Recycling & Waste Management

Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director, Renault Trucks UK & Ireland and Gerry Marshall, CEO, Recycling Lives. Recycling Lives and Renault Trucks sign contract to deliver the UK’s first 100% electric 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. skip loaders.

Recycling Lives Electrifies Waste Transport With UK’s First Z.E. Skip Loaders

In a significant step towards the decarbonisation of waste collection and transport, Renault Trucks has announced the signing of a contract with national waste recycling specialist Recycling Lives to deliver the UK’s first two 100% electric 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. skip loaders.

Joining Recycling Lives’ specialist skip handling fleet, the two D Wide Z.E.s will be located at the Recycling Park in Preston, employed in daily operations servicing commercial and household clients. The vehicles are a result of a project where Recycling Lives worked with Renault Trucks to co-design a bespoke electric skip loader vehicle. Gerry Marshall, Recycling Lives’ CEO, commented on the partnership. He said: “A significant driver for our business is innovation. These vehicles are an industry first, and they’ll be a standard element of our fleet over time. Gerry Marshall continues: “The vehicles have been specifically designed for us to deliver optimum operational efficiencies, and it was critical for us that we partner with an international organisation that matches our values and our ambitions. “A fundamental aspect of moving over to an electric fleet was that our innovations will provide environmental benefits to our customers too. “We’re committed to minimising our impact on the environment as the company evolves to offer more circular economy solutions. Replacing our transport fleet with electric vehicles and more sustainable fuel solutions is vital in that transition.” Recycling Lives’ purchase decision follows the successful trial of a 16 tonne Renault Trucks D Z.E. demonstrator in July which provided an opportunity to evaluate performance and effectiveness for electric vehicle applications in the fleet. Additionally, Renault Trucks’ enhancement of the D and D Wide Z.E. range, with the introduction of an 18 tonne D Wide Z.E. model and extended range of wheelbases, provided the payload and manoeuvrability required for skip handling vehicles. Carlos Rodrigues, Managing Director of Renault Trucks UK & Ireland said: “Not only does this mark a significant step on the road to net zero for waste transport and skip loaders in particular, this order for two trucks also speaks volumes about the performance of the D Z.E demonstrator in operation, and Recycling Lives’ confidence in electric vehicles playing a key role in their current and future fleet.”

Metso Outotec introduces versatile portfolio of magnetic separators

Metso Outotec is introducing its versatile magnetic separators portfolio consisting of wet and dry Low Intensity Magnetic Separators and High Gradient Magnetic Separators.

The portfolio caters to a wide variety of applications with the separators’ flexible modular design, enabling superior separation selectivity and improved recovery of fine and ultra-fine particles. “We have a long history in magnetic separation, and we delivered the first separator back in the 1890s. Since then, we’ve developed and delivered thousands of magnetic separators worldwide. We are continuously developing our products securing our position at the forefront of the magnetic separation industry,” says Jan Jirestig, Product Manager, Magnetic Separators, Metso Outotec. Metso Outotec High Gradient Magnetic Separators (HGMS) are designed to recover weakly magnetic material from non-magnetic matter and can be used for many applications including the processing of iron ores, rare earths and other weakly magnetic minerals, which are not normally treatable by ordinary magnetic separators. The Low Intensity Magnetic Separators (LIMS), which are designed to recover magnetic material from non-magnetic matter, are part of Metso Outotec’s Planet Positive product offering. The separators use physical separation and don’t require chemicals in the process. The Low Intensity Magnetic Separators feature modular design with several frames and process tank designs and use a common magnetic drum for ease of selection of the best machine for each individual application. Metso Outotec’s offering also includes the SLon Vertically Pulsating High-Gradient Magnetic Separator (VPHGMS), which effectively processes fine, weakly-magnetic minerals. The units are wet, high-intensity magnetic separators that use a combination of magnetic force, pulsating fluid, and gravity to process minerals. https://www.metso.com/

recycling & waste management Terex Materials Processing Launches ‘Terex Recycling Systems’

Terex Materials Processing has launched Terex Recycling Systems, which will design and build modular recycling products that can be combined to provide customers with a tailored, “one stop shop” to meet their recycling needs.

Terex Recycling Systems supports Terex MP’s growth strategy to expand its offering in the environmental industry with products that complement the existing portfolio. Kenny Hull, Commercial Product Manager, Terex Recycling Systems, said: “As Terex looks for opportunities to drive our business forward, the rising urgency to deal with waste globally continues to present enormous potential. Terex MP already has significant and expanding global presence in the waste recycling industries with our existing environmental lines— Terex Ecotec and CBI. However, we see a need for products that require a more project focused sales approach compared to traditional machinery sales.” Terex Recycling Systems will initially focus on construction & demolition and commercial and industrial waste applications. The range, which is currently in its first phase of product development and due for release early 2022, will include several modular products than can be combined to create stationary systems for the sorting and separation of various waste streams. Products will include feeding, modular conveying systems, trommel screens, vibrating screens, metal separation, air separation and manual sorting. “The modularity of our solutions will make our systems quick and easy to install and keep installation costs to a minimum - without compromising on performance or reliability. This approach will also add flexibility for the end user to adapt and grow the system as their business and market demands change,” Kenny added. Terex MP plans to sell the new product range through its extensive distribution network, with its established dealers providing local project management and aftersales support and ensuring end users get the best possible support and most competitive offering.

More Than Half of All Recycling in Northern Ireland Sent for Composting

Well over half of all household material sent for recycling over the three months to June this year was composted, according to a government report.

The figures were contained in the quarterly Northern Ireland Local Authority Collected Municipal Waste Management statistics produced by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA). Of all household waste, 29.3% was sent for composting over the period, accounting for around 56% of all reported household recycling from local authorities Responding to the data, Colm Warren, Chief Executive of Natural World Products (NWP), which converts discarded organic material from households across Northern Ireland into organic and peat-free compost, said: “It is of course welcome that more than a third of household waste recorded in the period was composted, making up well over half of all material recycled. “However, there is significant scope for this figure to be increased with a greater and concerted push from authorities to drive up recycling rates of household organics, including garden waste. More regular collection of brown bins and food waste may be an obvious thing to explore – especially if residual bin collections are to be reduced in frequency for example. “Reminding residents of the critical importance of using their brown bins for both food and garden waste is of increasing importance – especially when we branch away from looking only at the impact on landfill diversion and start thinking about how we’re combating the critical issues of both soil health and carbon capture as we step up efforts in the battle against the climate emergency. “Organic and peat-free compost is a critical weapon in the fight to return organic matter to heavily farmed soils, create greater growing sustainability locally and for reducing the use of peat in horticulture – with the massive carbon savings that also entails. “Every householder in Northern Ireland has a role to play in that battle – let’s be a worldleading example of what a tangible and local circular economy can actually look like.” NWP is headquartered in Belfast with additional recycling facilities in Antrim, County Armagh, and County Down. Food and garden waste processed by NWP is converted into high quality organic compost which is used by councils, agrigrowers and the horticultural sector across Northern Ireland and further afield.

Colm Warren, Chief Executive of Natural World Products.

recycling & waste management

Engineering excellence in trailer redesign

A County Armagh engineering company is using the skills and knowledge of its expert craftsmen to redesign trailers to support the recycling and recovery of waste.

Re-Gen Waste’s sister company Re-Eng is based outside Newry, and Engineering Manager Glyn Gee says that the work undertaken has produced trailers that look as they would, arriving new, from any leading trailer manufacturer. “Our team of 10 designers, welders, fabricators and painters have worked effectively to produce trailers which meet health and safety requirements, are of a high specification and meet the needs of our customers,” explains Glyn. “In addition, eight external contractors are involved in assisting with fabrication and painting. In total, the18 jobs add approximately £630,000 to the local economy every year.” “We struggled to find trailers which were strong enough to suit the requirements of Re-Gen, so we decided to make our own to our bespoke requirement. We have standardised our design, production and processes, and the re-engineered trailers look like new equipment straight off the manufacturing line. Our designers created a superior framework with increased strength and functionality to add to a strengthened flatbed. “Additionally-supported curtains and new strengthened doors and door furniture all add to the overall makeup of these trailers. Side guards, access ladder and walkway were fitted as extra safety features. Each trailer was spray painted in the company colours, and new lights and crash barriers were added.” The company has refreshed 66 trailers to date and Glyn says that working with local trades people and tarpaulin cover manufacturers has made the process run smoothly. “The re-engineering of the trailers has been an interesting and important project. Having excellent working relationships with local suppliers providing high quality materials and additional support has added value to the work we are doing in Ballard. We are also fortunate to have two enthusiastic apprentices on site who have contributed to the project.” Conor Muckian, from Newry, recently passed the first year in Higher Level Apprenticeship in Mechatronics at Southern Regional College. “I was invited into Re-Gen Waste for an induction day where I was shown the plant, taken on a tour of the different sections and talked through the apprenticeship programme,” says Conor. “It was interesting finding out how the company completes the recycling processes and how the in-house engineering department is very important to the facility at Carnbane Industrial Estate. I have been involved in every area of engineering from design to fabrication and I feel that this has really helped me understand the processes.” Jack Murphy, who is also from Newry, is studying Mechatronics while working four days each week. “I’ve learnt so much about the design and fabrication process and have had hands-on experience in making different things. Since I started working for Re-Gen, I have been given the opportunity to use mills, lathes, press breaks and plasma cutters that I would have not otherwise get to use. “Every day is different, and I’ve never been bored doing the job. It is, mostly, a relaxed environment but at times I have deadlines to work to in get tasks completed.”

Newry MD appointed to Advisory Committee on Packaging

Managing Director Joseph Doherty of Re-Gen Waste has been appointed to the UK’s national packaging advisory committee.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs’ (Defra) Advisory Committee on Packaging brings together industry expertise with a specific interest in packaging and packaging waste, including businesses which have legal obligations under the Producer Responsibility Obligations. It advises and makes recommendations to the UK Government to assist with policy development on packaging reuse, recovery and recycling. It also looks at the possibilities in maximising the economic, environmental and social benefits of the reuse, recycling and recovery of packaging waste and EU requirements that apply. Deep Sagar, Chair, of the ACP, said, “I was happy Joseph accepted this appointment. He has long and deep experience that will help us, especially to do with waste collection and recycling. He will bring insights around Northern Ireland to round off the committee’s expertise. “Our job is to combine views from packaging, waste and recycling industries with those of local authorities so that policies of all four UK administrations are appropriate. Joseph’s hands-on knowledge will be very valuable.” Joseph adds, “I’m honoured to join the Advisory Committee on Packaging and thank Deep for making me welcome. Finding out about developments across the UK has been enlightening and we’ve seen the same advances replicated in our business in Newry. I’m looking forward to providing advice and information to the Committee.” Joseph’s appointment runs until 31 December 2023.

Joseph Doherty.

VOLVO LAUNCHES WORLD’S FIRST VEHICLE USING FOSSIL-FREE STEEL

Volvo Group has unveiled the world’s first vehicle made of fossil-free steel from SSAB – made in Volvo Construction Equipment’s facility in Braås, Sweden. More vehicles will follow in 2022 in what will be a series of concept vehicles and components using fossil-free steel from SSAB.

The machine, a load carrier for use in mining and quarrying, was unveiled at a green steel collaboration event in Gothenburg hosted by Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE, and Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO Volvo Group. Melker Jernberg says: “Our ambition is to have fossilfree steel used across all our products, with a step-by-step approach. This machine is proof that we really can make fast progress, when we work together in strong partnerships, when we are determined to act and we enable our skilled people to contribute to building the world we want to live in. Not only for our generation, but for generations to come. Our team in Braås is understandably proud to help make this innovation happen.” With a commitment to be climate-neutral and achieve net zero value chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, Volvo Group is on the path towards developing sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions of the future. Along with the electrification of its vehicles and machines, Volvo says it is determined to reduce the carbon footprint of its entire supply chain and this latest innovation is one step forward on this path. “Having the world´s first actual vehicle made using SSAB´s fossilfree steel is a true milestone. Our collaboration with Volvo Group shows that green transition is possible and brings results,” says Martin Lindqvist, President and CEO at SSAB. “Together, we will continue reducing climate impact all the way to the end customer while ensuring that our customers get high-quality steel. We look forward to continuing to work with Volvo Group in research and development to produce more fossil-free steel products.” A move toward green steel is an important step for Volvo Group, as well as for the transport and infrastructure industries as a whole, particularly considering that around 70% of a truck’s weight comes from steel and cast iron, with the figure for Volvo machines even higher. This first concept machine, produced at Volvo CE’s facility in Braås, is just the start, with smaller-scale series production planned by 2022, and mass production set to follow.