News in Brief

Glasgow shopping centre achieves zero waste to landfill

A shopping centre in Glasgow has boosted its recycling rate from 9 % to 97% under a new contract with Shanks.

The Silverburn shopping centre, which has more than 130 retail stores, is also sending no waste to landfill.

Before Shanks had the contract, only glass and cardboard were recycled 9% of the total waste from Silverburn Shopping Centre resulting in expensive landfill costs. Now, Shanks saves over 50% of these costs as well as significantly reducing Silverburns environmental impact.

All general waste is now processed at Shanks facility at Blochairn, Glasgow, and organic waste is treated at Shanks anaerobic digestion plant at Cumbernauld, where it is converted into biogas for renewable energy generation. The remaining 3% of unrecyclable waste is sent for energy recovery.

John McPherson, director for Scotland at GBM Support Services, which manages the contract, said: We chose Shanks because of its focus on sustainable waste management, knowing that they would ensure as much waste as possible is diverted from landfill and instead treated like the valuable resource that it is.

FCC Environment wins DS Smith contract

Recycling and renewable energy business FCC environment has been awarded a contract by DS Smith Recycling to collect and treat residual waste from 150 businesses across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

DS Smith already provides the businesses with recycling service and is introducing the the residual waste collection service for non-recyclables waste. The contract will see 2,000 tonnes of residual waste per annum being collected and treated at FCC Environments energy from waste (EfW) facility at Eastcroft, in Nottingham.

FCC Environment incorporates the former waste management company WRG and waste collection firm Focsa.

FCC Environments commercial and industrial director, Paul Burnell, said: This contract recognises FCC Environments commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes to recycle more and generate energy from what cannot be recycled. It shows the progress weve already made in developing appropriate collection and treatment capabilities.

DS Smith Recyclings national commercial manager, Tim Price, said: We are committed to helping our customers implement sustainable waste management practices. We are confident that FCC Environment offers the capabilities, both in terms of collection and treatment, to support our customers landfill diversion ambitions.

Calderdale introduces bulky waste charge

Calderdale council has agreed to introduce a 10 charge for the collection of bulky waste from October 1 2012.

A report looking at the bulky waste collection services of 35 other metropolitan councils found that 28 already charged for the collection of bulky waste. Calderdale is one of just two authorities with no restrictions currently in place.

The service is currently in use by 8% of households in the borough and costs the council around 500,000 per annum.

Councillor Barry Collins, Calderdales cabinet member for economy and environment, said: Given the current economic circumstances we have to carefully examine all of our service provision. By introducing this modest charge we can save nearly 300,000 for the taxpayer and still deliver an efficient, well regarded service.

Mark Thompson, head of housing and environment, added: The bulky waste service is part of a wider waste collection service which has seen recycling increase from 26% three years ago to 44% now. Reuse and recycling of materials can help keep down the need to use bulky waste services.

M&S launches 100% recycled glass vase

M&S has launched a 100% recycled glass vase to allow customers to see what can be achieved by recycling glass bottles, as part of its commitment to become the worlds most sustainable retailer by 2015.

According to M&S, the process of making the vase uses less energy than making standard glass products and has a number of other environmental benefits. For instance, the energy saved by recycling one glass bottle is enough to power a 100W light bulb for 4 hours. Glass products can also be recycled repeatedly without any loss of quality, meaning that the vase itself can be disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way.

M&S packaging specialist Laura Fernandez said: Were delighted to offer our customers the chance to be part of a big environmental achievement. This is the first time a vase made of 100% recycled materials has been available on the high street and is a taste of things to come as we continually look for innovative ways to offering shoppers more eco-friendly products.

Norfolk Council launches new online map

Norfolk county council has launched a new interactive online map, in order to help residents find their nearest recycling facility. This map allows people to search for places to recycle their waste by location ie by entering their postcode or by the type of facility.

The map shows 153 recycling centres in Norfolk, along with 832 recycling points and 128 charity shops. It also explains what types of waste each site can take.

Bill Borrett, cabinet member for environment and waste at Norfolk county council, said: When it comes to recycling, Norfolk is leading the way, with over 1000 waste facilities, making it one of the largest recycling networks in the country; I am really pleased that anyone can now find their nearest site with the click of a button.

He added People are more likely to recycle if its convenient to do it. That means higher recycling rates and less waste going to landfill and this new web-based map will help Norfolk achieve that.