- SEPA’s temporary position on metal shredder residue disposal in Scotland;
- Veolia’s 2027 Orchard scheme opens for applications;
- Altilium secures follow-on investment for battery recycling;
- A Leicester student launches an e-waste recycling scheme across 17 schools.
SEPA sets temporary position on metal shredder residue disposal
SEPA has issued a Temporary Regulatory Position Statement (TRPS) setting out how it will approach the disposal of metal shredder residues (MSR) in non-hazardous landfill in Scotland.
The statement, issued on 17 September 2026, follows classification studies carried out by the British Metal Recyclers Association which found that MSR should now be considered hazardous waste unless proven otherwise.
SEPA recognises that Scotland currently has limited hazardous waste infrastructure, including constraints on permitted capacity and alternative disposal and export routes.
As a temporary measure, SEPA will therefore allow MSR to continue to be disposed of at non-hazardous landfill sites, subject to specified conditions.
The TRPS applies from 17 September 2026 until 30 September 2028, while alternative long-term management options are developed or producers undertake assessments demonstrating that their MSR is non-hazardous.
There are specific requirements for both waste producers/managers and landfill operators. Producers or managers intending to send MSR to a non-hazardous landfill must notify SEPA in writing using the MSR Disposal Notification Form and receive confirmation of satisfactory receipt before the waste can be transferred.
The TRPS replaces previous SEPA positions on the classification and management of MSR and applies only in Scotland. SEPA also states that it may review, amend or withdraw the position in light of regulatory, legislative or technological developments.
Veolia opens applications for 2027 Orchard scheme
Veolia has opened applications for its 2027 Orchard scheme, inviting schools and community organisations to apply for five fruit trees or 10 strawberry plants.
The scheme, launched with Great British Bake Off champion Matty Edgell, has seen 1,995 fruit trees and 3,620 strawberry plants planted across 716 schools and 55 community organisations since 2022.
Veolia said the orchards aim to increase local biodiversity while providing opportunities for communities to grow their own produce and learn about nature.
The latest launch took place at Beaumont School in St Albans, which won Veolia’s Orchard Bakes competition with a chutney made using apples and pears grown in its orchard.
As part of the prize, Edgell delivered a baking workshop at the school, while Veolia funded an outdoor seating area alongside the orchard.
Applications are open until 20 November, with successful applicants due to receive their plants in spring 2027. Veolia said it hopes to reach 1,000 orchards through the scheme.
Altilium secures follow-on investment for battery recycling scale-up
Battery recycling company Altilium has secured additional investment from strategic shareholders SQM and Marubeni Corporation as part of its Series B2 funding round.
The investment will support the scale-up of Altilium’s technology for recovering critical materials from end-of-life electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
The company recently received £18.5 million through the UK Government’s DRIVE35 programme, delivered by the Advanced Propulsion Centre and Innovate UK, to support development of its ACT 3 facility in Plymouth, Devon.
Altilium said ACT 3 will be the UK’s first commercial refinery for recovering critical battery materials from end-of-life EV batteries, with capacity to process 24,000 batteries a year.
The facility is expected to produce battery intermediates including nickel mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), lithium sulphate and graphite.
Altilium is ultimately targeting an ACT 4 facility capable of recycling 150,000 EV batteries a year and producing cathode active material for UK gigafactories.
The company said the investment will help build a domestic circular supply chain and reduce reliance on imported raw materials.
Leicester student launches e-waste recycling scheme
A 17-year-old student from Beauchamp City Sixth Form in Leicester has launched an e-waste recycling campaign with support from Lionheart Educational Trust and technology provider XMA.
The ReBoot scheme aims to divert around one tonne of electrical waste from landfill and prevent approximately 10.65 tonnes of CO₂ emissions over the next five years.
The initiative will see 17 recycling points installed across Lionheart schools and colleges, allowing students and members of the public to recycle unwanted electrical items without needing to travel to a recycling centre.
The first ReBoot bin was installed at Beauchamp City Sixth Form last month, with the remaining 16 schools expected to receive bins over the next two years.
XMA will manage collections and track the scheme’s recycling and carbon reduction outcomes. The company said its processing will recover materials including metals, plastics, glass and reusable components for use in new products.
The scheme was proposed by student Preston following a presentation highlighting the environmental and safety risks associated with e-waste disposal.
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