News in Brief

Veolia ends sponsorship of photography exhibition

The exhibition is owned jointly by BBC Worldwide and The Natural History Museum and receives some 48,000 entries from around 98 countries.

Veolia Environmental Services chief executive Estelle Brachlianoff, said: It has been rewarding to see the competition grow over the course of our sponsorship and to support the exhibition and tour which have enabled so many people to see the wonderful photography that highlights the fragile nature of the world around us.

However after four successful years we feel that we have taken this partnership as far as we can and that it is time to review our sponsorship commitments as our brand continues to grow and evolve. We are confident that the competition and exhibition will continue to capture the minds of nature lovers across the world.

Powerday gets environmental business certifications

Skip hire and waste management firm Powerday has attained certification three environmental business standards from certification body Certification International, ISO 9001:2008, ISO 14001:2004 and OHSAS 18001:2007.

The standards cover quality management, environmental management systems and occupational health and safety.

Jim Craig, commercial director at Powerday, said: Having systems in place which monitor quality, the environment and health and safety are crucial to Powerdays operations. In particular we have a strong belief in our responsibility to the environment.

PH Pallets completes 400,000 investment

Following on from a 400,000 investment in IT and operation systems Manchester-based pallet management and recycling firm PH Pallets has unveiled plans to further enhance its business.

The investment includes a 150,000 upgrade of its Dukinfield operations unit as well as a 250,000 bespoke IT system that tracks every pallet that enters and leaves its premises.

The company is now drafting proposals to extend and develop its recycling operations. The team wants to further enhance access to its five-acre site to increase its intake of thousands of used wooden pallets for recycling.

Mark Houghton, a partner in PH Pallets, says: “Since we started in 1988 we haven’t stopped expanding and naturally we’re now looking for the next investment.

“Even during the current economic woes we’ve been able to invest in our business because we can offer companies a source of revenue – where they may have thought there was none – by buying back used pallets and recycling them.”

Palm team undertakes technical competence training

Members of recovered paper firm Palm Recycling have undertaken the Certificate of Technical Competence (CoTC) training programme, following on from their completion of the Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board requirements.

The CoTC Programme assesses an individuals competence across all aspects of waste handling as well as measuring their ability to deliver quality of service in the waste management sector.

Rachel Chadwick, regional operations manager, Palm Recycling, said: The waste management industry changes rapidly, especially with regards to areas such as legislation. This training, which I am taking myself, equips us with the skills to stay ahead of the challenges the waste management industry places on us as well as meet the high levels of service and delivery our customers expect.

Augean Laboratory Services earns UKAS accreditation

Hazardous waste management specialist Augean PLCs central laboratory team based at the East Northants Resource Management Facility (ENRMF), has achieved UKAS accreditation.

Augean Laboratory Services is now believed to be one of only two laboratories in the UK fully accredited for all aspects of hazardous landfill waste acceptance criteria analysis.

Neil Canwell, director of land resources, at Augean PLC said: This is an important development, and demonstrates yet again our commitment to the sector, and the highest standards in handling hazardous waste.

Envirobins installed as part of University of Derby refit

Meridian Envirobins have been installed at the University of Derby, as part of the 6m transformation of its Britannia Mill site.

The University formerly tried to segregate recyclables at source but is moving to a two stream, mixed recyclables/general waste system.

With a large 110 litre capacity, the Meridian Envirobin has is able to capture multiple waste streams in a single bin by having WRAP colour compliant, split lids, accompanied by explanatory graphics.

Lynn Richards, the Universitys environmental manager, said: We liked the look of the bins immediately and they compliment our dual waste-stream process perfectly. The styling is very contemporary and fits in well as part of the furniture.