Recycling rates in East Devon have immediately increased by as much as 15 per cent, following the introduction of a three-weekly bin collection, findings suggest.

Defra says that it is ‘committed’ to publishing its long-term environmental plan after a leaked draft of the long-awaited document was criticised by environmental groups amid rumours it may never see the light of day.

North London Waste Authority has responded to government’s draft industrial strategy, pointing out that it makes no mention of waste, the circular economy or society’s need to manage physical resources better.

The British Plastics Federation Recycling Group (BPFRG) has launched a new strategy with the aim of improving plastic recycling in the UK, retaining valuable material and creating UK-based jobs through industry-led initiatives and regulation.

Acumen Waste Services Ltd announced the completion of its acquisition of waste management company Highspeed Group Ltd last week.

Yorwaste has entered into a partnership with North Yorkshire County Council to manage the council’s 20 household waste recycling centres (HWRCs).

A man found guilty of running an illegal mattress disposal operation in Norwich that involved illicit shipment of waste to Egypt has been sentenced along with the owners of the site where the operation was based.

Workers in the City of London are being urged to use brand new coffee cup recycling points springing up across the area as Hubbub’s ‘Square Mile Challenge’ aims to recycle half a million cups in April.

Six materials, including a bioplastic composite paper, a wetsuit made from natural rubber, and packaging made from up-cycled agricultural residuals have been announced as the finalists for Bio-Based Material of the Year 2017.

Defra has established food waste, urban recycling and the benefits of resource efficiency as ‘high-level’ R&D priorities in the department.