News in Brief

EU paper packaging recycling reaches 78%

The recycling rate, which was calculated using Eurostat data, far exceeds the 60% target which was set in the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive. CEPI said the outcome gives an additional indication that renewable and recyclable paper packaging contributes positively to the European objective of resource efficiency.

Commenting on the figures Teresa Presas, CEPI director general, said: Through high recycling rates, the European paper industry is a leading example on how sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand. But in forthcoming revision of the European packaging directive, it will be important to consider the level playing field between different packaging materials. Currently each material has a different recycling target rate ranging from 15% to 60%.

4R awarded 25-year bio-compost contract

Organics recycling firm 4R Recycling has been awarded a 25-year contract by Shanks and SSE, known as 3SE, to remove and recycle bio-compost produced under 3SEs 750 million PFI project with the Barnsley, Doncaster and Rotherham Waste Partnership (see letsrecycle.com story).

The contract will see 4R Recycling, part of the 4R Group, handle up to 25,000 tonnes of material a year from the mechanical biological treatment (MBT) and anaerobic digestion facilities proposed by 3SE. Providing planning permission is granted the contract between 4R Recycling and 3SE will commence in 2015 when the facilities become operational. The material will be used in the restoration of brownfield sites throughout Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire.

Commenting on the contract, Mike Holt, managing director at 4R, said: We are delighted with this important contract win as our scientists continually strive to find new and innovative uses for what might otherwise be considered waste. We look forward to working with Shanks to develop further opportunities for this material, helping develop the way to a zero waste economy.

North London contracts AMEC for support on waste deal

The North London Waste Authority (NLWA) has awarded engineering and project management company AMEC a five-year framework contract to deliver waste services infrastructure for north London.

Under the contract AMEC will provide technical support and planning services to the Authority as it moves towards implementing two major contracts for waste services and fuel use (see letsrecycle.com story) . As part of the procurement process AMEC will meet with prospective bidders, evaluate final tenders and fine tune proposed solutions.

Francis Crozier, director of AMECs waste management group, said: The need to treat waste as a resource means it is really important to identify the best technical solutions to maximise recycling and composting, recover energy and reduce waste sent to landfill. We are very pleased to be working with the North London Waste Authority to help deliver this crucial project. It will provide real environmental benefits for society and help manage the domestic waste from over 1.7 million residents across north London.

Sandwell recycling rate reaches 40%

Household recycling rates in Sandwell in the West Midlands have shot up by 25% during the last 12 months according to Sandwell council.

The local authority reported that 40% of household waste was sent for reuse, recycling or composting between April 2011 and March 2012. This represents an increase of eight percentage points on the 2010/11 figure of 32% and come less than 18 months after the council signed a 650 million contract with a consortium led by services firm Serco (see letsrecycle.com). The 25 year contract has seen Serco roll out food waste collections across the borough and introduce weekly collections of waste and recycling and fortnightly collections of garden waste.

The recycling rates were welcomed by Jan Britton, chief executive at the council, who said: The figures show a steady increase in recycling levels during the last year. The councils partnership with Serco has already resulted in a significantly improved service and we look forward to continuing this good work in the coming years.

Firefighters tackle blaze at EMR in Willesden

Firefighters tackled a blaze at a European Metal Recycling (EMR) facility in Willesden, west London, this week (April 24) after part of the yard containing approximately 3,000 tonnes of scrap metal caught alight.

The London Fire Brigade said it was called at 14:48 and the blaze was brought under control by 20:30. Firefighters remained at the scene throughout the night. The scene was attended by eight fire engines and 40 firefighters from New Maiden, Willesden, Park Royal, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Paddington and Bethnal Green. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Station manager Pushminder Vagarwal said: Our fire crews are working really hard to get this fire under control but its likely that well be here for some time. There is a lot of smoke from the fire and we would advise any residents living nearby to keep their doors and windows closed.