SEPA releases 2024-25 annual operating plan
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has released its 2024-25 Annual Operating Plan, outlining strategies to safeguard and enhance Scotland’s environment over the next year.
This plan complements the recently launched Corporate Plan, which articulates SEPA’s long-term ambitions and priorities for the next three years. While the Corporate Plan sets the overarching direction and vision, the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) delineates specific actions and targets for core responsibilities and focused projects in the upcoming year, translating the strategic vision into tangible steps.
Nicole Paterson, SEPA’s chief executive, said: “This is a pivotal year for SEPA. Last month we published our three-year Corporate Plan setting out five strategic priorities to focus our work. Today we’re providing more detail on what we’ll be focusing on in the next 12 months to play our lead role in safeguarding Scotland’s environment.”
Gloucestershire opens applications for Community Fund
The Gloucestershire Energy from Waste Facility (EfW) has recently declared that it is accepting applications for its 2024 Community Fund.
This fund, offered on a yearly basis, extends financial grants to assist projects contributing to environmental, social, and/or community welfare within local community groups situated in Hunts Grove, Hardwicke, Quedgeley, Brookthorpe-with-Whaddon, Haresfield, Harescombe, Standish, Moreton Valence and Whitminster.
A representative of the Community Fund said: “It’s been wonderful to see the difference the Community Fund has made over these past few years, allowing us to provide financial support to so many valuable projects across the local area. If you, or anyone you know, are aware of any projects that could benefit from the Fund, please do get in touch. We can’t wait to see this year’s crop of applications.”
Bedford launches glass collection trial
Bedford borough council has announced that it has launched a nine-month trial for glass bottle and jar collections in its orange lidded bins. 
The trial will take place in West Kempston, Keysoe, Riseley and Pertenhall, and residents on the selected streets will receive a leaflet through the door and find a trial sticker on their orange lidded bin.
A Bedford borough spokesperson said: “We are pleased to launch this trial that will make recycling glass bottles and jars even easier for residents. This initiative is expected to increase our borough’s recycling rates.”
EMR partners with Warrington fund
EMR has announced it has become a founding partner of the Warrington fund.
This initiative, overseen by the Cheshire Community Foundation, unites public services, businesses, charities and the voluntary sector to tackle pressing issues such as poverty, loneliness, mental health challenges and homelessness.
The decision to launch the fund follows statistics revealing a 280% year-on-year surge in visits to the Warrington Food Bank and one in five residents lack qualifications.
Chris Sheppard, chief executive at EMR, said: “We are delighted to be a founding partner of the Warrington Fund, working with Cheshire Community Foundation to ensure our investment in the local community makes a long-term difference.
“We are keen to encourage like-minded businesses to contribute to the Fund and support this fantastic initiative, which has been so successful in other areas of Cheshire.”
Former Greenzone MD founds new waste management company
Max Kanda and Simon Sharp, previously the Managing Directors of Novati and Greenzone respectively, alongside Dave Swallow (MD Swallow Construction) have founded Circulai.
Circulai is a waste management company that uses hybrid AI and data analytics.
Max Kanda, founder of Circulai, said: “We’re not here to play it safe. We’re here to shake things up, Circulai isn’t just a company; it’s a revolution. It’s about challenging the norms, breaking down barriers and paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.”
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