Scottish furniture reuse event hears 'Zero Waste' message
Delegates attending 'More Than Furniture 08', the 5th annual furniture reuse conference, were told by Eric Lombardi, executive director of Eco-Cycle, that Scotland's efforts on furniture reuse were “amazing”.
But, Mr Lombardi also warned of the challenges that lay ahead to reach the 'Zero Waste' goal, which the Scottish government has made a key part of its environmental policies. He said: “Our challenge is to bring about a cultural change which will encourage people to consider buying second-hand items first. People will do the right thing if there are services there which are convenient and reliable, so we must build the infrastructure to provide alternatives to landfill and incinerators.”
WasteCare launches waste collection quote service
Recycling company WasteCare has launched a revamped version of its online service that aims to provide businesses with an instant quote for their waste collection needs.
The WasteQuote service replaces the Leeds-based firm's original online offering, which was launched in 2004, and, as well as combining the recycling and collection facilities of the company's own businesses – WasteCare, PackCare and WEEECare – it also provides details of other relevant waste management companies.
Outlining the benefits of the improved service, WasteCare chief executive, Peter Hunt, said: “Most quotes will be instant and take account of volume, location and hazard. Having received a quote, the client can arrange a collection date and track the waste throughout the collection, treatment and recovery journey. If we can't price instantly, we guarantee to respond within four working hours.”
Bristol baler distributor secures Olympic contractor
The company supplied the balers – an 800AT model and a smaller 350AT machine – to the event's waste contractor, in conjunction with the machines' French manufacturer Sacria. The equipment has been used to process both large and smaller 330ml PET bottles, and will continue to be used in the Chinese capital now the Games have finished.
Adrian Smith, Waste Handling Solutions' sales director, said: “We are very pleased to win the contract, in particular such a prestigious event and be able to demonstrate the capabilities of the equipment on a worldwide stage.”
Connaught and Navigant form partnership
Service provider Connaught Environmental has announced a partnership with Navigant Consulting to build its presence in the municipal waste collection industry.
Exeter-based Connaught currently offers services such as housing repair and maintenance to local authorities and has recently moved to expand into the waste and environmental sectors. The company hopes that the deal with Navigant – which operates globally with around 1,900 consultants – will improve the end-to-end contract securing and delivery process.
Darren Frost, Connaught Environmental Ltd's managing director said: “Navigant's team has over 60 years of experience with the waste sector, particularly first-hand responsibility for securing and running waste management contracts – ensuring our team starts straight away with the necessary resources and experience.”
School children back Middlesbrough recycling changes
Newport primary school has established its own ‘eco council' comprised of two members from each class, and has been helping to spread the word to friends and family about changes to the local waste and refuse collection, which will see Middlesbrough city council's collections change from a five-day cycle to a four-day cycle and refuse and recycling collections carried out on the same day from September 2. The new system aims to avoid disruption caused by rearranging Bank Holiday collections and afford the council a day in which to run maintenance on its fleet of 18 refuse collection vehicles.
Middlesbrough's deputy mayor, councillor Bob Kerr said: “Our young people have really got the recycling bug and are setting an example for the rest of us to follow.”
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