Northamptonshire launches contamination comms campaign
West Northamptonshire council has launched an educational campaign to promote “proper waste and recycling practices” among households.
The campaign commenced 20 June which saw crews distribute bin stickers to every home across the region.
The stickers will be affixed to the lids of general waste bins, providing clear instructions on items that should not be discarded in them. The messages conveyed by the stickers are as follows:
• Residents are advised not to include batteries in general waste bins and to use separate collection methods for their disposal
• A dedicated food caddy should be used for food waste rather than placing it in general waste bins
• Recyclable materials should be placed exclusively in recycling bins, avoiding their inclusion in general waste bins.
Counsellor Phil Larratt, cabinet member for environment, transport, highways and waste, said: “Too much of the wrong stuff in the wrong bin can cause the whole load of our waste trucks to be rejected for recycling, as well as pose a serious safety risk, in particular batteries that can cause fires in our collection vehicles. We want to ensure that all residents are aware of the risks of not disposing of batteries correctly and to know how they can safely recycle them. “
Re-use pop up shop to appear in Luton
Luton council is to partner with its HWRC contractor, FCC Environment, to launch a pop-up reuse shop at its Eaton Green facility.
Items for sale at the pop up include homeware, games, DVDs and toys. All the items available for purchase have been donated for reuse at one of Luton’s two recycling centres and proceeds will go to local charities.
Cllr Tom Shaw, portfolio holder for housing, waste and climate change, said: “Recycling is more than just putting items in the right bin – it is about considering whether someone else will find a use from an item we would like to discard. That is why I encourage everyone to visit the pop-up reuse shop on 1 July, whether that is to donate or pick up a bargain.”
Warwickshire HWRC’s introduce same-day booking slots
Residents in Warwickshire are now able to book same-day slots to visit any of the 9 household waste recycling centres (HWRC) in the county.
For visitors who book a same-day slot, it is essential to provide proof of their booking, which can be shown on a smartphone or tablet, or presented in a printed format. Visitors who book in advance will have their names listed at the recycling centre.
Counsellor Heather Timms, Warwickshire county council’s portfolio holder for environment, climate and culture, said: “The booking system at our recycling centres is popular with the majority of our visitors and what they like most is the reduced queuing and the efficient experience on site. We take a pragmatic approach to checking bookings and during quieter times we do not always have a dedicated staff member on the gate.”
Wandsworth council swaps diesel for vegetable oil
Wandsworth council is purchasing a fleet of refuse trucks which run on vegetable oil rather than diesel.
The new vehicles will replace the existing fleet, which has been in service for longer than the recommended eight years and has become increasingly unreliable with frequent breakdowns.
By utilising hydrotreated vegetable oil as fuel, the borough’s new refuse lorries will achieve a remarkable 90% reduction in carbon emissions compared to diesel-powered trucks. Additionally, there will be a 30% decrease in particulate emissions.
HVO fuel is classified as a second-generation biofuel, sourced from used cooking oil. This shift in fuel source opens opportunities for the council to establish partnerships with local restaurants, enabling them to recycle their used cooking oils.
Through this initiative, the town hall aims to enhance environmental sustainability, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster collaborative relationships with local businesses in their shared commitment to a greener future.
Judi Gasser, Wandsworth’s cabinet member for environment said: “This is a really exciting initiative. We are just about to buy new refuse and recycling lorries which will run on recycled vegetable oil which will mean huge reductions in the council’s carbon footprint. Using vegetable oil instead of diesel will cut the emissions generated by our refuse service by 90 per cent.”
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