Norse secures Norfolk collection contract
As part of the agreement, Norse has also extended the offer to Norfolk’s 450 plus schools. Although use of Norse is not mandatory for these, 35 schools have already taken contracts with the company.
Ian Barnett, general manager at Norse Waste Solutions – a subsidiary of facilities management company Norse Group – said the company’s ability to demonstrate ‘sustainable’ end markets for the recyclates was a key factor in it securing the contract.
He said: “The fact that we collect separate waste streams and employ VWS Enviroweigh systems on all our vehicles, allowing us to capture individual bin weights using chipped bins and provide accurate data on recycling levels, also offer the council significant benefits.”
Merseyside community waste projects to share £180,000
More than a dozen community waste prevention projects in Merseyside that are working to cut food waste and recycle and reuse a range of materials from textiles to furniture are to receive a share of £180,000.
Six Merseyside-wide schemes are to receive up to £20,000 each to put their ideas in to action from the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) and Veolia 2014 Community Fund. Meanwhile, a further eight district-based projects will share £67,000.
The county-wide schemes include: Emmaus Merseyside’s ‘Recycling Superstore’ which will see homeless people get involved in the recycling and reusing of unwanted goods that are then sold to the public. The new facility is multi-functional and provides accommodation and support services. And, Bulky Bob’s ‘Fresh Start’ that will build on its existing work with charities to provide furniture for referred people and families in critical need.
MRWA chairperson, councillor Graham Morgan, said: “The Community Fund is about reducing and preventing the amount of household waste we all produce but, in supporting these groups, will this year directly support whole communities and help everyone, from homeless people to vulnerable families, as well.”
Alupro celebrates 25th anniversary
The Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation (Alupro) is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
The not-for-profit organisation was formed by the merger of two separate organisations in 1989 – AFCMA and ACRA – to focus on developing and promoting the collection infrastructure for foil containers and beverage cans respectively. They merged in 1989 following successful initiatives, including the development of a nationwide ‘Cash for Cans’ network and foil recycling scheme which raised valuable funds in partnership with charities and community organisations.
Today Alupro represents its membership to governments in the UK and Europe and continues to run programmes which aim to drive up recycling rates, meet targets and encourage lasting behaviour change among consumers.
Reflecting on its work over the past 25 years, Rick Hindley, executive director for Alupro said: “It’s definitely been a challenge, but a hugely rewarding one as political, industry and consumer attitudes towards recycling have evolved and people and organisations have accepted the contribution aluminium, and packaging, can make to a sustainable future.
“Looking ahead there is still much to be done to meet ever-increasing legislative targets, both in Europe and within the devolved administrations that now make up the UK recycling landscape. With the continued support of our increasing numbers of Alupro members we are more than ready to explore new initiatives and rise to the challenge.”
Stafford offers residents cash prize for recycling
Stafford borough council is launching a new scheme called ‘coming to a bin near you’ that will see householders offered a £60 reward for recycling everything they can.
Under the initiative, each month council staff will be knocking on an address chosen at random and if the resident can prove their refuse bin is recycling free then they will be given £60. But if the house is not recycling all it can, staff will choose other addresses in the street in a bid to give away the cash. The first area of the borough chosen to be part of the recycling doorstep challenge is the village of Great Haywood on Tuesday September 9.
The local authority has been running a number of initiatives in a bid to hit a 60% recycling target in a move that council bosses say will help the environment – as well as keep council tax down. It currently recycles around 53% of all household waste.
Commenting on the latest scheme Councillor Frank Finlay, cabinet member for the environment in Stafford, said: “We have had tremendous support in the past for our recycling initiatives and I hope this will prove a ppular addition to help spur the community on.
“Where other councils may have looked to fine residents for not recycling properly – we want to reward those who are doing all they can.”
Vehicle recycling firm invests £350,000 in UK hub
Vehicle recycling firm FAB Recycling Group has invested £350,000 to enhance its UK hub in Forest of Dean following a surge in demand for recycled car parts.
The investment will help it to improve its national distribution capabilities and online presence. To cope with growth at the company’s 2.5-acre acre site in Cinderford, FAB Recycling has invested in its storage, yard and fixtures. FAB has also purchased new transport to ensure next-day delivery of pre-owned parts across the UK.
From its Gloucestershire base the company operates three businesses: FAB Direct, selling to individual motorists and the trade, My Green Fleet and FAB Bundle.
Jason Cross, managing director of FAB Recycling Group, said: “Every day more people wake up and recognise how the use of pre-owned vehicle parts saves a fortune on maintenance and crash repair costs…Recycling traceable vehicle parts keeps down repair costs, the amount of time a vehicle is out of action, as well as ensuring badly damaged vehicles are responsibly, securely and environmentally disposed of.”
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