News in brief

Wales continues progress on recycling rate growth

The latest figures covering January to March 2014 show that a recycling rate of 52.7%, up by around 3% from the 49.8% achieved during the same period 12 months earlier.

Although subject to change, the figures do indicate that Wales may have beaten its record dry recycling rate, with dry recycling topping 38.8% during the quarter, compared to its previous best performance of 35.8% during October to December 2011. Meanwhile, composting comprised around 14.9% of the total volume of waste recycled during the period.

Ceredigion proved to be the top performing local authority during the three month period, posting a combined composting and recycling rate of 64.7%, while Denbighshire and Monmouthshire followed closely behind with combined rates of 62.4% and 60.8% respectively.

Rhonda Cynon Taf was Wales lowest performing recycling authority for the quarter, posting a combined recycling rate of 44%.

John Griffiths, Wales’ Minister for Natural Resources, Culture and Sport, said: “Its great to see that Welsh households and local authorities are continuing to increase the amount they recycle and reuse. I want to congratulate them for their efforts.

“We continue to lead the way in the UK for reuse, recycling and composting, and we are making good progress towards our target of 58% recycling by 2016 and 70% recycling by 2025.”

Costain opts not to pursue future waste work

Engineering firm Costain has opted not to pursue future contracts in the waste sector, after finding that its work on the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority PFI deal had led to around 2.6 million in costs during the first half of 2014.

The revelation comes in Costain Groups interim financial results for the first half of 2014 published today (August 21), in which it was revealed that the firms profit had risen by around 8% to 9.1 million compared to the same period during the preceding 12 months.

However, Costains Natural Resources division, which includes its work to design and construct a network of 42 waste facilities on behalf of the GMWDA, saw revenue fall from 199.2 million during the first six months of 2013, to 169.4 million this year.

The Division also made an operating loss on its operations of 2.6 million up to the end of June 2014.

Costain claims that the losses relate to additional costs for the completion of the GMWDA contract, signed in 2007, after design fault had been identified at four of the sites.

The firm claims that as a result of these issues it will not seek to pursue further contracts in the waste sector, and will instead focus on the oil and gas, nuclear process and water markets.

In its document outlining the half-year results to June 30, the company stated: “Design faults have been identified at four sites, including the site that remains to be completed and remedial work and testing is on-going in respect of that site which is expected to be completed in the second half of 2014. Costain is in discussions with relevant contract counterparties and the Groups insurers regarding the issues that have arisen.”

Thousandth CIWM training standard awarded

Tanya Peshkur from the Scottish Environment Technology Network (SETN) has become the 1000th student to successfully complete Chartered Institution of Wastes Managements Waste Smart industry standard training programme.

The course is designed to provide a concise introduction to waste and resources management for those new to or not directly involved in the industry.

In Scotland the course has been adapted to specifically highlight new Waste (Scotland) Regulations which require organisations in Scotland to separate key materials plastic, glass, metals, paper, card, and in most cases food for recycling.

Resource efficiency body Zero Waste Scotland has worked with CIWM to provide funding and support for 12 employees from a range of Scottish organisations in the public, private and third sector to become Approved Waste Smart Course Trainers to enable a wider roll-out of the course across Scotland.

Tricia Williamson, head of training at CIWM said: “Waste Smart is a vital tool for any organisation committed to sustainability and the green agenda. It helps individuals to recognise the part they play in reducing, reusing and recycling the organisations waste.”

Commenting on the receipt of the award, Ms Peshkur said: “Im delighted to be the 1000th person to be issued with a Waste Smart Certificate. I work in the SETN laboratories and the Waste Smart course really helped me relate what I do day-to-day with the real world of waste management. Id recommend it to everyone.”

Leeds firm signs Biffa Poplars organics contract

Organics recycling firm 4Recycling has announced that it has won a five-year contract to remove and recycle centrate from Biffas Poplars anaerobic digestion plant in Cannock.

The AD plant processes up to 120,000 tonnes of food waste per annum. The resultant digestate from the process is further processed in a centrifuge to create a liquid (centrate) and a solid fraction. 4Recycling, the subsidiary of 4R Group, working alongside local contractors and land owners will handle up to 2,000 tonnes per week of this material.

As part of the contract, the Leeds-based company will also be building storage facilities on nearby farms to hold the material so they can be spread on crops at the optimum point in the growing season.

Mike Holt, managing director of 4R Group, commented: “Our relationship with Biffa at Poplars goes back to before the plant was built and weve been able to provide long-term assistance to Biffa as the site has improved throughput volumes. We are establishing similar relationships across England and Wales with other Anaerobic Digestion plant operators. Backed by farmers and contractors local to the plants, we provide cost-effective recycling services supported by our leading technical expert team in the UK.”

4Recycling previously signed a three year contract in July 2011 with Biffa to handle the digestate cake from the facility.