Europe approves climate change package
The Renewable Energy Directive, which is likely to benefit the energy-from-waste sector, has set a 20% target for renewable energy generation in the EU's energy mix by 2020 and will see a mandatory national target set for member states, which is intended to promote the use of renewable energy in electricity, heating and cooling, and transport sectors. The agreement calls for renewable energy such as biofuels, electricity and hydrogen produced from renewable sources, to account for at least 10% of the EU's total fuel consumption in all forms of transport by 2020. The legislative resolution was adopted with 635 votes in favour, 25 against and 25 abstentions.
The European parliament and council members reached an informal agreement earlier this month (see letsrecycle.com story), and the European parliament has now adopted a raft of measures intended to cut greenhouse gases and tackle climate change within the EU.
Producer responsibility expert leaves Biffa
Mr Conran said: “I have had a great time at Biffa who have been extremely supportive over the years in my roles outside the company which I have greatly enjoyed. But there comes a time when it feels right to move on and try something else and I am really excited by the opportunities in the world of producer responsibility to help companies understand and comply with both existing and forthcoming legislation.”
Mr Conran developed Biffa's Biffpack and Transform compliance and until recently was also a member of the WEEE Advisory Board. Mr Conran added: “It has been a great privilege to be involved in the development of producer responsibility in the UK. I also feel I have been especially lucky to have worked with a great group of people at Biffa, especially the Biffpack and Transform teams.”
Welsh castle installs glass technology
A castle hotel in Wales has cut its glass collection costs with the introduction of glass recycling technology from Dorset-based firm Krysteline.
The Grade II listed Bodelwyddan Castle in Denbighshire, North Wales, introduced the Imploder technology in a bid to cut the costs of cullet collections from the remote location. Glass collected on site is separated into four colours before the Krysteline Imploder densifies the glass, rendering it into sharp free chippings. The hotel, which is run by Bourne Leisure Group, claim that introducing the technology has reduced the amount of truck movements and collection costs at the 200 acre site, as well as providing a ready supply of aggregate for the castle site.
Andrew Foulkes, health and safety administrator at Bodelwyddan Castle, said: “We were sending around 1000 to 1500 bottles away by truck every month, that cost has been completely eliminated, and now that we have the sharp free aggregate we have so many plans for its use. I am absolutely delighted with the Imploder.”
South Ayrshire unveil on-street recycling units
The council has installed two 3,000 litres capacity node recycling centres, designed by bin manufacturer Taylor, in Ayr High Street in a bid to encourage the public to recycle materials such as glass or paper. The council, which currently has a 43% recycling and composting rate, hopes that the introduction of on-site facilities could help it to achieve even greater results in 2009. The node's wheeled design is intended to allow it to be used in multiples from one to four, as well as fitting into confined corners, against walls or as a central feature in a public area.
Councillor Peter Convery of South Ayrshire Council said: “I am confident that we can build upon this success with the introduction of the node systems. After all, the units have an established track record in boosting recycling participation when people are away from the home and creating a street scene that the local community can be proud of.”
Sandwell launches Christmas WEEE plea
Sandwell metropolitan borough council is urging its residents to consider recycling unwanted or old electrical goods received or replaced over the Christmas period.
The council has made a plea for residents to use the dedicated WEEE section at the household waste and recycling centre at Shidas Lane, Oldbury, after using Recycle Now research that shows every household had three old, broken or unwanted electrical goods on average stored at home and roughly one third of consumers were planning to buy electrical goods as a present at Christmas.
Cllr Mahboob Hussain, cabinet member for Neighbourhoods and Housing, said: “As Christmas shoppers often buy this year's latest gadget for loved ones, it's the ideal time to think about recycling old electrical items lying about the house to make room for the new ones. However, before recycling I would encourage residents to think about giving electrical items in working order to friends or family to make good use of, or to local reuse schemes.”
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