CIWM launches ‘Circular Economy Innovators Fund’
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has launched the ‘Circular Economy Innovators Fund’.
The organisation said the fund will give circular economy innovators the opportunity to fast-track their ambitions and grow their business through fully funded brand communications, marketing and design support.
The Circular Economy Innovators Fund is the first of its kind and will see up to six businesses awarded tailored support to the value of £10,000 each to build on their marcomms strategy.
Aimed at small and micro businesses based in the UK and Republic of Ireland, CIWM said it is looking for emerging circular economy innovators that have established their businesses and are looking to expand and broaden their offering.
CIWM president Dan Cooke said: “CIWM’s purpose is to move the world beyond waste and accelerating the transition to a more circular economy is vital to achieving this. The Circular Economy Innovators Fund is the first challenger fund to offer circular economy businesses access to specialist marketing and communications support and expert advice to fast-track their business growth.”
WRA welcomes further extension to hazardous RPS
Following discussions with the Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA), the Environment Agency has extended its regulatory position statement (RPS) governing waste wooden fence posts and decking from households.
RPS 249 – which allows household waste recycling centres (HWRCS) to move and process these potentially hazardous items as non-hazardous – was due to expire at the end of March and has been extended until the end of September 2024.
The RPS has been extended a several of times over the years as testing continues on hazardous wood.
The move was requested by the WRA to provide more time for the waste wood industry to sample and test this material to confirm what earlier tests have shown, that its hazardous content is “diminishing and will no longer be there in future, as these items fall out of the waste stream”.
More time is required however because fence posts and decking are very hard to find over the Autumn and Winter and are expected to be more abundant over the Spring and Summer.
The association requires a further 2-300 samples from its members or members’ customers to ensure it has a robust evidence base.
Vicki Hughes, technical lead on the WRA Board, said: “We welcome the extension of this RPS which we requested to allow more time to identify, sample and test fence posts and decking. These items make up a very small part of the waste stream so it can be challenging to find them, especially in the colder months.”
Everflow expands into Wales ahead of new recycling rules
Business utilities provider Everlow has announced that it will be introducing commercial waste services to its portfolio in Wales, in response to upcoming changes to business recycling rules.
From 6 April 2024, it will become law for all businesses, charities and public sector organisations to sort their waste for recycling.
Everflow, which provides a range of utilities to businesses such as water and telecoms, said it saw the legislation as a “strategic opportunity to enter the Welsh market and provide tailored waste management solutions.”
Elliot Harrison-Holt, waste services director at Everflow, said: “With legislative changes on the horizon, we see an opportunity to provide innovative and sustainable waste solutions that align with the needs of Welsh businesses.
“This expansion marks an important milestone for Everflow as we continue to grow and evolve in the waste management sector.”
Suez to takeover £152m Mid Kent contract from Biffa this month
Suez will start its eight-year contract worth £152 million with three Kent councils on Monday, 25 March.
The contract will see Suez deliver waste and recycling services for three councils in Kent. The contract was announced in January 2023 (see letsrecycle.com story). Biffa previously held the deal.
Suez will take on waste collection and recycling services for nearly 200,000 households across Ashford, Maidstone and Swale councils from Biffa from 25 March.
Fortnightly collections of general waste and recycling will continue across the borough, alongside the weekly food waste collection and the optional fortnightly garden waste collection.
The new contract includes proposed improvements to the level of cleansing in rural and residential areas, as well as quicker response times on removing fly-tipping.
James Farquhar, regional manager at Suez, said: “We are pleased to be delivering the new waste and street care services across the borough from later this month. Our experienced teams are committed to delivering the highest standard of customer service within the local community and we look forward to working with Ashford Council alongside the wider Mid-Kent partnership as part of the new contract.”
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