News in Brief

Demand has rocketed for Oxford city's new green recycling boxes

Oxford city council will deliver green recycling boxes to 1,000 residents ahead of schedule following a “hugely encouraging” response to recycling publicity leaflets.

The council received than 3,000 requests for boxes for paper, glass and textiles after deciding to switch to alternate weekly collections of recycling and residual waste. Oxford hopes new service will “at least double” the city's recycling rate by 2007/08 (see letsrecycle.com story).

Cllr Jean Fooks, executive member for a cleaner city, said: “To have an extra 3,000 green recycling boxes in the system will make a difference to the amount of material that is recycled. It's a hugely encouraging response to our new service.”

Bolton council is hoping to make “massive cost savings” after introducing specially weighted paper collection sacks to stop the material blowing away.

The woven plastic sacks, which have rubber weights made from recycled tyres stitched to their bases, were rolled out to 1,160 properties in the Ladybridge area last week. If they are a success, the design could be rolled out across the rest of the borough.

Elaine Sherrington, Bolton council's executive member for recycling and waste management, said: “This initiative highlights the council's commitment to environmentally friendly issues and to making savings on cost. I believe the Ladybridge trial will be successful.”

Jonathan Straight

Straight wins award

The chief executive of recycling container supplier Straight plc has won the National Entrepreneur of the Year Award for quoted companies.

Jonathan Straight, who founded the Leeds-based firm in 1993, was recognised for his “innovative approach” to business at the Ernst and Young awards in London. He was entered into the national competition after winning the north region category in July.

Rt. Hon. Lord Young, chairman of the judges’ panel said “Jonathan is a creative business leader who foresaw growth in his sector, took an unpaid job in order to learn about his industry and is now a market leader.”

Southampton-based waste management firm Cleansing Service Group (CSG) has taken over fellow waste firm Lloyds Environmental.

Lloyds Environmental, which will now operate under the name CSG Lloyds Environmental, has depots in Sussex and Kent and expertise in a wide range of environmental services. CSG operates from 14 locations across the UK running dry and liquid waste management services.

Ken Pee, chairman of CSG Ltd, said: “The acquisition will enhance the activities of Lloyds Environmental by providing additional service locations throughout the existing operating area and by assisting with new and additional specialised equipment. Both companies pride themselves as being environmental solution providers.”

The new 24t Doosan Daewoo loader is helping to increase recycling rates at Smiths

New loader for Smiths

The waste management division of Gloucester-based waste firm Smiths has taken delivery of a new materials handling vehicle.

Supplied by local dealer Kellands Plant Sales of Bridgewater in Somerset, the new Doosan Daewoo 24 tonne Solar 210WV machine is being used to load materials into the company's new dual-line processing plant at the Moreton Valence site.

It is helping to handle around 500 tonnes of construction, industrial and commercial waste every day.