EU announces it has banned export of plastic waste to non OECD countries
The European Union announced it has signed a deal aimed at curbing the export of plastic waste to non-OECD countries.
Under the new rules, the export of plastic waste from the EU to non-OECD nations will be strictly prohibited. Exceptions will only be granted to countries meeting stringent environmental criteria, five years after the legislation’s implementation.
Additionally, the legislation addresses the export of other recyclable waste, allowing shipments outside the OECD only to countries capable of sustainable management. Internally, streamlined digital procedures will facilitate smoother waste recycling transportation within the EU, accompanied by enhanced measures to combat waste trafficking.
Virginijus Sinkevičius, commissioner for environment, oceans and fisheries said: “The agreement reached today by the two institutions shows our joint commitment to take responsibility of our waste challenges, rather than exporting our problems abroad. Once in force, the new rules will ensure that waste is shipped for use as a resource, increasing the security of supply of raw materials for industry. Businesses and national authorities will benefit from more efficient and digitalised procedures. We will also step up EU’s response against waste trafficking, combating one of the most harmful environmental crimes.”
Recycled sculpture lights up West End
Veolia and New West End Company have designed a new Christmas decoration for Oxford Street. The sculpture Starlight Faerie can be found of Oxford Street and South Molton Street.
The sculpture was designed by artists Julie Beech and Danil Ripnar and is made entirely of recycled materials.
Helder Branco, general manager, Veolia Westminster, said: “We’re thrilled to bring some sparkle to London this Christmas in collaboration with our partners at the New West End Company. In the heart of Westminster where our teams work all year round, this sustainable sculpture will give visitors the chance to donate to a wonderful charity and learn more about how they can help preserve resources.
“To make something beautiful out of items that some people might simply throw away shows the power of ecological transformation and repurposing resources to do good within our communities.”
Mike Brown invited to join the ReLondon Board, in an advisory role
Eunomia has announced Mike Brown has been asked to join the ReLondon board as an advisor.
Mike Brown said; “I’m excited to be appointed as an advisor to the board of ReLondon. This organisation is at the heart of one of the world’s most amazing cities, focusing on circular economy and sustainability. Yet so much more needs to be done to reduce consumption and increase circularity. I hope my decades of experience in this sector will be of use to this important organisation as it tackles these huge issues for London.”
Mike has a whole career in the waste and resource sector, with much of the last 20 years as our managing director, as well as holding a number of non-exec director roles, he is known for his technical literacy and commercial focus.
All of this experience and knowledge will be extremely valuable to the team at ReLondon as they achieve their goals of mobilising London boroughs, businesses and citizens to change their policies, practices and behaviours, to revolutionise the way stuff is used.
Lincolnshire councils advise residents to discard batteries safely
Lincolnshire councils have cautioned residents about the hazards of discarding batteries and electrical items after an incident involving a fire in a bin lorry this week.
During the routine collection of household bins in Newton, near Sleaford, a waste crew from North Kesteven District Council encountered a burning smell emanating from the back of the vehicle on Monday morning (November 13).
Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue attended the scene and determined that the fire originated from a lithium-ion battery placed within a household bin. When subjected to the compaction process of the bin lorry, the battery ignited due to sparks generated, causing the fire.
North Kesteven District Council Waste and Street Scene Manager, Nina Camm, said: “Our very simple plea to customers is not to put any battery, electrical item or vape into any household waste bin, or indeed any waste bin. We have seen here how easily they can cause a fire and I ask you, please do not put the safety of our crews at risk.”
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