WRAP launches food waste funding guide
WRAP said the guide had been produced in response to a growing number of enquiries and requests for advice and support regarding food waste recycling. The guide outlines sources of funding from a range of organisations covering areas such as environmental improvement, business development and research, and also details grant aid schemes and databases which provide links to useful organisations and resources. The guide can be accessed at www.wrap.org.uk/composting
Claire Kneller, from WRAP's Organics Programme, said: “Interest in organics recycling is at an all time high and we receive a number of enquiries from organisations looking to enter the market or expand their existing activities. This guide provides people with a quick and simple method of identifying funding opportunities as well as putting them in touch with other useful organisations and resources.”
Verdant appoints third contract portfolio manager
Mr Kenney, who joined Verdant in January from SITA UK, has been appointed to the role following a reorganisation of the Verdant management team in the wake of the extension to its services contract by South Oxfordshire district council and the Vale of White Horse district council (see letsrecycle.com story). As part of the change, former portfolio manger David Maidman has been promoted to operations director, while Mr Kenney has been recruited to oversee Verdant's contracts with Surrey Heath, Gosport, Rother, Swale and Kent. Mr Kenney will also oversee the roll-out of a major eight year service extension for Surrey Heath borough council in September.
Verdant's managing director, Roger Edwards, said: “I'm very pleased to have found a manager of Dave's calibre and am certain he will flourish in Verdant's can-do culture. His experience and practical insights will be invaluable for effectively managing a number of important council contracts, and ensuring our service delivery is everything that officers, councillors and residents require.”
Degradable plastics firm makes “substantial” loan repayment
Energy-from-waste and degradable plastics company Symphony Environmental Technologies claims to have made a “substantial repayment” of its convertible loan to the Headstart Group to improve the company's financial standing.
The Hertfordshire-based company said that the oan, which is no longer convertible into Symphony shares, had been reduced from £340,000 to £240,000 and the repayment period of the loan without penalty has been extended by one year. In addition, six directors purchased a combined 5,263,157 shares and claimed that the alterations to the arrangement with the global funding company have removed a portion of potentially 'toxic' debt.
Michael Laurier, chief executive at Symphony, said: “This agreement with Headstart places the company on a much sounder financial footing. I am delighted that my fellow directors have shown their confidence as we continue to grow the company.”
Rhondda bags Green Apple award
Representatives of the South Wales council travelled to the House of Commons in London to receive their accolade at the annual environmental awards ceremony, held by not-for-profit group The Green Organisation, which has now entered its fifteenth year. Rhondda was named as the top council in Wales for its 'Love Where You Live' event, which was held last summer at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd. The event attracted 7,200 visitors over its five days, and was used to raise awareness of environmental and global issues whilst encouraging people to take pride in their communities and do their bit for the planet.
Councillor Anthony Christopher, deputy leader and cabinet member for frontline services at Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: “Congratulations are in store for the efforts of our council staff who have been recognised nationally with the presentation of the Gold Green Apple Award and am sure that their tireless efforts to promote recycling, sustainability and the improvement of the environment will continue this ongoing success story.”
Balcan supplies Cuba with lamp crusher
Lamp recycling company Balcan Engineering has secured an order to supply Cuba with its unique lamp crusher.
The Lincolnshire-based company was approached by the country over using its low loader lamp crusher for lamp disposal, after Cuban officials had discussions with Phillips Lighting on the use of the technology. The lamp crusher can be mounted in a van which will travel around the island collecting and crushing lamps before loading the debris into the vehicle, which is the way the system operates in the UK.
Balcan received an order for one of these crushers from Energoimport, based in Havana, an importer for the Cuban government-owned Electric Company.
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