News in Brief

Materials-handling equipment manufacturer JCB has unveiled a new range of vehicles specifically for the waste management and recycling industry.

At an event held last week at the company's Staffordshire headquarters, eight new vehicles were shown to industry figures, including loading, excavating and handling vehicles under the “Wastemaster” banner.

JCB sales managing director, Francoise Rausch, said: “The Wastemaster range's new standard specification takes JCB's product offering for this sector to new heights. For the first time we now offer a dedicated range of eight machines designed for the waste and recycling sector.

“Each machine now has a standard Wastemaster specification which incorporates all the key customer requirements for working in arduous waste environments. To emphasise our added focus on the industry even further, JCB as appointed a UK and European Director to oversee the development of products for the waste and recycling sectors,” Mr Rasch added.

Pupils at Frogwell Primary School in Chippenham have been given more than 20 saplings as a reward for their dedicated paper recycling.

Pupils at Frogwell school planting saplings provided by paper reprocessor Aylesford Newsprint

The trees, which have been planted in the school grounds, were presented to the children by paper recycling company Aylesford Newsprint Limited and the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust as part of the schools Recycling Scheme.

The scheme which has been running for ten years, encourages youngsters in schools to collect used newspaper.

Since joining the scheme in 1998 Frogwell Primary School has collected 45 tonnes of paper.

The trees were presented by Aylesford Newsprint area manager, Alan Peers. “We've been working with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust for more than ten years,” Mr Peers said at the presentation. “They have always had an excellent interaction with the local schools. It is fantastic to show children that their actions can really make a difference.”

Researchers are knocking on the doors of more than 40,000 homes in Warwickshire as part of a major exercise aimed at boosting recycling levels in the county.

The Waste Partnership for Warwickshire has gathered a team of researchers from Northampton University to speak directly to householders in Warwickshire to increase awareness of waste issues.

The project, which is funded by the Waste Resources and Action Programme, will run for 10 weeks between April and June. Canvassers will also be asking residents for their views on recycling facilities in the area, with any residents not at home given information leaflets promoting local recycling services.

Glenn Fleet, manager of the county council's sustainability unit, said: “This is a very important campaign. By speaking to residents face-to-face the door-stepping team will help to raise the profile of the recycling services available to householders.

“Residents will be informed about the kerbside facilities provided and encouraged to begin recycling or recycle more,” Mr Fleet added.