CertifiedRubbish provides free directory to tackle fly tipping
Online platform CertifiedRubbish has launched a free, publicly accessible directory of licensed waste carriers.
The tool aims to reduce unintentional handover to unlicensed operators, whose low-priced services are often promoted through social media and messaging apps.
The centralised directory is intended to help individuals and businesses make informed choices and avoid the risk of liability for fly tipping.
In addition, CertifiedRubbish has developed a digital Waste Transfer Note tool ahead of incoming mandatory digital waste tracking legislation set to be introduced in 2026.
The tool will allow licensed waste carriers to create compliant records and track their waste movement.
EPA Annual Report highlights ongoing waste challenges in Ireland
The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2024 Annual Report revealed limited progress in Ireland’s waste management, with challenges across construction, municipal and packaging waste, as well as single-use plastics.
Construction and demolition waste remained Ireland’s largest waste stream, accounting for half of the country’s total waste.
Municipal waste levels plateaued at 3.2 million tonnes, with 43% treated via energy recovery and 15% still going to landfill.
Recycling rates did not improve in over a decade, despite rising waste generation.
Packaging waste stayed at 1.2 million tonnes, with some progress in plastic recycling (32% in 2022, up from 28%).
Meanwhile, 49% of the 30,680 tonnes of single-use plastic bottles placed on the market in 2022 were collected, ahead of the national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) launch.
CITYTRAK RCV Takes Bride to Registry Office
An RCV made an unexpected but memorable appearance at the wedding of Kerry Butler, a Waste Support Officer at Hills Municipal Collections, when she arrived at Chippenham Registry Office in a CITYTRAK refuse collection vehicle.
Originally intended as a light-hearted conversation, the idea became reality with the support of Hills Waste Solutions and Hillend Engineering.
Butler commented: “At Hills, I work on the admin and prepare run sheets for the drivers, ensuring the collections run smoothly, but I’ve never been in a RCV before, so to have been able to travel in one to my wedding really helped to make it such a special day.”
After a last-minute vehicle change, Hillend delayed the collection of their CITYTRAK demonstrator – a Mercedes Econic 26t – to ensure it could be used on the big day.
Hills’ Divisional Fleet Manager, Nathan Carr, added: “It is certainly true, and it has been said so many times, that this industry is quite unique in the way that relationships are formed.
“I feel that this is another great example of us being able to ‘phone a friend’ and ask for a favour at short notice, and this one was certainly a little out of the ordinary.”
Record Industry implements closed-loop PVC recycling system
Record Industry, a vinyl pressing plant in Haarlem, Netherlands, has implemented an on-site recycling system to reduce PVC waste during production.
The facilities now recycle offcuts and defective records using shredding technology supplies by WEIMA and Wanner.
Trimmings from the pressing process and oversized waste are processed, using a WEIMA single-shaft shredder and a Wanner granulator to reduce PVC remnants into reusable granulate.
The resulting material is reintroduced into the production process.
Dennis Borst, Technical Manager at Record Industry, said: “The pressing of our records is virtually waste-free thanks to the smooth cooperation with the technicians from WEIMA and Wanner.
“We make maximum use of our material resources and can supply our artists with a truly sustainable product.”
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