MYGroup given PRN accreditation for hard-to-recycle plastics
Yorkshire-based MYGroup recently gained accreditation to generate PRNs for hard-to-recycle plastics, receiving funding approval for around 1,000 tonnes of PRNs.
UK compliance scheme Valpak assisted MYGroup in securing funding, with this expected to be invested in the expansion of recycling systems and manufacturing of products from challenging plastic waste streams.
MYGroup Site Manager Mike Derbyshire said: “As a family business, our ethos has always been to keep material here in the UK, and this decision reflects our commitment to tackling those difficult wastes that others struggle to deal with.
“The key to our success is traceability, a willingness to innovate, and our determination to see the end product from every item recycled. Nothing goes to waste.”
“Although we also deal with more commonly-recycled plastics, we are focusing on using the PRNs to increase capacity for the most challenging mixed plastic streams. Our equipment is specially-designed, but our skill lies in blending different plastics together and creating products out of material that would traditionally end up in landfill.
“The application process for PRN accreditation calls for a great deal of information. Valpak helped us to navigate all the evidence needed for the Environment Agency, which really kept things moving.”
Veolia’s Sustainability Fund supporting 46 UK community projects since launch
In the first seven months since its launch, Veolia’s Sustainability Fund has supported a total of 46 grassroots community projects across the UK, offering grants of up to £1,000 for each project.
The Fund received over 100 applications since its launch on World Environment Day (5 June) last year, with £27,000 worth of funding being awarded to 40 projects across the country, as well as resources and volunteers.
Rachel Jay, Head of Regional Communications, Veolia UK and Ireland, said: "The Sustainability Fund builds on Veolia's long-standing commitment in supporting local communities, and we are delighted that in our first year of the Fund we have already supported 46 projects.
“These non-profit organisations, community groups and individuals will create or grow local sustainable spaces, and we look forward to helping more projects in 2022.”
Torfaen reuse shops declared ‘a huge success’
A new reuse shop at the New Inn Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) has been declared ‘a huge success with residents’, selling more than 3,100 household items in January alone.
Since reopening in December, ‘The Steelhouse’ has diverted more than five tonnes of household materials. The shop is run by local charity Wastesavers, in partnership with FCC Environment and Torfaen Council.
Officially opening the shop on Valentine’s Day, Torfaen Councillor Mandy Owen, said: “As it’s Valentine’s Day we thought it appropriate to celebrate the love people are showing for this shop.
“This is not only a great place to grab a bargain, but it’s also good for the planet, helping us meet our recycling and reuse targets and giving residents a chance to see their unwanted items go to a new home.”
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How will the government and DMOs address the challenges of including glass in DRS while ensuring a level playing field across the UK?
There's no easy solution to include glass in the DRS while maintaining a level playing field. Potential approaches include a phased introduction of glass, potentially with higher deposits to reflect its logistical challenges. The government and DMOs could incentivise innovation in glass packaging design and subsidise dedicated return points for glass-handling. Exemptions for smaller businesses unable to handle glass might also be necessary. Any successful solution will likely blend several approaches. It must address the differing priorities of devolved administrations, balance environmental benefits with logistical and cost implications, and be supported by robust consumer education campaigns emphasizing the importance of glass recycling.