News in Brief

The scheme will help businesses set up and promote drinks can recycling and is also supported by the Scottish governments delivery partner, Zero Waste Scotland, and drinks manufacturer A.G. Barr.

The organisations have come together to improve recycling in the workplace ahead of new Waste (Scotland) Regulations which come into force in January 2014, which will require businesses to separate different materials for recycling.

Waste-themed advent calendar launched

Every day throughout advent there will be a new helpful hint about reducing waste this Christmas; or a mind-boggling fact about just how much people us and and throw away throughout the festive period.

Kevin Parker, regional communications manager for Veolia ES, said: Our online advent calendar is a great way to be both greener and healthier this Christmas. You can watch your waste-line by learning a new fact or tip about Christmas waste reduction every day; and as there is no chocolate to be tempted by, you can watch your waistline too!

The green advent calendar was launched on Saturday (December 1). the first day of advent, at http://www.veoliaenvironmentalservicesadventcalendar.co.uk/.

DC Waste Management and Carpet Recycling UK have launched a new collection scheme for carpet fitting waste from retailers in Yorkshire.

The joint scheme will supply bulk bags to retailers for carpet fitting waste. It is estimated that around 15,000 tonnes of clean identifiable carpet waste is going to UK landfill every year.

Meanwhile flooring manufacturer Forbo Flooring Systems has also launched its Back to the Floor recycling scheme for off-cuts of its products.

The scheme is part of the firms drive to reduce its environmental impact by 25% by the end of 2015 and will see smooth vinyl, cushioned vinyl, Marmoleum and Flotex installation off-cuts being recycling back into Forbo products.

It will offer the company significant cost savings, cut down on flooring waste sent to landfill and complies with site waste management legislation.

Carpet Recycling UK director Laurence Bird commented: Installation off-cuts can mount up to a sizeable amount of waste that has to be disposed of. Rather than incur ever-increasing landfill costs, a far better alternative is to send them for recycling.

Computer recycling firm receives accolade

Computer recycling specialist, XPO IT Services, has been given the ISO 14001 certificate in recognition of the firms recycling and waste reduction efforts.

XPO IT services recognised for recycling efforts

The Midlands-based companys recycling plant in Shropshire is capable of shredding whole sections of computer equipment and securely crushing hard-drives and other media.

The UK companys clients include schools, colleges, large and small businesses, the NHS and several local government organisations.

Ross Talbot, business development executive at the firm, said: We are delighted to have gained our ISO 14001 registration as this builds on our existing ISO accreditations and clearly illustrates the importance we place in being environmentally responsible in our everyday business practices.

Not-for-profit recycling firm to expand workforce

Not-for-profit recycling firm U Can Recyclinghas said it expectsto double its workforce and expand its presence around its base in Leeds.

U Can Recycling’s Rob Seal and his team

The computer and IT waste recycling centrehopes totake on another ten staff in 2013 and says it is on course to quadruple its turnover from the previous year.

The company was launched two years ago to provide jobs for the long-term unemployed and younger people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs).

Founder and director owner Rob Seal said: Our aim is to become the largest and most ethical IT recycling company in Yorkshire, and I believe we are making positive steps to achieving this goal. In light of impending landfill diversion targets and the need to improve the UKs environmental agenda, our nation is increasingly embracing the reduce, reuse, recycle philosophy. U Cans specialist WEEE and metal recycling expertise upholds the principles of this approach which we fully support and indeed are leading on in our region.