Swindon Commercial Services rebrands
Council-owned firm Swindon Commercial Services has been renamed as UK Public Power Solutions Ltd (PPS) to reflect its ‘UK-wide role’ in waste solutions.
The company, which employs around 40 staff, is now structured into three business units; Waste Solutions, Renewables and Heat Solutions.
Its main focus will continue to be the operation of its solid recovered fuel (SRF) plant at its Swindon-based recycling centre, which handles around 48,000 tonnes of municipal waste and commercial waste per year. The facility was officially opened in February 2014 (see letsrecycle.com story).
PPS will continue to be wholly owned by Swindon council is currently looking to roll out its expertise to ‘several’ local authorities.
The company was set up by Swindon council in 2010 to provide waste collections on behalf of the borough. However, frontline services were brought back under council control in 2013 following a decrease in local government funding.
.James Owen, commercial director of PPS, said: “We’re no longer just about providing services solely for Swindon and so we needed a new name to reflect this. Our business is generating renewable power, producing solid recovered fuel from waste, and serving local communities.”
Retail food waste figures revealed
The retail grocery industry accounts for only 1.3% of all food waste produced in the UK each year, figures collated by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and the British Retail Consortium claim.
The figures, based on data from seven major supermarkets, show that grocery retailers generate around 200,000 tonnes of the 15 million tonnes of food waste thrown away across the UK every year.
In comparison, around 7 million tonnes of food waste is generated by UK households, 3.9 million tonnes generated by the manufacturing sector, and 3 million tonnes by the farming industry, the organisations claim. The hospitality sector produces 900,000 tonnes of food waste per year.
The report went on to estimate there had been a 10% reduction in food and drink waste by grocery retailers and manufacturers between 2007 and 2012.
Andrew Opie, director of food and sustainability at the British Retail Consortium, said: “Our members are pleased to introduce new levels of transparency into the supply chain and today’s figures tell a positive story about the vast efforts grocery retailers have made to reduce their food waste to only 1.3% of the total.
“At the same time we all need to continue to focus on where we can make the biggest reductions in food waste and that is in the supply chain and the home.”
Biffa extends contract with ALS
Biffa has agreed a two-year contract extension for ALS Environmental to continue to provide analytical services for the company.
The extension will see ALS perform over 100,000 analytical tests a year on samples from more than 70 open and closed landfill sites.
Under UK law, Biffa is responsible for monitoring any closed landfill sites for 25 years after the sites last use. ALS Environmental provides a range of weekly, monthly, quarterly and annual tests to help Biffa demonstrate that all Environment Agency requirements are met and exceeded to manage the risks associated with the closed landfill sites.
Dr James Taylor, business development manager for ALS Environmental, said: “We have been working in unison to develop registration tools, reporting formats and analytical methods to support Biffa as we progress through this contract and look forward to many more years working together.”
Amberol unveils new website
Horticultural supplier Amberol has revealed a new look for its website, which offers tips on recycling and showcases its range of colour-coded bins.
The site explains the history of the family-run company and includes case studies and tips on recycling, as well as subjects such as creating floral displays and using containers in cold weather.
Amberol has made bins since 1990 for councils, schools and businesses, and more recently has extended its range to include planterware and street furniture made from recyclable materials.
Amberol bins and containers are all made from recycled polyethylene and can be supplied in 18 different colours, including ‘sunflower yellow’ and ‘poppy red’.
Devon county council invites recycling fund bids
Innovative schemes which can reduce household waste and increase recycling across Devon are being invited to bid for a share of a £4,000 fund.
The Devon Authorities Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee, which represents a partnership between the seven District Councils, Exeter City Council, Torbay Council and Devon County Council, is offering the Innovation Fund to schemes that can help reduce, reuse or recycle household waste in Devon.
The fund is open to all, including individuals, businesses and community groups. The closing date for applications is March 6 2015.
Councillor Ray Radford, chairman of the committee, said: “There is still a lot of work to be done to reach our recycling target of 65% by 2025. The challenges of improving on Devon’s recycling success become even greater, particularly with the increasing amount of waste being produced and all partnership authorities facing financial pressures.”
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