Grundon commits to zero carbon emissions
Grundon Waste Management has committed to net zero vehicle emissions from its fleet for a fourth consecutive year.
The waste firm is extending its three-year CarbonNeutral fleet certification programme, which means every mile travelled by Grundon vehicles is ‘officially carbon neutral’.
The certification has been awarded by Natural Capital Partners, in line with the requirements of The CarbonNeutral Protocol – the global standard for carbon neutral programmes.
Through its purchase of carbon credits, Grundon has supported an innovative community reforestation project in Uganda, which organises hundreds of small community-based tree planting initiatives on land owned by subsistence farmers.
Grundon’s performance will be monitored on a regular basis by independent third parties to ensure they are generating emission reductions.
Neil Grundon, the company’s deputy chairman, said: “We are delighted to have been able to extend our commitment through 2017. We know that vehicle emissions are a major source of greenhouse gases and, with an extensive road-going fleet, it is very important for us to consider how we can make a difference, both for our own benefit and that of our customers.”
Spedian reusable graphic systems take off
Councils in England and Northern Ireland have fitted their refuse trucks with Spedian graphic systems, allowing adverts to be swapped in less than an hour.
Chorley council in Lancashire, and South Staffordshire district council, have used the reusable graphics system to rotate the messaging on the side of their vehicles.
The system is especially suited to promotional campaigns because the messages can be swiftly and easily changed. Graphics can be stored and used again.
Authorities in Northern Ireland have also expressed interest in using Spedian to rebrand their waste vehicles following a merger of council areas, the manufacturer claims.
Among the messages that councils in Northern Ireland want to promote is a national drive to reduce the amount of food waste going to landfill sites. New rules on food waste disposal from certain commercial enterprises came into force last year.
Lawrence Craig, chief executive of Spedian, said: “Our Spedian reusable graphics system is a fantastic channel through which to reach the public because it is easy to fit, robust, and offers good value for money. We’ve already had a lot of enquiries and interest is still growing.”
Aberdeen rolls out £1.2m waste fleet
Aberdeen city council has rolled out a £1.2 million fleet of Mercedes Econic waste and recycling collection vehicles.
The roll out last week (6 March) comes as the council also delivers new mixed recycling bins to householders which replaces the council’s bin and bag service.
A total of eight vehicles have been delivered for the service which are designed to handle the new commingled containers which will ‘result in increased fleet flexibility’.
Councillor Gordon Graham, Communities, Housing and Infrastructure Committee Vice Convener, said: “We have invested £1.2 million in the new fleet as part of our huge commitment to achieving our zero waste ambitions and statutory obligations.
“This week the Council Leader visited the new £27 million Materials Recycling Facility and we are delivering 70,000 new general waste bins across the city as we gear up for a greener Aberdeen.”
Ribbex awarded FORS accreditation
Commercial waste business Ribbex has obtained a Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) Bronze accreditation for its fleet of 17 vehicles.
The fleet operates out of the firm’s Welwyn Garden city depot and provides collection and skip hire services to businesses across the UK.
The FORS accreditation is an industry recognised standard which drives best practices across the European fleet industry in terms of safety and environmental protection.
Dave Tyson, commercial director at Ribbex, said: “Iit`s very good news for Ribbex and provides a clear message that we operate to the high standards required to make our everyday operations safe, greener & smarter.
“FORS Bronze coupled with ISO 9001 & 14001 plus Safecontractor accreditation will make Ribbex a natural choice for businesses seeking the highest operating standard available.
Presona announces NI distribution agreement
Waste baler manufacturer Presona UK has announced it is now response for distribution and maintenances of all its products in Northern Ireland.
The business, which had previously been responsible for England, Scotland and Wales, will take on duties including supply, installation, commissioning and maintenance of its LP baler series and heavy duty conveyor range.
Dean Clarke, managing director of Presona UK, said: “The Presona UK approach has proved popular in England, Scotland and Wales. Customers like that we do things differently, focusing on customer objectives and efficiencies rather than plant supply.
“It’s been popular across our existing areas, and we’re certain that it will be well received with new, forward thinking clients in Northern Ireland.”
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