Recoup launches data collection initiative
Recoup has launched an initiative called “The Litter Composition and Pathways Project” to promote data collection within the waste sector.
The primary objective of this project is to examine, challenge, and provide insights into litter composition. Recoup’s aims with this project to establish a standardised methodology for the systematic collection and analysis of litter, which will then undergo peer review to ensure the accuracy of the data.
Recoup believes the necessity for more “litter data has reached a critical juncture, crucial for shaping informed choices and crafting impactful environmental policies”. Proposed reforms aimed at reducing litter rely heavily on accurate data sets. It states that an “understanding of litter composition is essential to assess the impact of these reforms and determine the most effective strategies for curbing litter pollution.”
However, according to Recoup ongoing litter studies frequently grapple with limitations in their data collection methodologies, leading to inconsistencies and compromised reliability as they are often based on “citizen science” which while valuable isn’t always accurate.
Skipway commissions trommel fines plant
Northern Irish company Skipway Waste Management has said it has commissioned a trommel fines plant.
The plant was designed and engineered by CDE and the new 50 tonnes per hour plant is situated at Skipway’s site outside Lisburn, County Antrim. The company says it is the only plant of its kind in Northern Ireland.
Through the washing process, the plant removes the lightweight and organic material directly to “transform the largest proportion of the trommel fines waste stream into sellable products for the construction market”.
Yorwaste launches reCYCLING campaign
Yorwaste, which is jointly owned by North Yorkshire and City of York councils has launched a campaign encouraging people to donate old and unused bikes.
The ‘reCycling’ campaign is taking place throughout August.
Residents can drop bikes off across the companies 22 recycling centres located across Yorkshire.
Some of the bikes once donated will go to the Brownlee Foundation, founded by triathlete brothers Alistair and Jonny Brownlee, where they will be given to schools for children to borrow.
Bikes not given to the Brownlee Foundation could be donated to York Sport or recycled/recovered.
Defra reports ‘material footprint’ data
In a report released today by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), the department said England’s material footprint has undergone a transformation, showing a reduction of 35% compared to its peak in 2004.
According to the Defra report, England’s material footprint for 2020 stood at an estimated 783 million tonnes.
The term ‘material footprint’ refers to the total volume of raw materials extracted to meet the demands of domestic goods and services. This measurement takes into account the resources required for everything from household essentials to public investments.
Of particular interest is the breakdown of the material footprint by sector. The report indicates that the largest contributor to England’s material consumption is attributed to household use, accounting for 47% of the total.
Non-metallic minerals made up over half (55%) of England’s material footprint in 2020 and biomass made up around a quarter (24%).
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