Biffa and FCC use AI for EA compliance reporting
Biffa and FCC Environment have become among the first waste management companies in the UK to submit AI-derived waste composition data directly to the Environment Agency (EA) as part of compliance reporting requirements.
The move follows expanded Material Facilities (MF) regulations introduced in October 2024, which have increased reporting demands on materials recovery facilities (MRFs) across the UK.
Both companies have deployed Greyparrot Analyzers at their facilities for several years, using AI-enabled cameras to monitor waste streams in real time across conveyor belts.
Rather than relying solely on periodic manual sampling, the technology provides continuous compositional data on outbound material streams.
Biffa’s head of PRFs, Ian McSpirit, said access to “reliable, real-time data” is helping the sector move towards “smarter, data-driven action”.
Greyparrot CEO Mikela Druckman added: “This is a landmark first step towards automating compliance reporting, and it adds to the full suite of applications for Greyparrot’s waste intelligence.”
Fixing Factory opens new repair hub in Victoria
Climate charities Possible and The Restart Project have launched a new Fixing Factory mini-hub in Victoria, aimed at helping local residents repair electrical items and reduce waste.
Hosted at the Victoria Library Mini Hub in partnership with Westminster City Council, the initiative promotes repair and reuse as part of the transition away from a “throwaway culture” towards a circular repair economy.
The hub will provide weekly community repair sessions, affordable repair workshops and volunteer-led Repair Club activities designed to help people develop practical fixing skills.
Lucy Telfer, Mini-Hubs Manager at Westminster City Council, commented: “By opening our doors at the Victoria Library Mini Hub, we’re creating a welcoming space where everyone can feel empowered to repair, reuse, and give everyday items a second life.”
Recycle to Read launches toy recycling scheme in Tesco stores
Recycle to Read has launched a hard plastic toy recycling service across 167 Tesco stores nationwide.
Developed by Wastebuster in association with Products of Change, the programme brings together retailers, toy manufacturers and children’s publishers to improve recycling options for broken plastic toys.
Families can deposit unwanted hard plastic toys in dedicated in-store collection bins, with materials sent for sorting and recycling rather than rehoming.
Schools participating in the scheme can earn books, while children aged four to 11 will also receive curriculum-linked education on the waste hierarchy and circular economy, supported by Mattel brands including Barbie, Hot Wheels and Thomas & Friends.
Helena Mansell-Stopher, founder of Products of Change, said: “The Recycle to Read platform is the result of the tireless work of an industry coming together with cross-sector stakeholders around the need to find more sustainable solutions for unwanted or broken plastic toys.”
Plan B Awards First Community Fund Grants in Bridgend
Plan B Management Solutions has announced the first recipients of grants from its £10,000 Community Fund, launched earlier this year to support projects across Bridgend County Borough.
The fund includes four £1,000 grants and 12 grants worth £500, supporting organisations focused on community wellbeing, sustainability and social inclusion.
Recipients include Bridgend Athletic RFC, Daring to Dream, Raw Performance CIC, The Bridge Mentoring Plus Scheme and Penyfai Village Community Association.
Projects supported include energy-saving LED lighting upgrades, biodiversity and community planting initiatives, fitness equipment, food insecurity support and dementia wellbeing activities.
Marged Griffiths, Chair of Penyfai Village Community Association, said: “We are grateful and excited to have received this investment for our community planting scheme from Plan B Management Solutions.
“We are going to use the funding to bring residents together to create enjoyable spaces, improve biodiversity, strengthen local bonds, and leave a lasting, positive impact for everyone who calls our village home.”
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