explains why the GMWDA opted to go down the IVC route.

Waste management in London saves CO2

In 2011/12, London’s municipal waste activities ‘saved’ more carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions than they emitted, according to a Eunomia report published earlier this month by the mayor of London.

Why the Agency is not for turning on street leaf litter

Up until last year, councils were allowed to send street leaf sweepings for composting. However, this all changed following a small trial that found high levels of contaminants, and the interim results for a larger trial suggest the Environment Agency won’t change its mind any time soon. By David Burrows.

Recovery and reuse in today's demolition

Demolition and salvage might be activities that have taken place since Roman times, however, Howard Button, CEO of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors points out that today’s demolition sector is modern, technologically up to speed and at the forefront of safety initiatives in a very challenging sector. Geraldine Faulkner reports.

Tesco tackles food waste

Tesco has unveiled new food waste figures for its operations and supply chain, alongside figures that show 68% of bagged salad is wasted and 35% of this waste occurs in the home.

Collecting waste in the jewel of the Ionian Islands

Kefalonia is the largest of the Ionian Islands and during the months of July and August, dealing with waste management on the island is of particular importance because of the large volumes of waste produced by tourists combined with Mediterranean temperatures reaching 40 degrees. Tim Byrne, specialist in waste collection in Mediterranean countries, reports.

Bhutan goes down Yonten's Greener Way

Karma Yonten runs Bhutan's first waste management and recycling business. His pioneering enterprise, Greener Way, collects, separates and disposes of domestic waste material, manages 1,140 tonnes of recyclable matter per annum and turns organic waste into high grade compost. Andrew Devenport, CEO of Youth Business International, reports.

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.

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.

Why England needs to rediscover its recycling mojo

With Scotland and Wales storming ahead in the recycling rate progress charts, what is England neglecting to do? Gareth Morton, Brian Mayne and Adam Read examine past and current events and explain how quality communications and innovative engagement are at the heart of the Celtic revolution

Materials on the move: a tough environment

Whether you’re looking for light duty conveyors for paper and plastics or heavy-duty conveyors to transfer bulkier materials, conveyors – along with screens – must be able to stand up to unusual amounts of heavy loading and repeated impact. Claire Col takes a look at some of the options on the market