News in brief

Independence Educational Publishers Ltd has released an educational book on the subject of “The Waste Problem” as part of its Issue series.

The Series of booklets has been published for use on GCSE, A-level and further education courses.

The Waste Problem covers a wide selection of waste management and recycling problems and solutions.

IEP Ltd has split the text into two sections, The Problem of Waste and Tackling Waste. More specific topics looked at include packaging waste, recyclable materials, uses of recycled waste and doorstep recycling.

Eighteen new Issue titles are published a year and previous titles include Self-inflicted Violence, Terrorism and Binge Drinking.

WRAP will be holding a series of seminars in the coming months on its local communications campaign to promote domestic recycling and waste minimisation.

The seminars will be looking at the different funding options available for local authorities, the organisation will be targeting waste managers responsible for waste strategies through to 2008.

Chief executive of the Waste and Resources Action Programme, Jennie Price, and Gareth Lloyd, the organisation's director of communications and awareness will be giving presentations.

The seminars will take place in February and March in Birmingham, Chelsea and Manchester. More information can be obtained by visiting WRAP's website .

The Environment Agency has moved to remind businesses that they face up to five years in prison or a 50,000 fine if they burn waste.

Burning waste is an illegal activity, which the Agency regularly prosecutes over, it will always seek the highest possible fines when doing so.

The Environment Agency's Alys Evans said: “Waste bonfires pollute the air that we breathe and can lead to serious pollution of ground and water.

“And if the Fire Brigade has to be called out to put out illegal bonfires when they could be doing more important jobs such as dealing with house fires, then there's a cost to us all, both in terms of the lives endangered and the waste of funds,” she added.

Waste management company Hippowaste has launched a new approach to collecting recyclable trade and garden waste from households.

According to the company, its Hippobag is an “exceptionally strong” polythene bag, which can hold up to one and a half tonnes of waste.

Hippowaste managing director James Bennet and Chairman Steven Noar launch the new Hippobag

Once full, the bag and its contents are collected and sorted by Hippowaste, with up to 80% of the collected materials going for recycling.

Hippowaste managing director, James Bennett, said: “Busy lifestyles, an increased appeal in home and garden interests and a keen awareness of environmental responsibilities are all addressed by the Hippobag and collection and disposal service which offers a convenient, integrated, simple solution.”

Hippo waste was one of the newcomers at last year's Waste World Cup. Drawn in group D with eventual quarter-finalists Cleanaway the side could only manage one point, but finished above Valpak on goal difference.