CIWM launches metal recycling contractor competency scheme
The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has today (21 April) launched a ‘contractor competency scheme’ for metal recycling.
Designed to provide evidence of individual contractors’ capability and created in association with the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA), the scheme is the “first of its kind in the sector”, CIWM says.
The scheme will provide evidence for contractors’ credentials with a Pearson VUE test and CIWM ProFile, a digital credentials system developed by CIWM which it says allows validation on-demand via a unique QR code.
Katie Cockburn, CIWM’s professional services director, said: “The metal recycling contractor competency scheme will not only make it much simpler for organisations to complete vital reference checking, but also enable them to recruit and retain employees and make a tangible contribution towards improved health and safety across the sector.”
CIWM says tests are now available for contractors to book, with the first taking place on 3 May.
Antonia Grey, the BMRA’s head of policy and public affairs, said: “Having a system in place that allows metals recycling companies to quickly ensure that contractors working on site have the appropriate training and skills is going to be a great add-on to our existing health and safety toolkit.”
North Somerset bin strike paused
North Somerset council has advised residents to continue putting out all their waste containers as usual this week after a change to the strike action planned by the union GMB.
According to GMB, almost 100 workers at recycling centres and collection services run by the North Somerset Environment Company (NSEC), the council’s supplier of waste services, had planned industrial action due to a dispute over pay.
The council says a jointly agreed revised and improved pay offer was rejected by members in a ballot run by GMB last week.
“To move the situation forward”, a meeting between NSEC and GMB will take place on 25 April, the council says. ACAS, the UK’s industrial mediation service, will also attend to support the negotiation process.
To allow these negotiations to take place, GMB has agreed to suspend planned strike action today (21 April) and tomorrow, the council says.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset council’s executive member for neighbourhoods and community services, said: “It’s disappointing that GMB members voted against the latest offer package but I’m really pleased strike action has been called off so residents will continue to receive collections and recycling centres will be open this week as usual.”
Firefighters praise site staff after Rochford blaze extinguished
Essex County Fire & Rescue Service says crews worked through the evening with staff to extinguish a fire at James Waste Management’s site in Purdeys Way, Rochford.
Essex-based James Waste Management offers waste management and skip hire services across the county.
Firefighters from Southend and Leigh left the scene at 1:30am this morning (21 April), having first been called to the blaze at just after 5pm yesterday.
At the height of the fire, the fire service called for reinforcements in a further three crews from the Leigh, Hawkwell, and Shoeburyness fire stations.
The fire service said the blaze affected approximately 150 tonnes of mixed recycling. Firefighters worked with site staff to use diggers to move the waste and extinguish it in sections.
Watch manager Dan Hart, from Southend Fire Station, said: “We want to send our thanks to the staff that worked with us throughout this large incident, particularly on the machinery.
“They made a huge contribution and without them crews would have been in attendance for days.”
The fire service says it believes the fire was started accidentally but an investigation into the cause is ongoing.
Steve Berthaud, general manager at James Waste Management, told letsrecycle.com: “We had a fire on site yesterday that was dealt with promptly by the emergency services. There were no injuries and no damage sustained. We have had no interruption to our business.”
Reuse social enterprise wins Queen’s Award
Social enterprise the Edinburgh Remakery is among more than 200 British businesses to have been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, announced today (21 April).
This year, 232 businesses representing every part of the United Kingdom and a range of sectors were recognised by the Queen on her birthday as being among the best in the country.
The Edinburgh Remakery runs workshops to teach sustainable reuse and repair skills, creating ways for businesses and members of the public to reuse second-hand electronics, reducing pollution and emissions.
It is awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.
Small Business Minister Paul Scully said: “This country is renowned for its entrepreneurial achievements and there is no greater showcase for it than The Queen’s Awards.
“It’s vital we celebrate the success of our businesses and recognise the contributions they make to communities across the country.”
Subscribe for free