LARAC welcomes draft permitting guidance
The exemption plans include a requirement for composters handling over 10 tonnes of food waste to apply for an environmental permit, as well as removing the paragraph 45 exemption which means metal recyclers do not have to apply an environmental permit (see letsrecycle.com story). And, in its response to a consultation on the draft guidance, which closed this month (January 5), LARAC said that the document “adequately links” European and UK legislation and the exempt operations allowable, however, it asked for clarity on how the changes would affect mobile sorting facilities.
In addition, the organisation asked for greater clarity on how the proposals would affect existing holders of exemptions. It stated: “There is however no comment made on how existing exempt companies will be made aware of the transitional changes, other than in the draft guidance. Is this something that will be addressed or will the EA rely solely on the guidance?”
Hills pitches in to help during snowy conditions
The staff involved in the snow clearing would normally be driving skip lorries or collecting recycling from Wiltshire's kerbsides. However, these operations were suspended due to the adverse weather conditions. Included in the community effort was clearing snow from local comprehensive schools, allowing Wiltshire council to access and grit the roads.
“It is great that we have been able to offer assistance to residents near our site and some of the schools. I am proud that staff was keen to get stuck in. It creates a great feeling of community spirit when people get together to help one another,” said Mike Webster, group director for Hills Waste Solutions.
Major shoe firm handed £25,000 packaging fine
Leicestershire-based shoe retailer Brantano UK has been ordered to pay a £25,000 fine for failing to comply with packaging regulations.
Appearing in Coalville Magistrates' Court , the company, which has 147 stores in the UK, pleaded guilty to 15 offences relating to not registering with the Environment Agency and failing to meet its packaging waste requirements between 2003 and 2007. It was estimated that Brantano avoided costs of approximately £20,000 by not following the correct procedures. Brantano was fined £25,000 for the 15 charges and was also ordered to pay compensation of £4,022 and costs of £2,669.10, along with a £15 victim surcharge, totaling £31,706.10.
Speaking after the case, an Environment Agency officer involved in the investigation said: “Companies need to keep abreast of environmental regulation and reduce the amount of waste they produce that goes straight into landfill.”
Worcs launches initiative to reduce junk mail
The scheme aims to help householders across Worcestershire and Herefordshire to cut the amount of unsolicited and unwanted mail they receive, which includes a number of drop-in sessions at customer contact centres in the region. At the event, residents can receive a dedicated pack, containing letterbox stickers and envelope reuse stickers, as well as tips and advice on how they can recycle the unwanted material through their kerbside collection boxes.
Councillor Anthony Blagg, cabinet member for waste and green environment, said: “This simple campaign is very effective and is the perfect way to stop all that 'junk' mail falling through your door. Pop along to one of the road shows to find out more from the Waste Prevention Team about how to prevent all that unwanted post piling up on your doormat.”
Bradford calls for residents to prioritise reuse
Residents in Bradford are being asked to assess whether materials heading for the city's household recycling centres would be better going to charity shops or other reuse avenues.
Bradford metropolitan district council has explained to residents that outlets for items such as clothes, books, furniture and children's toys are available in the area, including a number of websites. The local authority pointed to the ‘Why Waste' website for business furniture and social networks based on reuse, such as Freecycle, for household items. And, it also pointed to religious and other organisations running furniture projects to help people who cannot afford new items.
Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, executive member for environment and culture at Bradford, said: “In these hard times many people would be grateful to receive something that would otherwise end up in a skip. People often throw stuff away that others would appreciate, and it is just as easy to drop something off at a charity shop or used furniture depot than it is to take it to the tip.”
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