A Norfolk waste operator has been sentenced to 15 months imprisonment for running an illegal waste site that stockpiled thousands of tonnes of soil, wood and construction waste.

Significant progress has been made by local authorities, the recycling industry and other parts of the supply chain towards achieving a circular economy for plastics, according to a new WRAP report.

An £18-million fund to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Scotland explore and pioneer ways to develop circular economy has been launched by Zero Waste Scotland.

Starbucks has announced that it will trial a 50-pence discount for customers that bring their own reusable cups to stores, after the government announced that it has no plans to introduce a disposable cup levy.

Italy is close to following France in introducing a law supporting food waste distribution from supermarkets after strong support in the country’s Chamber of Deputies.

Bryson Recycling has been awarded a contract worth up to £15 million to continue processing household recycling from over 250,000 homes in Northern Ireland.

A round-up of news from the waste and resources sector, including Ealing’s pursuit of fly-tippers, investment in recycling in Aldershot and new bins in Dundee.

The Environmental Audit Committee has launched an enquiry on the environmental impact of microplastics by calling for written evidence on the subject.

A complex system of tariffs and duties is holding back innovation and the growth of the circular economy in Europe, says beverage giant Coca-Cola.

Cuts to the Landfill Communities Fund have been confirmed as part of the Budget 2016 today (16 March), though a proposed measure to prohibit third-party contribution has been dropped.