Carpet Recycling UK pledges to step up efforts
The body, which is comprised of carpet manufacturers, producers and recyclers, outlined an ambition to cut the waste sent to landfill in the sector in July 2010 (see letsrecycle.com story). And, Carpet Recycling UK has this month announced a “renewed focus” among its manufacturing members to increase the number of outlets for carpet recycling in the UK from 16 to 30, as well as increasing the uptake of carpet recycling generally. The trade body intends to deliver a full programme of work over the coming months targeting increased awareness about carpet recycling. This includes regional networking meetings, entrepreneur events, trials and Government lobbying for a more favourable recycling environment.
Jane Gardner, coordinator for Carpet Recycling UK, said: “Increased effort by the UK carpet sector to boost recycling rates reflects its commitment to tackling this waste stream and its environmental impact. By taking positive action and working together to divert carpet waste from landfill, carpet manufacturers and their supply chain are demonstrating a real desire to recover a largely-ignored, yet recyclable material.”
Minister launches Northern Irish food waste website
Launched at the EcoShow Live event at King's Hall in Belfast, Mr Poots teamed with BBC Radio Ulster's Paula McIntyre to cook up a sausage risotto from one of the 170 recipes on the ‘Love Food, Hate Waste' website. Following the cookery demonstration, Mr Poots had the opportunity to tour the show including a visit to his department's interactive Rethink Waste stand which displayed further Reduce, Reuse, Recycle tips to help save money and the environment.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Poots said: “I find it staggering that in the UK people throw away 8.3 million tonnes of food and drink every year and less than a fifth of this is truly unavoidable. This costs the average family £680 a year which equates to £50 per month.”
Restaurant report reveals extent of food waste
A study into food waste generated at restaurants has revealed 65% of food waste is generated in the food preparation stage, according to trade body the Sustainable Restaurant Association.
The study was carried out over July and August 2010 at restaurants of 10 members of the Sustainable Restaurant Association (SRA), which commissioned the research. It found that the average food waste per diner was 4.8kg, with 65% generated in preparation, 30% wasted by customers and 5% of material being unusable or out-of-date. In a bid to combat this, the SRA claims that if restaurants could cut their food waste by 20% they could potentially save four tonnes of waste per year – saving up to £1,700 on waste collection costs.
A spokesman for the SRA said: “When restaurants consider that they're effectively paying twice for the food they serve – once for purchasing it and again when paying to have it taken a way for waste – reducing food waste becomes a no brainer for helping the planet and profits.”
WRG wins award for Wrexham waste PFI
The Northampton-based firm and the North Wales local authority were recognised under the scheme run by the Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA), which is part funded by the Welsh Assembly Government. The awards are supported through sponsorship, including Risk Management Partners (RMP) and PricewaterhouseCoopers. Special praise was reserved for the Bryn Lane recycling facility, which was developed under the 25-year contract between the two parties, as well as refurbishment work undertaken at the Brymbo and Plas Madoc household waste and recycling centres.
Commenting on the award, Steve Thomas, chief executive of the WLGA, said: “Councils are facing unprecedented challenges in the current economic climate. However, today's awards are a recognition of the commitment, effort and innovation of council staff and their partners in delivering truly remarkable services to the communities of Wales.”
MWDA urges residents to comment on waste plans
The Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority (MWDA) is calling on residents to comment on its long-term waste plans with the interactive consultation entitled ‘Don't Waste Your Say'.
The MWDA in partnership with the five local authorities – Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens, Sefton, and Wirral council – is conducting a review of the Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy for Merseyside (JMWMS) to identify the best ways forward in delivering sustainable waste management for residents over the next 20 years. The consultation coincides with a five-year commitment to review the strategy, which was first published in 2005. The consultation starts with direct face-to-face engagement with a representative sample of 3,000 residents and is scheduled to last for four weeks from October 12.
Carl Beer, director of the MWDA, said: “It's vital that our plans for waste management in Merseyside are appropriate to the challenges ahead but provide waste management services of a high quality that offer good value for money and take account of the environmental, economic and social benefits of waste management activities.”
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