The new Environmental Audit Committee has launched its first two inquiries, which will focus on sustainable development and the proposed third runway at Heathrow Airport.

Business Secretary Sajid Javid has announced plans to cut £10 billion of ‘unnecessary’ regulation, including that for the waste sector, over the next five years.

Waste company FCC Environment has invested £400,000 in an East Riding reuse shop that sells items ‘rescued’ from recycling centres.

MEPs have voted to back circular economy proposals including recycling rates, incineration and resource ‘passports’ as part of on-going European Commission plans.

MEP Angélique Delahaye is to bring forward an amendment at tomorrow’s plenary session on the circular economy that backs a pan-European petition to make supermarkets donate unsold edible food to charities.

UK-based start-up organisations focused on ‘turning waste into a resource’ are being urged to apply to The Green Alley Award 2015, which aims to develop circular economy businesses.

A round-up of waste and resources news, including an award-winning bike renovation scheme and a consultation on a new weekly recycling service in Rochdale.

The EEB, Aldersgate Group, and Der Groene Zaak have written to MEPs urging them to vote in favour of a draft report on the European circular economy next week.

The Ellen MacArthur Foundation has launched an actionable toolkit for policymakers wishing to make a transition to the circular economy.

A new report by the Green Alliance identifies the advantages of switching to circular business models to deliver risk-adjusted returns.