News in Brief

Recycling routes for plastic industrial packaging waste have been identified in research published by the Waste and Resources Action Programme.

One study revealed that most of the 12 million 25-litre high density polyethylene (HDPE) drums used each year in the UK to store chemicals are used just once, despite being a “major, easily identifiable source of recyclable HDPE.” Possible applications for recycled containers include sub-soil drainage pipes. The report recommended a larger trial to look at drum take-back schemes.

Another study looked at using a composite of recycled plastic and waste fibreglass as a reusable alternative to wood single-trip carriers in the steel industry. In tests the composite delivered benefits such as improved rigidity, weight reduction and longer life compared to wood.

Property development and investment company Tilfen Land has signed up to London's Green Procurement Code.

The company pledged to report on its purchases of recycled goods and provide details of its major areas of procurement. Market development agency London Remade, which developed the code, will use this information to promote products that meet the specifications.

Chief executive of London Remade Hugh Carr-Harris said: “It is no use recycling unless you are buying the recycled products! We hope that by working with organisations like Tilfen Land across the Capital, we can demonstrate the business benefits of recycling and buying recycled and encourage people to make more of the valuable resource they call waste.”

Tilfen Land sustainability manager Mark Philpotts said: “As a development organisation, Tilfen Land is well placed to use recycled products and materials in its new developments and in maintaining its existing portfolio.”

A major door-knocking campaign is being launched in West London to encourage residents to recycle.

More than 60,000 households in Hammersmith, Fulham, Lambeth and Wandsworth will be visited by 20 'Recycling Champions' over the next two months in a Rethink Rubbish Western Riverside initiative.

Campaign manager Jim Fielder said: “The Recycling Champions will be helping those not recycling at present to start and encouraging residents to increase the range of materials they leave out for recycling.”

Derek Stephenson, project director at London Remade, which is working with the scheme, said: “The success of doorstep recycling schemes depends on the public embracing them – without the commitment of local residents, such initiatives won't succeed.”