Aberdeen council to consider banning disposal vapes
Aberdeenshire Council has announced it is backing a potential prohibition on single-use disposable vapes in Scotland, as it plans to voice its support to the Scottish Government.
This decision comes after councillor Sarah Dickinson proposed a notice of motion during a recent full council meeting on June 29th. Councillor Dickinson emphasised the health and environmental concerns associated with these devices.
Due to their short lifespan, lasting only approximately 600 puffs before requiring complete replacement, an increasing number of local authorities in Scotland are lending their support for legislative changes.
Councillor Dickinson stated, “Single-use disposable vapes are an inappropriate use of precious resources. They have a rising environmental impact as litter. They present risks when not disposed of safely and they present risks to the health of young people.”
She further added: “For these reasons, I hope you will support calling on the Scottish Government to consider new legislation banning the sale of single-use disposable vapes in Scotland.”
Ward joins forces Andusia
Ward, a metal recycling and waste management company based in the Midlands, has entered into a partnership with recovered fuel specialist Andusia.
The collaboration aims to divert more waste from landfill and export it to Europe, where it will be utilised to generate energy.
Under the agreement, Ward will send over 25,000 tonnes of residual material per year from its materials recovery facility to energy-from-waste plants in Germany. This move will contribute to the company’s commitment to achieving its Net Zero objective of ensuring that none of the materials processed end up in landfill.
As part of the partnership, Ward has collaborated with baling systems specialist Witham Mills to install new baling and wrapping equipment at its Forward site in Ilkeston. The equipment will be powered by renewable energy, further supporting Ward’s sustainable practices.
Ben Stubbs, operations manager at Ward, said: “Energy from waste is becoming pivotal in achieving global Net Zero aims and something we’ve been increasingly focused on, so this partnership demonstrates an ongoing commitment for Ward.”
“As a leading waste and recycling specialist, we consistently produce a high-quality product to a tight specification, which is vital for ensuring a reliable RDF supply. In addition, our continuous investment in improving and increasing our waste processing capacity makes us the perfect strategic partner for Andusia.”
Ecoveritas urges UK Government to ‘maintain momentum’ on waste reforms
Environmental compliance data specialist Ecoveritas has called on the UK Government to stay committed to the extended producer responsibility (EPR) reforms.
EPR is scheduled to be implemented in 2024, with producers already gathering packaging data for future payments. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has assured its commitment to working closely with industry stakeholders to finalise the design and delivery plans for the EPR scheme.
Ecoveritas’ plea comes in response to recent reports suggesting potential delays to the scheme due to the ongoing cost of living crisis, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reportedly discussing the matter with ministers.
“EPR should be a shining beacon,” stated Andrew McCaffery, chief strategy officer at Ecoveritas. “Instead, we seem to be caught in a downward spiral of negativity, reminiscent of previous instances where positive recycling and waste policy changes stalled.”
Powys to roll out digital DRS trial
Powys council is to roll out is ‘scan recycle reward’ trial later this month in Brecon later this month.
Designed to test how digital technology can be used to encourage more recycling, the 12-week trial will begin on 13 July, with welcome packs for Brecon residents arriving in the post from 13 July.
The welcome pack will contain everything needed to get started with the Digital Deposit Return Scheme trial, including an introductory letter, an information leaflet and a set of stickers to apply to household recycling containers.
Trial participants will be able to claim cash rewards by scanning uniquely labelled drink containers with their mobile phones before recycling at home, through their normal kerbside recycling collection, or using various ‘on the go’ return points around the town.
The uniquely labelled drinks containers will be available to buy from many of the shops within Brecon.
Cllr Jackie Charlton, cabinet member for a greener Powys, said: “From 13 July every eligible household in Brecon will start to receive their welcome pack through the post.
“Although completely voluntary, we are hoping that as many people as possible join in with this exciting trial and benefit from the cash rewards on offer. For every container scanned and recycled correctly, participants will have the choice to ‘cash in’ their reward or donate it to the Brecon Food Bank and the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales, our two nominated local charities.”
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