News in Brief

Number of plants to achieve PAS110 grows

The BCS was created for to certify biogas plants in England, Wales and Northern Ireland against the PAS110 and Quality Protocol for the production and use of Quality Outputs from the anaerobic digestion of source-separated biodegradable waste. Facilities certified under the scheme include Agriverts Cassington plant; GWE Biogas plant in Driffield; and, FernbrookBios Kettering facility.

Commenting on the figures, the Renewable Energy Association, which runs the scheme, said: It has been great to see these plants become certified. A number of them experienced some difficulties but have managed to satisfy the requirements of the standards. Some of the issues raised have been brought to the attention of the Environment Agency and WRAP and they are gathering evidence before making any changes to the respective standards – ADQP and PAS110.

WRAP commits to partnership with IESE

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has partnered with Improvement and Efficiency South East (iESE) to offer support and advice to local government in England.

The organisations said they intend to deliver a support programme to local authorities that make the best use of the resources available to them.

A statement issued by WRAP said: Like many other organisations at the present time we have recognised the need to develop closer working with key partners to ensure that collectively we make the best use of our resources and play to our respective strengths in delivering support to local government.

We will endeavor to support local authorities with independent information and advice, thereby enabling them to make the best decisions for their residents and their areas.

Dramatic increase in Sandwells recycling rate

The recycling rate in Sandwell in the West Midlands has seen a dramatic increase over the last twelve months with over half (53%) of all domestic waste collected between April and June 2012 sent for re-use, recycling or composting.

According to the latest figures from the council, this represents a 14 percentage point increase on the same period in 2011 when only 39% of waste was recycled. The increase follows the appointment of waste contractor Serco in November 2010.

The council explained that before Serco took over the service, only half of the borough had access to kerbside recycling. Between September 2011 and February 2012 Serco rolled out the service to all homes with kerbside access, as well as introducing food waste and garden waste collections.

Commenting on the improvement, Councillor Darren Cooper, leader of Sandwell council, said: Breaking through the 50% recycling barrier is a major achievement for Sandwell. Not only is this excellent from an environmental perspective, but it also means the taxpayer in Sandwell is saving money as were avoiding millions of pounds in landfill taxes and fees.

Tradebe expands UK clinical waste services

Waste management company Tradebe has purchased Bristol-based firm Ecowaste Southwest, for an undisclosed sum, in a bid to broaden its UK clinical waste services.

Ecowaste, based at Avonmouth, provides clinical waste collection services throughout the south west of England. The company, purchased from Leeds-based clinical waste management company SRCL, has an annual turnover of 2 million and employs 16 people. Tradebe Healthcare, which provides services to the NHS and pharmaceutical organisations, is licensed to handle over 18,000 tonnes of healthcare waste every year.

Commenting on the purchase Alex Gazulla, Tradebes UK chief executive, said: We are delighted to complete this acquisition as it complements our existing healthcare business.

Government support vital for plastic packaging target

Strong government support is vital if the UK is to meet the revised 57% plastic packaging recycling target by 2017, according to Axion Consulting.

The consultancy explained that government support would help to boost investor confidence in the waste to resource sector which is needed to develop the infrastructure to process the additional tonnages needed under the targets (see letsrecycle.com story).

Keith Freegard, Axion director, said: The UK infrastructure is adapting to deal with the greater mix of plastic types from householders, but what is needed is a solid and well-thought out growth plan across the whole waste packaging supply chain to maintain this positive momentum.

The comments came after the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) published its guide for local authorities on collecting and recycling rigid plastics (see letsrecycle.com story).