News in Brief

A survey from the Environment Agency has revealed that a third of farmers are unaware of forthcoming regulations restricting disposal methods for farm waste.

New regulations to be introduced this year mean farmers will no longer be able to use uncontrolled burning or burying to dispose of their waste (see letsrecycle.com story). The survey of 800 farmers in England and Wales found that 71% of farmers knew only &#39a; little' or 'not much' about the implications of the new regulations.

Statistics show that about 240,000 agricultural holdings in the UK produce about 500,000 tonnes of non-natural wastes a year. The new regulations, bringing the sector in line with other industries under the Waste Framework Directive, could cost farmers 50 million.

Barbara Young, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said: “Farmers should start thinking now about how to reduce waste and change disposal practices if they are to avoid unnecessary expense once the rules come into force.”

The Environment Agency published guidance this month as well as advice for the agricultural sector about reducing, re-using and recycling waste.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has launched a voluntary code of conduct for builders aimed at reducing the amount of waste material they produce.

The code provides guidance that includes a checklist of key topics for consideration and data sheets listing different materials and how they should be disposed.

It is estimated that the code could save the construction industry 100 million a year in disposal costs. Each year the industry produces around 92 million tonnes of waste, including around 13 million tonnes of unused materials.

DTI research concludes that using the guidance could help the construction industry save around 20% of its materials and is hoping at least half of the UK's top 2,000 builders will sign up.

Textile recycler TRAID is to supply customised second hand clothes to trendy high street retailer Urban Outfitters.

Under a new partnership, Urban Outfitters stores in London, Dublin and Glasgow will now stock an exclusive range of womenswear from Textile Recycling for Aid and International Development's TRAID REMADE label.

Maria Chenoweth, chief executive of TRAID, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with such an established high street name that fits TRAID's brand perfectly. This partnership also demonstrates our mission to promote innovation in recycling and trough this raise funds for creative projects overseas which benefit children and young people.”

TRAID REMADE clothes come from items donated to around 650 TRAID recycling banks in South East England, the Midlands and Manchester. The clothes are then modified into individualised items by young designers which are already sold in TRAID's stores in Brighton and London.

Projects supported by TRAID include providing education, health and an emergency aid to developing countries.