Chinese ports congested after scrap investigation
The Bureau of International Recycling said last week that the Chinese government suspects that some traders have been avoiding duties and tariffs by falsely declaring the value or metallic content of scrap. Anti-smuggling agents have visited Chinese scrap yards and have also requested information from some foreign companies.
As a result of these investigations, port congestion has occurred and BIR members report that buyers have been unable to clear customs properly. BIR said it was attempting to find out more concerning the investigation, that it will monitor the situation and keep members informed.
Poole firm to trial anaerobic digestion
The facility will take a mixture of source segregated and residual waste from Bournemouth borough council and Kent county council, amongst others.
Peter Gillatt, managing director at New Earth, “Our main objective is to be energy self sufficient and while using clean and safe renewable electricity, reduce our exposure to increasing energy costs and reliance on outside suppliers as far as possible. The recent Energy white paper and renewable energy subsidy programme has given us a significant cost saving opportunity and the chance to harness an emergent and sustainable technology.”
Lewisham launches garden waste scheme
The London borough of Lewisham has begun garden waste collections within five areas, for a trial period of four months.
The aim of the trials is to try and boost green waste composting in the area and all the residents involved have been provided with a brown bin. The new bins will be emptied on the same day as existing refuse and recycling collections.
Lewisham's cabinet member for customer services, Councillor Susan Wise, said: “This pilot project will help to reduce the amount of space garden waste takes up in an ordinary bin and ensures that the waste is disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.”
Savings for university using onsite composter
Each Rocket processes 600 litres of food waste per week in a small in-vessel composter and can be located on-site at the University. In February the University installed its first Rocket into one of its
catering facilities to help combat odour and vermin problems, as a result of food waste being left in skips in between collections.
Graeme Holland, facilities manager at the University said: “Previously we would be paying for the collection of food waste and buying in compost for our own landscaping needs. Now all food waste is safely treated on-site, cutting our waste collection costs and we are saving money on buying in compost due to the excellent product the Rocket produces.”
New recycling containers for Swale
This summer, Swale borough council is introducing recycling bins to 45,000 properties in the local area to allow residents to recycle a wider range of materials.
The 240 litre blue wheeled bin containers, manufactured by Straight plc, are for paper, cardboard, cans and plastics with glass collected separately in a black inner caddy.
Alan Turner, cleansing services manager for Swale borough council, said: “The Caddy is perfect as it allows us to separate glass from the other materials. It takes up less space on the kerbside and as all recyclables will be collected on the same day it reduces the environmental and financial impacts”
Register for free to comment