News in Brief

Yorkshire and Humber claims compost success

Fourteen firms in the area committed to the Composting Association's initiative in the twelve months to February 2008, with local body Recycling Action Yorkshire (RAY) claiming the increase reflects a change in attitude from producers.

“Businesses are waking up to the fact that there is an increasingly lucrative market out there for high quality, locally produced compost,” said Mark Baker, project manager for organics market development at RAY. “What was once a waste material is now regarded as valuable product.”

Hartlepool businessman fined for multiple waste offences

A Hartlepool businessman has been ordered to pay £25,000 after being found guilty of multiple waste offences, including failing to hold a Waste Management Licence.

Ian Rumble, who traded as Cleveland Recycling Services, told Environment Agency officials that he did not have to be licensed as he had been involved in the waste business for 21 years. Despite this, he was found guilty of two charges of keeping waste, seven charges of failing to prevent waste being burnt and he also asked for ten further charges to be considered.

Nathan Atkinson, of the Environment Agency, said: “Mr Rumble is an extreme example of someone who blatantly and repeatedly breaks the law on waste, but any skip company or site dealing in mixed wastes, whether sorting it, treating it, or storing it needs a Waste Management Licence.”

Devon couple establish compostable bin liner firm

Former teachers Gordon and Lesley Anderson set up Recycle Together Ltd in 2006, selling liners made from sack and kraft paper to their friends, since when the business has expanded, allowing them to base their operations in a large industrial unit near Totnes, in Devon.

The range has also been awarded the European Certificate of Compostability, and the company's co-founder, Mrs Anderson, said: “The liners are made from sack/kraft paper which is strong and puncture resistant even when filled with damp food.”

Warwickshire nappy auction site claims UK top spot

Warwickshire County Council's efforts to encourage the use of cotton nappies have been boosted by the news that an online auction service based in Leamington Spa is the UK's number one site in the sector.

The Used Nappy Company was set up in April 2007 and allows parents to buy and sell used cotton nappies, with more than 2,500 auctions completed in its first six months of operations.

The council's portfolio holder for the environment, Cllr Martin Heatley, said: “Real nappies can be used on subsequent children or can be resold; recycling and reselling real nappies is doubly eco-friendly.”