Essex residents to continue using Hertfordshire recycling centres
Essex county council has announced that thanks to an agreement with Hertfordshire county council, residents in Essex can continue to use certain recycling centres in Hertfordshire.
The council have said residents wishing to use the recycling centres must apply for a digital permit which will be valid at the Bishops Stortford, Hoddesdon, Turnford and Ware sites.
Cllr Peter Schwier, Essex county council’s cabinet member for environment, waste reduction and recycling, said: “The council is committed to minimising the impact on the environment by supporting residents to reduce waste and increase the amounts recycled, so I’m pleased that we have been able to come to an agreement that enables residents from both counties to continue to be able to use a recycling centre that is close to where they live.
“Supporting residents to recycle as much as possible, as easily as they can, is key to our ambition to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Essex by 2050 and helping our communities and natural environment adapt and thrive as the climate changes.
Councils collaborate to introduce dedicated vape collection points
Oxfordshire county council, Cherwell district council, and Oxford city council have collaborated to establish 60 additional recycling collection spots dedicated to vapes across the region.
These collection points will be placed in shopping districts, bars, cafes, and key areas within Oxford, Banbury, Bicester, and Kidlington.
This collaborative initiative also involves the introduction of a new doorstep vape collection service in Cherwell.
Research conducted by Material Focus shows that nearly five million disposable vapes are discarded weekly in the UK.
Cllr Pete Sudbury, Oxfordshire county council’s cabinet member for climate change and environment, said: “Partly because of their environmental impact, we would support a ban on the sale of disposable vapes and encourage reusable vapes where possible. However, while vapes are still being used and thrown away, this project will expand the range of services for residents to safely recycle them.”
Environment Agency charges man for illegally dumping waste
The Environment Agency has announced that a former company director, John Stride of Epping, was sentenced to 120 hours unpaid community service work and was ordered to pay £4,000 costs plus a victim surcharge of £85 at Reading magistrates’ court.
He was charged for illegally dumped around 8 lorry loads, approximately 160 tonnes of waste at Veolia’s site located in Gerrards Cross.
Barry Russell, an environment manager at the Environment Agency, said: “Through our officers’ investigations, this prosecution sends out a strong signal to others that we will continue to fight tirelessly to combat illegal waste crime and bring those responsible to justice.
“We all create waste, and we all have a responsibility to ensure our waste is handled correctly. Businesses and householders also need to do everything possible to ensure that waste doesn’t end up in the hands of operators who break the law by checking the online register Waste carriers, brokers and dealers (data.gov.uk)”
Wales passes new law to increase recycling rate
The Welsh government has announced it is passing a new law to increase the country’s recycling rate.
Starting from 6 April 2024, the Workplace Recycling Regulations will mandate all workplaces within businesses, public sectors, and the third sector in Wales to adopt a practice similar to household recycling.
This entails the segregation of essential recyclable materials. The aim is to mirror the existing household recycling methods, thereby bolstering recycling endeavors and curbing the volume of waste destined for incineration or landfill disposal.
Minister for climate change, Julie James said: “I’ve always spoken about us having a ‘Team Wales’ approach to everything we do to help tackle the climate crisis.
“It is important that this collective effort stems right from the biggest businesses and organisations to the smallest in helping to tackle the climate and nature emergency and improve recycling.
“I’m so proud we’ve hit another milestone in this passing of this important law which will help us take a significant step towards a stronger, greener economy as committed to within our Programme for Government.
“It is fitting that these regulations have been made at a point which coincides with the beginning of United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) as they further our commitment to reach zero waste and net zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
Great to see the Herts/Essex cross-border partnership with HWRC’s – makes so much sense with vehicle emissions 🙂