LCRN welcomes Defra campaign emphasis
It claimed that this was something the community sector had been delivering on for a long time through the reuse of items including furniture, textiles and appliances, and that it was “high time” consumers pay more attention to reducing consumption and recognizing the value of reuse, as well as recycling.
The LCRN said: “This was one of our main motivations for updating our name to the London Community Resource Network; rather than look at end-of-pipe solutions, it's vital for us to look at the wider picture and understand how we can change our behaviour for a more sustainable future. As the government recognises the environmental value of smarter consumption, LCRN hopes that it will recognise the social benefits that it can also bring.”
Paul Smith leaves Furniture Re-use Network
Bob Whitehead, chair of the FRN, announced that Mr Smith left the organisation on October 30 to concentrate on his preparations for the next election and also pursue opportunities in the public, private and voluntary sectors. Mr Smith has been chief executive at the reuse organisation since 2005 and Mr Whitehead praised his work in building up the membership and profile of the Network substantially.
Commenting on his time at the FRN, Mr Smith said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my work with the FRN and have been inspired by the commitment and mission of the membership. I will continue to fly the flag for re-use and the sector into the future.”
Novelis provides sorting equipment for Aberdeenshire MRF
Novelis has provided additional sorting equipment for aluminium cans to Aberdeenshire council's materials recycling facility (MRF) at Stonehaven.
The new equipment, an eddy current separator, prevents the council having to transport aluminium waste to another facility at Inverurie. The separator has been paid for with revenue from the sale of Packaging Waste Recovery Notes (PRNs), as part of Novelis' ongoing support for aluminium packaging recycling programmes across the UK.
Peter Argyle, chairman of Aberdeenshire council's Infrastructure Services Committee, said: “The new equipment in Stonehaven supplied by Novelis is a welcome addition to our service and has significantly improved the efficiency of processing cans in the south Aberdeenshire area. This also guarantees that a higher quality of material is generated for reprocessing.
Newport Paper to invest in Norfolk MRF
The company also said it is planning to increase the number of MRFs and sorting facilities that it operates across the UK, as it makes the decision to run all of its MRF operations in-house to help improve the quality of paper products going through its facilities.
Managing director Matthew Hoare commented: “With over 300,000 tonnes of recyclate purchased each year and within the context of a maturing market, Newport Paper needs to ensure its supply chain strategy is fit for the next 10-20 years. Investment in materials recycling facilities not only affords greater control over the end product, which is increasingly becoming an important factor, but it ensures Newport Paper can react quickly to changes in the requirements of suppliers and paper mills.”
Binsafe cracks down on wheeled bin crime
The company behind a new system which aims to safely lock wheeled bins and reduce bin crime and arson has said that interest in their product has grown significantly since the product was launched this September.
Steve Thompson, of Binsafe, which makes the 'Secure Wheelie Bin Storage Solutions', said he had received over 70 enquiries from councils, the NHS, schools, facilities management companies, small and large business owners, suppliers and major manufactures in the UK and Europe. A pilot scheme using the lock is also due to begin in Peterborough to help prevent wheeled bin crime, along with a trial in Kings Lynn.
Mr Thompson said: “I realised that wheelie bin crime is a growing problem and we became more determined to find a solution. Wherever we have taken our prototype, we've received the most amazing positive response. We've already applied for the patent and I'm getting excited about the potential now”.
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