Welsh waste measure receives Royal Assent
The proposed Measure, which also grants Welsh ministers the power to introduce landfill bans and enforce charges for single-use carrier bags to environmental projects, was agreed by the Welsh Assembly Government last month (see letsrecycle.com story). Statutory targets are already in place for diverting biodegradable waste – such as food waste – away from landfill. However, under the Waste (Wales) Measure, every local authority in Wales must meet a 52% recycling target in 2012-2013, rising gradually to 70% by 2025- making it the first UK country to adopt such a measure.
The Welsh Assembly Government is currently consulting on the definitions of recycling, preparation for re-use and composting; the monitoring arrangements and the financial penalties for not meeting statutory targets (see letsrecycle.com story).
Juniper founder appointed to Viridor board
The appointment of Mr Schwager aims to call upon his experience in the sector as founder and managing director of waste management consultancy Juniper Consultancy Services, from which he has recently retired. The company was formed by Mr Schwager in 1991 with a focus on analysing technologies and market trends, as well as proffering advice on waste management contracts and options. Prior to this role, Mr Schwager held a number of senior executive positions over a period of 10 years with glass and ceramics specialists Corning Incorporated.
Commenting on his appointment, Colin Drummond, chief executive of Viridor, said: “Joe has a wealth of relevant experience, especially in areas of key importance to Viridor's continued growth. We look forward to working with him.”
Fresh postponement for WEEE Directive recast vote
A European Parliament vote on a recast of the WEEE Directive which was scheduled to take place at a plenary session of the Parliament this week (December 13) is now not expected until February 2 2011.
The vote is the next stage, under the European legislative process, for the recast, which could see the UK have to meet significantly higher collection rates for waste electrical and electronic equipment, as well as a range of other changes for the producer responsibility-led recycling system, including separate targets for reuse.
At this point last year, it was hoped that the recast Directive could be agreed by the end of 2010 (see letsrecycle.com story), but the latest timetable change comes after earlier indicative dates for the vote to take place in May 2010, November 2010 and this week were also missed. After passing through the Parliament, are set to reach the European environment council for the first time (see letsrecycle.com story).
Poots dishes out £980,000 in Rethink Waste funding
To date, a total of 23 applications have been submitted through Round Two of the scheme, which intends to allocate a total of £5.13 million to reuse and recycling project in the country (see letsrecycle.com story). The applications are currently being assessed and 10 have been approved so far. Details of further successful applications will be provided in the near future subject to information being supplied by those councils applying for the fund. It is estimated that the 10 successful projects will divert 6,500 tonnes per annum from landfill through recycling, re-use and home composting.
Speaking at the announcement, Mr Poots said: “Twenty three applications have been submitted through Round 2 of the Rethink Waste Fund and 10 recipients have so far been successful because they have identified that their schemes will divert waste from landfill and ultimately save ratepayers money. This is not only good for the economy but has tremendous environmental benefits.”
Brewing industry unveils waste reduction and recycling goals
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) – the brewery sector trade body – has identified a need to reduce waste to landfill and committed to cutting packaging weight as part of its wider sustainability ambitions.
In its ‘Brewing Green' document, the BBPA praises efforts undertaken by members of the association to cut waste and reduce packaging weight to date but said that it is “striving” to achieve an even greater level of sustainability through measures such as the Courtauld Commitment. The BBPA said that it will look for “environmental gains” around the brewing supply chain and has worked with both the government and WRAP to help reduce unnecessary waste.
Furthermore, the BBPA states: “With the assistance of WRAP, UK brewing companies have made substantial reductions in the weight of their bottles and cans. Known as ‘lightweighting', most major UK brewers have now gone through initiatives that have dramatically reduced the amount of packaging they are using in their products.”
Leicestershire opens £1m Mountsorrel recycling centre
The recycling and household waste site, on the edge of Mountsorrel, was built by G F Tomlinson, under contract from the county council, and will replace what the county council calls an “out-dated” and “cramped” facility in Sileby. In addition to a new layout, increased parking and easy-to-access containers, the county council has increased the range of materials that residents can recycle. These now include items such as cooking oil, Tetra Paks, batteries and yoghurt pots, as well as allowing them to dispose of household waste. The centre, which is one of 14 operated by the local authority, is located at an industrial estate on Granite Way, just off the A6.
Cllr Tony Kershaw, county council cabinet member for waste management, said: “We are making it easier for residents by replacing an old-fashioned site with a state-of-the-art facility offering excellent access. We're opening in time for Christmas – so everyone can make use of the new site during the festive clearouts. Reducing the amount of rubbish sent to landfill is a top priority. Leicestershire is already the top county partnership for recycling but we're keen to increase this further.”
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