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Resource efficiency

Grimy carts or savvy communication tools?

The antiquated perception surrounding the ‘dirty’ role of a bin man unfortunately still exists to some degree, admits Lawrence Craig from vehicle graphics specialist, Spedian, but to what extent are modern refuse collection vehicles helping to change this unjust view?

Waste's changing role: What does 2014 hold for the industry?

As far as waste management is concerned, 2013 didn’t end on a high. The new waste minister decided that he was “stepping back” from waste policy while new data shows that recycling rates are also clearly plateauing. Does this make for a tougher 2014? David Burrows investigates.

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

Move it, shunt it, store it, handle it

Materials handling systems, whether they are automated storage and retrieval systems, conveyors or pick systems and vehicles, play an integral part in waste and recycling management as companies look for ways to maximise efficiency of handling processes while keeping costs down. Claire Col reports.

Urbaser commission five new RCVs in Northern Tenerife

Urbaser, Spain’s second largest waste management contractor, has recently commissioned five new Geesinknorba GPM III waste collection vehicles in Northern Tenerife, writes Tim Byrne, specialist in waste collection in Mediterranean countries.

Aiming to make waste containers last longer

The waste and recycling sector often seems a lone voice of moderation among the orgy of unsustainable consumption that defines 21st century life in Western European countries. But does the UK waste management industry practise what it preaches in terms of waste containers? Joe Morris reports.

When SEL finally got its CHP: The launch

Originally built in the early 1990s, the South East London Combined Heat and Power (SELCHP) plant has finally achieved the district heating aspect of the project for which it was intended. Geraldine Faulkner reports.

Managing waste in Aphrodite's birthplace

The seaside resort of Paphos on the island of Cyprus is a very popular tourist destination in the summer months, making managing the collection and transfer of waste an important task for the municipality. Tim Byrne, specialist in waste collection in Mediterranean countries, reports.

The need for steel in our brave new world

The UK should create a more robust system to support the recycling of steel packaging in what is a very challenging time for the industry, says Alexander Mohr, secretary general, Association of European Producers of Steel for Packaging (APEAL).

2014 waste to energy: Boom or bust?

The waste to energy marketplace has continued to experience ups and downs throughout 2013. What opportunities are there for WtE to earn its place as a valued part of the UK’s resource agenda in 2014? Chris Oldfield, managing director, UNTHA UK, investigates.

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.