CIWM welcomes net zero department
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has published a statement welcoming the government’s establishment of a new Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Downing Street said yesterday (7 February) that the Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, had created four new government departments.
This includes the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which has been tasked with securing the UK’s long-term energy supply, bringing down bills and halving inflation.
According to the government, “the move recognises the need to secure more energy from domestic nuclear and renewable sources as we seize the opportunities of net zero”.
CIWM’s policy and external affairs director, Lee Marshall, said: “CIWM is encouraged by the UK government’s announcement today that there will be a new Department for Energy Security and net zero.
“CIWM is on its own journey to net zero and is working to support the resources and waste sector as it continues to reduce carbon emissions.
“Policies that support the move to a circular economy will be key for the new department, in conjunction with the Department for Business and Trade and the new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.”
Devon-wide van permit scheme at HWRCs begins next month
Devon county council has announced that private van owners wanting to use any of the county’s household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) will need a permit effective from March.
The council said that, from 1 March, the scheme will include HWRCs in Ivybridge, Totnes, Kingsbridge, Okehampton and Tavistock. The permit can be obtained online free of charge.
The local authority noted that the scheme is already in operation in East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon, Teignbridge and Torridge.
The permit requirement only applies to those who own a privately registered panel van or flat-bed van.
The council said that the measure has been introduced to help stop commercial waste from being deposited at its sites at public expense. It is also set to help reduce queues and congestion.
Once received, the permit will entitle its holder to a total of 12 visits over the next 12 months, the local authority said. It also said that permits will only be issued to vans registered to individual residents and not to vehicles registered to businesses.
Fly-tipping falls across Durham
Durham county council says fly-tipping levels across the region are at the lowest “they have ever been” following efforts to tackle the issue through education and enforcement.
The council outlined that the last year has seen fewer than 6,000 incidents recorded across the county, down from more than 8,000 the year before. It added that this amounts to just over 10 incidents in 1,000 people in County Durham, which is “almost half the national rate”.
The local authority also noted that there has been a “significant” increase in the number of fines issued in the last year, totalling more than £27,000.
Durham said that as well as on-the-spot £400 fixed penalty notices, it is seizing vehicles used for waste crime offences and has brought an increased number of prosecutions to court.
Cllr Mark Wilkes, Durham’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “We offer a number of services to support people with the removal of waste so there really is no excuse for dumping it.”
Other action includes regular ‘stop and check’ operations being carried out to check waste carriers are licensed, with CCTV cameras installed in problematic areas, the council concluded.
Cheshire East considers garden waste charge
Cheshire East council has discussed introducing a garden waste collection charge despite concerns the proposal could see residents place food waste in their residual waste bins.
The proposal was part of a report that went before the council’s environment and communities committee last week (2 February).
The council said introducing the charge would “align it with circa 70% of other local authorities”. A similar move was taken recently by Hartlepool borough council in a bid to alleviate budgetary pressures (see letsrecycle.com story).
The council report outlined that the charges could raise “as much as £4.05 million per annum”. The report added that the “changes could require food waste to be placed in black residual waste bins”.
The local authority currently collects food waste commingled with garden waste in the garden waste bin. Residents who do not have a garden waste bin are advised by the council to dispose of their food waste in their residual waste bin.
Introducing a garden waste charge could, however, negatively impact food waste recycling levels as residents looking to cut expenditure amidst a cost of living crisis might choose to opt out of the garden waste service, the council suggested.
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