News in Brief

Defra has today put out to consultation proposed changes to existing waste management licensing exemptions involving hazardous waste.

The 12-week consultation, which runs to December 16, covers proposed revised exemptions on the management of a range of hazardous wastes from solvents and treated wood to paint and medical waste.

They include additional requirements on storage conditions and monitoring procedures. In other cases exemptions have been streamlined or removed. The measures effectively complete the UK's implementation of the European Hazardous Waste Directive.

Full details are available from the Defra website, see: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/hazwaste/index.htm

Lancashire county council has commissioned a new promotional DVD to spread awareness of the benefits of re-usable nappies.

Five Coats production “The Bottom Line” is helping to raise awareness of washable nappies in Lancashire

The council commissioned local firm Five Coats to produce the DVD, following a tender process, to promote washable nappies as a realistic alternative to parents, midwives and hospital staff throughout the county.

The result, called The Bottom Line shows how simple it is to buy, use and wash reusable nappies and includes interviews with several parents giving their reasons for choosing them.

Rachel Ballard, Five Coats’ director, said: “Disposables have been mainstream since the mid 1970s and most children in recent decades have been brought up wearing them. The Bottom Line presented us with an interesting opportunity to create a programme that challenges the norm. To emphasise the benefits of reusable nappies, communicate effectively that there is a choice and motivate parents to try the alternative.”

A new Bristol initiative to recycle abandoned furniture is due to launch in October.

Bristol city council has teamed up with the SOFA project to pilot a project in the Easton and Ashley areas to make sure furniture in good condition gets a makeover and a new home.

If the three-month trial is successful, the council will look at rolling out the project to other council housing areas across the city.

Councillor John Kiely, Executive Member for Housing and Adult Services, said: “Even the furniture that is not suitable for a new life can be scrapped for the metal and wood rather than tipped. Residents have really shown their commitment to raising recycling rates and the council is rightly proud of their efforts. We have to set a better example and lead from the front.”

Local MP and minister for recycling Ben Bradshaw has launched a scheme encouraging householders in Exeter to recycle their cans.

Ben Bradshaw with Ruth Meeke from Alupro and Councillor John Shepherd as well as recycling officer Dean Eaton (back)

The Trees for Africa campaign was launched locally at the city council's materials reclamation facility. Under the scheme, every tonne of used aluminum cans and foil collected by Exeter City Council will result in a tree being planted in a sustainable forest project in West Africa.

The scheme is part of the national campaign run by aluminium packaging producers through Alupro, the Aluminium Packaging Recycling Organisation.

Cllr Barry McNamara, Lead Councillor for Environment and Leisure, said: 'I'm sure Exeter residents will back this recycling scheme and help get as many trees planted in Burkina Faso as we can – don't forget to recycle aluminium cans and foil.”