1. 80 per cent of businesses fail to recycle

A study has found that as many as 80 per cent of UK businesses fail to separate their recyclable and non-recyclable waste and have no green policy, with most waste reportedly sent to landfill.

The study carried out by BusinessWaste.co.uk found that even basic materials such as paper, food and glass are not sorted, despite widespread domestic collections.

According to BusinessWaste, the most commonly landfilled recyclable items are paper and cardboard, plastics, WEEE, printer cartridges and green bin waste.

Furthermore, the study found that some companies are willing to resort to fly tipping to avoid landfilling costs of £72 per tonne.

Recycling Manager for BusinessWaste, Jonathan Ratcliffe, said: "It reflects very badly upon us as a nation… Other countries have forged ahead with commercial recycling, but a high proportion of UK companies seemingly can't be bothered and contribute to the 228 million tonness of waste we produce every year.”

2. Swansea Drydocks increases operations

Natural Resource Wales (NRW) has granted Swansea Drydocks Ltd a permit change allowing it to increase its operations following a ‘detailed assessment’, which concluded that ‘the proposed activities would not harm the health of local people or the environment.’

This follows news that the Environment Agency was likely to increase its permit, despite local concern that the development of a proposed wet berth would increase noise and pollution in the area.

However, according to NRW, restrictions imposed by the permit remove any environmental concerns cause by the development.

Natural Resource Wales Spokesperson, Mary Youell, said: “We’ve carried out a thorough assessment into these proposals as well as consulting with health professionals, businesses and local people.

“Our assessment has shown that the company has the right measures in place to allow them to expand the facility without impacting on local people or the environment.”

3. Wirral to charge for garden waste collections

Wirral Council is set to introduce charges to remove garden waste in a bid to save £109 million over the next three years.

From the 1 June residents will be charged £35 per year for the removal of garden waste, though households are able to save £5 by applying online.

Furthermore, should households wish to continue to receive the service they must subscribe before 27 May 2013 for service between 1 June 2013 and 31 May 2014. Should residents wish to subscribe later the fee will remain £35.

Speaking to the BBC, Wirral Council cabinet member for environment, Councillor Brian Kenny, said: "We are conscious that this is a service many households in the borough do not receive as they don't generate garden waste.

"In light of this and the current financial challenges Wirral Council faces, we have had to take the difficult decision to introduce a charge to those who wish to continue to have their garden waste collected.”

4. SITA installs Eriez magnetic system

Welsh magnetic separation specialists, Eriez Magnetics, has announced that it has installed a magnetic separation system at waste management company, SITA UK’s new wood recycling plants in Preston, Ashington and Perth.

The new eddy current system will allow SITA UK to remove metal debris such as nails, hinges and aluminium plates from their wood. The system includes an ‘Eriez OBM vibratory feeder in line with a 2m wide RevX-E eccentric eddy current separator (ECS) unit’ in tandem with a ‘modular magnetic drum’ which is used to remove ferrous material prior to the ECS.

Wood sector manager at SITA UK, Adie Mason, said: “We supply a high grade, waste wood fuel so it is essential that our product is free from contaminants.

“Our requirement was very specific, and so were our deadlines as the equipment delivery had to coincide with the overall installation of the production sites. “

5. AMEC appointed as Resource Efficient Scotland specialist

Zero Waste Scotland (ZWS) has appointed engineering and project management company, AMEC, as a specialist to help provide support to the government-funded ‘Resource Efficient Scotland’.

As part of the two-year framework contract, which has potential for a two year extension, AMEC will be expected to provide ‘technical expertise to policy makers, advisory bodies and Scottish industry’, with a view to improving resource efficiency. Further support will be given in ‘developing and coordinating associated research projects’.

Associate Director with AMEC’s Environment & Infrastructure business, Keith Lawton, said: “Helping businesses make more efficient use of their resources is critical if governments are to meet their waste prevention and resource efficiency goals and help businesses to meet their own targets.”

6. Ubin launches post-consumer plastic bin

Cardiff based office recycling bin manufacturer, Green Warehouse, has announced the launch of its uBin, a bin composed entirely of ‘UK post consumer recycled material’, such as yoghurt pots.

Retailing at £42, the 70 litre capacity bin features an ‘overhanging lid’ sparing consumers the deplorable sight of a bin liner and an intensely engineered angled top, which is said to ‘improve visibility’.