‘Catastrophic’ fire hits largest clothing market in Africa
A fire has destroyed over 60% of the Kantamanto Market in Ghana, the largest clothing market in Africa and a significant destination for used clothing exported from the UK.
The fire rages started on 1 January 2025 and was extinguished the next day. At least 10 of the 13 market sections sustained “catastrophic damage” with estimated affects on over 8,000 people.
Sustainable textiles NGO, the Or Foundation, has issued a call for donations to help the relief effort which can be made here.
The foundation has committed an initial $1 million to the rebuild and the money they raise will enable grants to be send directly to individuals. It hopes this will enable retailers to purchase bales or for a tailor to purchase a new sewing machine, once the rebuild is complete.
The Or Foundation team has set up tents in the market to provide water, first aid, masks, seating and shade while the rebuild commences.
Circulai’s Waste IQ Introductory course receives CIWM accreditation
Circulai has announced that its Waste IQ Introductory course has been accredited by the Chartered Institution of Waste Management (CIWM).
The course is designed to provide participants with essential knowledge and practical skills for effective waste management.
Gabriel Mancho BSc CIWM, membership and accreditation manager, said: “This accreditation is a testament to the quality and rigor of Circulai’s training programme and its alignment with the CIWM Skills Matrix, a comprehensive competence framework designed in collaboration with industry specialists.
“It highlights their commitment to excellence in professional development, and to advancing skills and standards within the resources, waste management and circular economy sectors. We would like to congratulate Circulai on this outstanding achievement.”
Priced at £395 per candidate, the course is an entry-level, full-day training certification that caters to all levels. It includes topics from understanding key waste management legislation and compliance to leveraging AI and data for sustainable practices.
Suez and Downview prison open furniture upcycling workshop
Suez recycling and recovery UK and HMP Downview prison in Sutton have launched a new furniture “upcycling” workshop space to support the rehabilitation of female offenders.
The workshop offers participants the chance to gain hands-on experience while working toward a City and Guilds qualification.
Disposed furniture is sourced from the Community Recycling Centres that Suez operates on behalf of Surrey county council. Once upcycled at the workshop, items are returned for sale at the county’s five reuse shops.
Employment lead at HMP Downview, Gary Kendall, said: “We’re incredibly proud to work with Suez on this meaningful initiative. The workshop not only benefits the environment through upcycling but also empowers female offenders to build brighter futures for life after prison with practical skills and qualifications.”
Somerset council to collect toothpaste tubes at the kerbside
Somerset council is now accepting empty toothpaste tubes as part of its kerbside collection.
Residents have been told to put the tubes in their blue recycling collection bags after squeezing out as much of the toothpaste as they can.
The council has urged residents to check the packaging labels to confirm the tubes are recyclable before sorting them.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, leader member for waste services, said: “This new scheme has come about because the manufacturers have now changed the type of plastic used and it is now easily recyclable. We have got the kit to be able to do it.”
WRAP’s senior resource management specialist, Adam Herriott, went onto BBC Somerset Radio to discuss the change: “It’s fantastic news. The tubes used to be made out of lots of different types of materials but now they’re all just one type of plastic – the same type that milk bottles are made out of. The vast majority can now be recycled but it’s best to check.
“It’s a new change and a lot of local authorities haven’t yet caught onto it. Somerset council is definitely one of the ones leading the way.”
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