Free planning support for composters
The Rural Development Network, which is offering the service on behalf of RAY, said it will help firms assess how viable applications are before submitting them. Two composters have already used the scheme, launched earlier this month, for applications for an open windrow composting facility and a 10,000-tonne storage facility. Support is available for 10 composters on a first come, first served basis.
Contact Matt Hill on 0113 237 8414 or email matt.hill@recyclingaction-yorkshire.org.uk for details
Matt Hill, RAY's project manager for organics, said: “This is about providing guidance on the likely outcome of a planning application before significant time and money is invested in the process. It's about helping composters to make an informed decision on whether it's worthwhile proceeding, and how they can overcome any potential barriers to gaining planning permission.”
Wood recycler fined £50,000
A Staffordshire-based wood recycling firm has been fined £50,000 after pleading guilty to eight charges relating to failure to comply with conditions specified in its waste management licence.
Arthur Wright & Son Waste Management Services Ltd was also ordered to pay costs of £5,467 at Newcastle-under-Lyme Magistrates' Court on September 18. The court heard there had been several poor inspections at the wood recycling and waste transfer station in Draycott Cross Road, Cheadle, since 2004. This included an incident of fly infestation and wood waste spilling onto a neighbouring property, hindering access from a fire escape.
The Environment Agency brought the case to court and afterwards, officer Kirston Elton, said: “We issue waste management licences authorising the keeping, treatment, or disposal of controlled waste. They ensure that waste management facilities do not pollute the environment, cause harm to human health or serious detriment to local amenities. Arthur Wright & Son Waste Management Services Limited has, over an extended period of time, continually broken the conditions of their Waste Management Licence, which will not be tolerated by the Environment Agency.”
New chief at Waste Watch
Mr Livsey has previous experience in the oil and chemical sector, in education and was a director of resources with a local authority. He said: “Waste Watch has twenty years' experience in working to change the way people use the world's natural resources and I look forward to building on these foundations.”
Waste Watch's trustees chairman Matthew Bennett added: “Ian is an experienced CEO and leader of organisations with a national profile. His scientific background and passion for environmental issues makes him an ideal fit with Waste Watch and I look forward to seeing Waste Watch develop under his leadership.”
Campaign group welcomes Defra research aims
The Campaign for Real Recycling has welcomed Defra's £12.5 million research strategy which will look at the quality of recycling collections (see letsrecycle.com story).
Coordinator Andy Moore said the campaign, which backs more source separation of materials in recycling schemes, would offer “practical support” to Defra's research. He added: ” We congratulate Defra on this new strategy. All the areas mentioned merit study. We are particularly interested in the approach to counting carbon impacts and in collection methods leading to high quality recyclate.”
Mr Moore also said he did not believe high collection costs were offset by environmental benefits following the publication of a recent Welsh Assembly Government study (see letsrecycle.com story). He said he believed that “financial efficiency and material quality result hand in hand from a source-separated approach.”
Angus council gets two new vehicles to cope with increased recycling
Angus council in Scotland has introduced two new 26-tonne vehicles to its fleet to help it collect increasing amounts of recyclables.
A spokesman said: “The vehicles for refuse collection and refuse disposal, are environmentally friendly, meeting the most recent Euro 5 standard for low levels of carbon emissions. They are easier for drivers to handle and air conditioning will give better working environment for operatives.”
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