CPI refutes claims that flat-lining recycling rates can be addressed by co-mingling

The Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI) has questioned claims that flat-lining recycling rates could be addressed by co-mingling.

In a BBC Radio 4 PM programme on Tuesday (27 May), the Chief Executive of waste management company SITA UK, David Palmer-Jones, said that local authorities needed to do more to make recycling easier, such as introducing controversial co-mingled recycling, instead of making households separate out their rubbish.

However, Stuart Pohler, Recovered Paper Sector Manager at CPI has stated that while ‘some Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) can produce high quality materials, many cannot’.

He said: “Generally speaking, MRF technology and operational practices (both collection and sorting) have some real catching up to do.

“Our default position is that paper should be collected separately from other recyclable materials, particularly glass, as the means most likely to achieve the purpose of the Waste Framework Directive.”

He added that local authorities should be aware that co-mingling is not a form of separate collection and “is only allowed as derogation in specific circumstances” (i.e when separate collection is not technically, environmentally or economically practicable (TEEP), or where it is not ‘necessary to facilitate or improve recovery’).

He concluded: “Councils would do well to consider SITA’s suggested approach in the context of a real threat of legal challenge. The direction of travel on recycling is clear.”

BBC Radio 4’s PM programme featuring recycling is available until Monday 2 June.

Find out more about the arguments over separate sort and co-mingled recycling or read more about CPI.

CIWM launches the Sustainability & Resource Industry Awards 2014

The UK Sustainability & Resource Industry Awards, organised by the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management (CIWM), are now open for entries.

The awards recognise and reward companies and individuals for innovation, achievement and best practice in the sustainable management of waste and resources.

The ‘industry’ awards are open for entries until 15 August. Categories for this section include:

• Award for Innovation;
• Vehicle, Plant and Equipment Award;
• ERM Energy Recovery;
• Zero Waste Award;
• Community Champion Award;
• Local Authority Waste Hierarchy Award; and
• P & L Software Sustainable Facilities Management Award

The ‘professional’ awards, which are open until 1 July and include bursaries for research and travel to international conferences, cover a range of categories, including:

• Waste Regulation Award;
• Roger Perry Award for Best Research Paper;
• Scottish Waste and Resource Sector Award; and
• Ben Heath Certificate for Outstanding Presentations.

CIWM Chief Executive Steve Lee, said: “Showcasing innovative approaches to today’s waste and resource management challenges, from communications and behaviour change through to technology solutions and service design, these awards provide the opportunity for companies, local authorities and individual professionals to demonstrate what this fast moving and dynamic sector can achieve.”

The judges include Linda Crichton, Head of Resource Management at WRAP, Gemma Clinton, national elected representative for LARAC, and John Quinn, Chief Executive of arc21 and Senior Vice President of CIWM.

The awards lunch will be held on 6 November 2014.

Find out more about the UK Sustainability & Resource Industry Awards.

Milton Keynes WEEE recycling push

For the second year running, businesses, residents, schools and colleges in Milton Keynes are being urged to recycle their broken or unwanted electronics at a one-day event at The National Bowl in Milton Keynes.

The recycling event, hosted by the European Recycling Platform (ERP), supported by Milton Keynes Council and Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, will take place on Friday, 6 June, from 8 am to 3.30 pm.

All types of business and household electronic waste will be accepted for free and staff will be on hand to help with unloading.

Last year’s event recycled 7.8 tonnes of electronic waste, which was recycled and treated in the UK to recover the metals and plastics within the products.

Andy Hudson, Milton Keynes’ Head of Environment and Waste, and Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive of Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce, both encouraged residents and small businesses to attend the event.

Scott Butler, ERP UK Managing Director, said: “ERP is proud to be involved with this great event once again. We hope as many people as possible in Milton Keynes will get involved and do their bit for the environment.”

Find out more about the Milton Keynes WEEE recycling drive.

Bryson Recycling praised by Northern Irish Environment Minister

(L to R): Willie Francey, Chair of Bryson Recycling Board; Eric Randall, Director of Bryson Recycling; and Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan.

Northern Ireland ‘s Environment Minister, Mark H Durkan, has praised local waste management company Bryson Recycling for its approach to recycling.

The Mallusk-based company provides weekly recycling collections to over 170,000 homes across six council areas in Northern Ireland.

Visiting Bryson headquarters earlier this week, Durkan said: “Bryson Recycling is a fantastic example of how the social enterprise model can deliver high quality, efficient and cost effective services while supporting 1,000 local jobs .The company currently processes recyclables collected from over 60 per cent of households in NI and also makes a concentrated effort to find local markets for these materials.”

Bryson was also praised for its kerbside sort recycling system, using container manufacturer Straight’s 3BoxStack.

Eric Randall, Director of Bryson Recycling said: “The wheelie box design… improves recycling performance, ensures high quality materials and makes the process more efficient for lifting and carrying. This product along with our new vehicles provides a cost effective model that many council areas in NI, Wales, and Scotland are now looking upon as a reference point.”

According to Bryson, the local authorities of Gwynedd and Conwy in Wales both formed recycling collections based on its system.

Durkan said it was “encouraging to see the emerging Bryson model creating such interest across councils in the UK”.

Read more about Bryson Recycling or Straight plc’s 3BoxStack.

Dr Philip Morton appointed head of WEEE Forum

Dr Philip Morton (pictured), Chief Executive of the UK waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) producer compliance scheme Repic, has been appointed as President and Chairman of the data-sharing organisation, WEEE Forum.

Morton, who was appointed as a Director of the WEEE Forum is 2012, will take over from the outgoing President, José Ramón Carbajosa.

Speaking of his appointment, Morton said: “It’s an honour to be elected by the General Assembly as President and Chairman of the WEEE Forum Board and I’m looking forward to continuing the excellent work that has been achieved to date and to working with colleagues and friends from all of our member WEEE producer organisations.

“The recent recast of the WEEE Directive creates new challenges and opportunities for all stakeholders, major changes lie ahead and I am delighted to be appointed at such an exciting time.”

Find out more about the WEEE Forum.