News in Brief

Metal shredding vital for zero waste

The report is entitled BREF Style Report: Metal Fragmentising Operations: Industrial Emissions Directive and outlines how shredders are the most efficient equipment for extracting both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

The report notes that when compared to manufacturing metals from raw materials, shredders deliver substantial energy and resource savings as well as separating other materials, such as plastic, for recycling. The research also indicates that the fragmentising sector is developing further material and energy recovery techniques to bring the industry closer to zero waste.

Commenting on the findings, BMRA director general Ian Hetherington said: The report concludes that shredders are vital to increasing recycling and recovery rates while minimising environmental and social impact. The research confirms the low environmental risk of shredder operations and the recommendations for best available techniques will ensure this continues to be the case as UK metals recyclers invest in ever more advanced recovery methods.

Straight chosen for four year wheeled bins framework

Container manufacturer Straight plc has secured a position on a new framework agreement with procurement service YPO to supply a range of plastic wheeled bins from 140 to 1100 litre capacity.

The new contract is estimated to be worth between 30 million and 60 million across a total of six suppliers on the framework. It replaces a previous framework agreement for wheeled bins which has now expired. Straight plc now holds positions on a total of four YPO framework agreements, which include the supply of metal wheeled bins, recycling containers and compostable liners as well as plastic wheeled bins.

YPO customers include public sector organisations such as schools, colleges and universities, emergency services, and major local government departments. Framework agreements offer a fully compliant route to market, allowing customers to buy goods without going through the full procurement process required through the Official Journal of the European Union.

Jonathan Straight, chief executive of Straight, said: We have been a supplier to YPO, the UKs largest public sector organisation, since 2005, and a supplier of wheeled bins to YPO customers since 2008. Our appointment is testament to our high compliance and quality levels, and the fact our products have also achieved the latest standards for certification. We look forward to continuing to work with YPO now and in the future, and to continue the high level of service that we are renowned for.

Westminster rolls out containers to improve engagement

Westminster city council is rolling out new containers throughout the borough in a bit to improve public engagement with waste and recycling.

Almost 100 of container manufacturer Taylors flagship housing units are currently being installed at various points throughout the borough. Taylor said it expects the roll out will be tipping point for local authorities throughout the UK, who are becoming increasingly focussed on driving up recycling levels through making bins and containers a key component of the urban environment.

Phil Robson, waste and recycling manager at the council, said: With the street units, were aiming to make recycling a more attractive proposition by integrating waste containers into Westminsters street scene, make recycling more accessible for and appealing to those in flats and improve the quality of public engagement points with waste.

Dave Buckley of Taylor added: The challenge is continuing to make recycling accessible, effective and affordable. Westminster city councils uptake of our urban solution illustrates how achieving all three factors is now within the realms of possibility and the London Boroughs decision will undoubtedly have a knock-on effect with local authorities throughout the UK that are looking to achieve the same goals and objectives.

Fourth health and safety gold for Wastecycle

Nottingham-based waste management firm Wastecycle has achieved a gold RoSPA award for a fourth consecutive year, marking the companys achievements in occupational health and safety.

The awards are run by the safety charity, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), which said it is the largest and longest-running programme of its kind in the UK. They recognise accident and ill health prevention and are open to businesses and organisations from the UK and overseas.

Wastecycle was recognised for its employer engagement health & safety initiatives and communication strategies which include: directors safety tours, regular health and safety newsletters, monthly poster campaigns and regular cross operational managers meetings. Wastecycle has also developed a positive near miss and potential hazard spotting reporting culture to improve safety and prevent accidents.

David Jackson, health, safety and environmental manager at Wastecycle, said, Were delighted to have achieved the RoSPA Gold award for the fourth year running, the management of health, safety and the environment is at the forefront of our day to day business operations and it is an absolute priority to continually strive to improve our performance in these areas.

WRAP launches food waste resources online portal

The Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has created a food waste resources portal which provides information on the different sources of food waste which can be used for anaerobic digestion.

The online resource offers information from a range of sources including households, supply chains, local authorities, and the hospitality, commercial and industrial sectors. It includes reports which detail the amount of waste produced by certain sectors as well as calculations from third party data streams – for example, the Food Waste in Schools report.

The free portal can be found on the WRAP website.