News in brief (02/11/23)

Wavertree Waste announce opening of Merseyside waste washing plant

Liverpool-based Wavertree Waste, part of the CCC Group, has officially announced the opening of its Merseyside waste washing plant this summer.

The company has stated that the 30 acre site is capable of recycling one million tonnes of waste a year.

According to Wavertree Waste the facility will have the capability to clean and process waste materials that are brought in, as well as replenish the stock of recycled aggregate materials, which it hopes will decrease the demand for new aggregates and foster a more sustainable “circular economy” within the construction industry.

Director of Wavertree Waste, Sean Munro, said: “We are extremely proud to announce the opening of this revolutionary recycling plant in Kirkby. The potential that the plant holds is exactly in line with our environmental values of responsible waste management and our 0% landfill ambitions.”

Brighton and Hove announce improvements to waste services

Brighton and Hove city council has announced it has introduced a new afternoon waste collection round to catch up on any missed collections.

The  council say the new round can be deployed anywhere in the city, providing them with greater flexibility to respond to demand and catch up on any missed collections promptly.

It has also ordered 24 new communal bins to replace old broken bins that are unable to be repaired, parts of the old bins will then go to repairing other bins across the city.

Cllr Tim Rowkins, chair of the city environment, South Downs and the sea committee, said: “As part of our plan to improve our waste collection service, we’re introducing a new afternoon round that can go wherever it is needed. This will help us to stay on top of any missed collections and will improve the overall reliability of the service.

“If your collection is missed, please leave your bins out and we’ll aim to pick up later in the day. We’re also rolling out new communal refuse and recycling bins to replace old ones. Their locations have been chosen based on which bins needed replacing the most, such as those that are beyond repair or have missing lids.

“This is all part of our commitment to clean up the city and improve our basic services.”

Medway introduces bins for small electricals

Medway Council will install recycling bins for small electricals in every library in the area in an effort to encourage residents to recycle items like kettles, toasters, and hairdryers.

Medway Council has received £15,000 in funding from Material Focus to implement these recycling bins.

Research conducted by Recycle Your Electricals has revealed that 80% of consumers consider recycling a positive activity. However, despite this attitude, many individuals still dispose of unwanted electrical items, including a drawer full of cables, rather than recycling them.

The research shows 39% of people choose to discard electricals because they find the recycling process too challenging.

Cllr Simon Curry, Medway council’s portfolio holder for climate change, said: “We are delighted to be offering a new, easy way for residents to recycle their unwanted small electricals. This new service will be a huge benefit for residents who don’t drive. Rather than travelling to one of our Household Waste and Recycling Centres, they can simply pop to their local library.”

Greater Cambridge shared waste service backs ESA’s Take Charge campaign

In an effort to combat the rise in recycling and waste fires caused by discarded “zombie batteries,” the Greater Cambridge Shared Waste Service, a partnership between Cambridge city council and South Cambridgeshire district council, is throwing its support behind the national Take Charge campaign.

This initiative is urging people throughout the UK to Recycle Batteries Responsibly by utilising specialised battery and electrical device recycling services. The goal is to curtail the escalating number of serious fires triggered by these inappropriately discarded batteries

Executive councillor for climate action and environment at Cambridge city council, Cllr Rosy Moore said: “Gadgets with built-in batteries like electric toothbrushes, shavers or phones can be recycled in our pink collection banks for small electricals, and at other places like shops too. Vapes need to be taken back to vape shops or supermarkets that accept them, or to the large Household Recycling Centres like those at Milton or Thriplow. You can find your closest collection points on the Take Charge website.”