News in Brief

Operators of the Thornhaugh landfill site near Peterborough have been ordered to pay over 87,000 in fines and costs regarding activities in 2004 and 2005.

Atlantic Waste (Thornhaugh) Ltd was fined 32,500 for accepting too much waste at the landfill in 2004 – 83% more than allowed in its licence – and for failing to submit annual returns. Augean South was fined 15,000 relating to “unacceptable” attempts to rectify the over-filling of the landfill after it acquired the site in December 2004. A legal bill of 39,859 was split between the companies.

After the hearing Environment Agency manager John Sweeney said: “I hope this prosecution sends a message to all operators of landfill sites that they must ensure they comply with the conditions of their permits and respect the wishes of the communities in which they are located.”

Southwark resident Will Grant was the first in the borough to win 1,000 for recycling

Recycling prize for Southwark resident

The London borough of Southwark has awarded its first 1,000 prize in a new monthly recycling prize draw, to resident Will Grant.

The “Tag It to Bag It” scheme sees residents attaching a tag to their recycling box or bag with the address details included. Recycling centre users can also take part in the scheme. The scheme aims to help Southwark increase its 18% recycling rate to meet a 20% target by 2007/08.

Cllr Lisa Rajan, Southwark's executive member for environment and transport, said: “We are trying to make it as easy as possible to recycle in Southwark and have introduced this prize draw as an extra incentive to encourage residents to take part.

Bradford city council has this week opened a new household waste recycling centre at Golden Butts, Ilkley.

The site has received a 600,00 revamp, funded by the council, and now provides facilities for recycling paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, can, garden waste, wood, scrap metal, textiles, shoes, books, waste oil, paint, WEEE, batteries, bricks and rubble.

Bradford has also introduced a new collection system at the site to minimise the amount of lorry journeys going in and out of the site.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, executive member for environment and culture, said: “This new facility means a lot more waste can be recycled and should boost recycling rates even further in Ilkley.”

Hippowaste staff celebrate their double milestone

Hampshire-based waste management firm Hippowaste is celebrating a double milestone, with the firm's 150,000th collection made exactly four years after the company was founded.

Under managing director James Bennett, the Fareham company now employs 70 staff and operates 44 collection vehicles nationwide using the bright yellow “Hippobag” as an alternative to skips.

Mr Bennett said: “There are now literally tens of thousands of people using the Hippobag regularly and enjoying the benefits. This new milestone shows that there is clearly a demand for a convenient waste solution for hectic lifestyles that addresses the increased interest in environmental issues.”

Cambridgeshire continues to lead the way in recycling from all age groups, with one group of pupils achieving a recycling rate of 80% at their school.

The Fordham Church primary school has been attempting to recycle as much of their everyday waste as possible – including shredded paper, organic waste, cardboard, plastic bottles, mobile phones, ink cartridges and clothes.

As well as their curriculum led activities, each class has selected “Eco Warriors”, who have set up an environment group.

Martyn Stacey, recycling officer at East Cambridgeshire district council, said: “The work of the school children has been staggering and they have shown a real willingness to get involved with the project.”