News in brief

ENER-G to provide landfill gas technology at Seneca sites

The facilities could be operational by March 2013 and will generate up to 3.8 megawatts of electricity to power up to 3800 homes, according to ENER-G.

ENER-G will work on three renewable energy facilities at Seneca Global Energy’s landfill sites at Blaydon, near Newcastle; Longhill, Hartlepool; and Gilberdyke, Hull.

The process will convert methane rich landfill gas into renewable electricity to export to the National Grid.

Neil Elliott of Seneca Global Energy said: This is a safe and proven world class method for converting landfill gas into green energy and we are proud to partner with ENER-G, which is a global leader in landfill gas management. This is the best available technology for controlling methane gas emissions and turning a greenhouse gas into renewable energy that can supply affordable clean energy while meeting the UK’s climate change targets.

Hugh Richmond, managing director of ENER-G Natural Power added: We are delighted to work with Seneca Global Energy to help them realise the full renewable energy potential of landfill gas. The projects will be funded by ENER-G, including operation and maintenance.

Hampshire firm to manage Scanias waste in UK

Hampshire-based Specialist Waste Recycling Ltd (SWR) has been appointed by Swedish truck manufacturer Scania GB to manage all dry waste at the 45 Scania-owned service centres across the UK.

According to SWR, its services have already resulted in a significant increase in recycling as well as cost savings of over 10% at Scania.

General manager at SWR, Richard Brown, said: We understand the issues faced by motor dealer groups and we currently work with most of the UKs major car manufacturers, including Scanias parent company Volkswagen AG to whom we are the only preferred waste management company. Having achieved excellent results with VWG in recent years, we were confident that we could develop a sound waste plan for Scania.

David Ballard, purchaser at Scania, said: Despite little advancement in our recycling in recent years we are confident that we can now move forward with SWR on board. We look forward to working with SWR to help us deliver 85% landfill avoidance in the first half of 2013.

Merseyside waste prevention projects receive 26,000

Funding worth 26,000 has been made available to local community groups by the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) to help promote waste reduction and prevention work.

The money will be shared by 10 groups and schools for projects that will support, among other things, childrens toys and furniture recycling; the introduction of school compost and recycling; the development of urban community gardens; the testing of old electrical items for re-use; and waste education sessions in schools.

The funding is part of the 60,000 Community Fund supported by MRWAs waste and recycling contractor Veolia Environmental Services. Further funding is currently available for school applications until March on the MRWA website.

Joe DeAsha, chairperson of MRWA, said: Weve awarded this money to a wide variety of projects. From introducing recycling bins into schools, re-using pre-loved childrens toys and furniture, to delivering practical waste prevention advice and classes on smarter shopping, sewing and clothes repair. The Community Fund is about educating, encouraging and engaging with Merseyside residents so ultimately well see a drop in waste levels.

Free compost bin encourages Manchester food recycling

A free community compost bin has been given to the Northern Quarter Greening Group (NQGG), a central Manchester-based voluntary organisation made up of local residents and businesses, to help increase food waste recycling in the area.

The bin has been provided by the Recycle for Greater Manchester campaign and waste management firm Straight PLC. It is situated beside flowers, plants and grow boxes just off Hilton Street on the edge of Dale Street car park.

Local businesses such as North Tea Power, North Star Deli and Home Sweet Home will all be using the compost bin to recycle their organic waste such as coffee grinds and tea bags.

Aaron Cornish, NQGG member, said: In a years time the compost will be ready to be used back on the Grow Boxes and planters, saving money and helping the environment. Its the generosity of the local residents, businesses and organisations such as Recycle for Greater Manchester that makes this project so successful in making the Northern Quarter a better place to live.

Recycle for Greater Manchester is a partnership campaign between waste management firm Viridor Laing Greater Manchester Limited (VLGM) and the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority (GMWDA).

Tina Harding, from Recycle for Greater Manchester said: Its great to be able to support a local project, providing the compost bin is a small action that can help to make a big difference.

Waste firm provides unwanted book banks in Kingston

Book banks for local residents to put unwanted literature have been set up in the London borough of Kingston with support from council waste contractor Veolia Environmental Services.

Any books donated to the banks will be sent by charity READ International to Tanzania in Africa to help children and secondary schools. Any books unsuitable for Tanzanian pupils are either sold online to raise money for the charity, given to other charities or recycled.

The book banks have been set up in Kingston at the Hook Centre, the Villiers Road Household Reuse and Recycling Centre and outside Boots in Kingston town centre.

Patricia Bamford, children and young person councillor at Kingston council, said: Its a wonderful idea. Were privileged to have a well-resourced education system and Im sure borough schools and others will want to share some of our resources and learning with people less fortunate than us.

Sharon Hartley, councillor for sustainability at Kingston, said: Kingston people are great recyclers and I cant think of any better use for our unwanted books. Its fantastic that Veolia is supporting this scheme, and I encourage people to use the book banks and help to make a real difference to the lives of children in Tanzania.”