JULY 2023 FUTURE WASTE

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FUTURE WASTE JULY

2023

The July issue of Future Waste is one of our most exciting editions yet. As the world of waste management keeps evolving and expanding, it’s imperative that we grow alongside it by bringing you the latest news, in-depth features, and immersive company profiles, such as our one on Reconomy and our in-depth cover story with HWM. This edition of Future Waste centres around construction and demolition waste and the issues it causes to the environment. We’re passionate about highlighting the real-world issues of our industry, and the two features we’ve written will shine a spotlight into what can, and will, happen if the issue is allowed to grow without proper intervention and regulation. Creating these features was a true pleasure and we sincerely hope that you enjoy reading them as much as we did writing them.

You can also read our review of the CARS & MRE event recently hosted in Stoneleigh, near Coventry. Future Waste attended and spoke to several of the attendees as they gave their insight into the recycling industry, and you won’t want to miss what the several industry-leading companies had to say about the event.

Future Waste is also delighted to bring you the hot topics and big stories in the world of waste management. Whether it’s news of London’s new sustainable art exhibition or the ramifications of disposable barbeques, Future Waste has you covered if you wish to learn more about our industry. We’re also gearing up for September’s RWM event and the preview we’ve written on it will, hopefully, get you just as excited for the show as we are. For those who don’t know, RWM is the premier waste management event in the UK and the show attracts visitors and attendees from all over the country. This year’s edition promises to be the biggest yet, so be sure to read our preview to discover what it offers.

We hope you enjoy the July 2023 issue of Future Waste and remember to keep up to date with the latest news via our website and social media pages. Happy reading!

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CONTENTS In this July issue...

09 Latest News

A round-up of the latest news from the recycling and waste sectors over the past few months.

26 CARS & MRE show review

The CARS & MRE show took place at Stoneleigh Park on May 24th. Read all about the show on page 26.

30 It’s time to change our relationship with construction and demolition waste

Cameron Gorrie looks into the devastating consequences of construction and demolition waste, and what its impact on the environment could look like.

37 Company profile: HWM Group

HWM Group provide civil engineering services such as demolition, waste handling, and contaminated soil treatment. Read all about them on page 37.

46 RWM show preview

A preview of September’s RWM event – the UK’s premier recycling show.

54 Company profile: Reconomy

Reconomy provides a comprehensive, tech-enabled waste management service to a wide variety of sectors.

60 Softening the blow of construction and demolition waste

Cameron Gorrie investigates how we can mitigate the impact of construction and demolition waste.

LONDONENERGY SUPPORTS SUSTAINABLE ART EXHIBITION

LondonEnergy has teamed up with ‘The University of Hertfordshire Collective’ to host an inspiring new sustainable art exhibition at The Truman Brewery, London.

The exhibition - Modern Materials - runs from Friday 30 June until Sunday 2 July and will focus on sustainable techniques to showcase ways to reduce waste, recycle and redefine used objects into contemporary art.

The Collective features 20 artists from the University who have just completed their final degree show and have been working

on their ecology project since 2021. This has involved researching and creating art using recycled materials such as plastic, textiles, reclaimed wood and other waste products to create new pieces of artwork. “Part of being an artist is knowing how to hold a sustainable practice. Using reused materials and giving objects new life I feel is becoming such a massive part in the artistic making process. Encouraging the public to look at something that was once considered as rubbish and giving it a platform to represent itself as something new. It is inspiring as an artist to see a material completely transform,”

said University of Hertfordshire Collective member Rosie Stevens.

LondonEnergy’s sponsorship will provide funding for materials, the production of artwork, and promotional materials. It will also help fund a series of creative experiential Party & Paint events, the first of which was a huge success with over 100 students creating some fantastic art. Further events will take place across London until July.

Jim Kendal, Managing Director, said, “We are proud to be able to play our part in bringing together a collection of sustainable art and raising awareness of the importance of reuse. We are also delighted to work with the University of Hertfordshire artists who share many of our values regarding reusing and recycling materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste.”

The artists recently visited LondonEnergy’s ReUse Shop in Chingford to source items to rework into art pieces for the exhibition as well as to use in the Paint & Party events. The Reuse shop diverts around 24 tonnes of ‘waste’ a year from landfill, extending its lifecycle and keeping materials circulating in the economy.

FOR

CALLS FOR ALL MUSIC FESTIVALS TO BAN DISPOSABLE VAPES

BMRA URGE EVENT ORGANISERS TO FOLLOW GLASTONBURY TO SAFEGUARD REVELLERS

Music festival bosses across the UK have been urged to follow Glastonbury’s lead by asking festival-goers to leave disposable vapes at home during events this summer.

The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) is calling on summer festivals to act on the grounds of safety and fire risk.

The BMRA, which represents the metal recycling sector in the UK, say more fires are occurring due to items containing lithium-ion batteries, like vapes, often due to not being disposed of correctly.

James Kelly of the British Metals Recycling Association: “We welcome the move by Glastonbury festival and would like to see other festivals follow suit to increase site safety this summer.

“At the very least we would like to see suitable disposal bins for vapes allowing festival-goers to safely dispose of and increase the recyclability of them.

“We have seen the devastation of fires at member sites caused by lithium-ion batteries being placed in the incorrect waste stream and we would hate to see this occur at a summer festival.

“Lithium-ion batteries in vapes are so small. There is a possibility if the weather takes a turn for the worse that the vape could end up in the mud, the battery could become separated from its casing and fall under the surface. If the land is used for grazing, this could potentially be swallowed by an animal. Let’s hope people are responsible.

“Another reason, often forgotten, is the fact that lithium-ion batteries can be recycled. Critical raw materials can be drawn from the batteries to be used again, including: lithium, graphite, cobalt and nickel. This not only saves natural habitat from being mined, but also the huge amounts of energy needed to process new metal mined from ore.

“With more and more UK-based lithiumion recycling facilities opening, and the increased opportunities to recycle the batteries, we think there are plenty of options for festivals to provide such recycling amenities.”

It is estimated that lithium-ion batteries are responsible for around 48% of all waste fires occurring in the UK each year, costing the UK economy some £158 million annually according to research conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.

LARAC REACTION TO THE ABOLITION OF COUNCIL DIY WASTE CHARGES

LARAC is disappointed that Defra has announced that charges for the disposal of DIY waste at HWRCs will no longer apply to householders in England. These changes will be brought into force in 2023.

Waste Disposal Authorities are required to provide residents with a place to dispose of their household waste but prevented from charging residents to deposit such waste. Householders can therefore dispose of household waste for free in their local area.

The Government states that construction waste be classified as household DIY waste where the following criteria are met.

1. The waste is produced by householders whilst carrying out small-scale construction or demolition works at their home.

2. The waste does not arise from activities that generate an income for the person who carried them out.

3. The waste is not produced on a regular basis requiring HWRC visits more frequently than four time in a four-week period.

4. The volume of waste is no greater than two 50L rubble bags (or one bulky or fitted item no larger than the approximate size of a bathtub) per visit. However, if the criteria are not met then councils can charge for this as construction waste.

Government has also noted evidence and information provided by Local Authorities and intends to keep use of the bookings systems and their impacts on the disposal of household waste under review. LARAC members have previously cited booking systems as the most effective way to control the frequency of visits to reduce congestion on site and the nearby road network and we welcome the option for councils to keep booking systems in place.

James Ward, Vice Chair for LARAC: “LARAC is disappointed with DEFRA’s decision to remove charges associated with the disposal of household DIY waste at HWRCs. When the consultation was released in 2022, LARAC surveyed its members, and an overwhelming majority of 75% did not approve abolishing the charges. This was reflected in Local Authorities’ consultation responses in 2022.”

LARAC believes charging is fairer because, as is the case currently, DIY waste is priced by volume, and householders are not restricted in the amounts of DIY and construction waste they can dispose of.

This is fair to all and does not penalise low-income households, who will now have to cover these costs through potentially increased council tax charges. This is especially important in the current cost of living crisis. Most respondents to the government consultation were householders (79.7%)

and individuals (11.7%), who favoured charges being abolished, perhaps not fully understanding the implications of removing said charges and that deficit would not be compensated for through New Burdens Funding. At a time when Local Authority budgets are being increasingly cut and squeezed, removing these charges could impact councils’ ability to offer a full range of recycling bays for residents to recycle as much as possible.

From the survey of our members in 2022, many local authorities said that received volumes of DIY waste reduced when they introduced charges. It follows that by increasing the opportunity for free disposal, Government will increase the volume of DIY and construction waste councils will receive. As there was also no evidenced increase in fly-tipping when charges were introduced, it is likely that these wastes were diverted into legal disposal channels through private waste management companies, such as skip hire.

LARAC feels the option of restricting residents who wish to deposit DIY waste at HWRCs to four visits over four weeks will be difficult to implement in most cases and end up costing local authorities more by way of systems needed to monitor and enforce this process. We would urge the Government to re-think this suggestion and work with us and our members to agree a better solution.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about LARAC, please visit: www.larac.org.uk

JAMIE DUNN, NATIONAL EC&I ENGINEER, SPEAKS ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN IN ENGINEERING DAY

How did you get into Engineering?

Growing up I had a keen interest in “how things worked”. As a kid my dad would take me to motorcycle and car race meets, which I loved and really inspired me. We would watch Formula 1 together, and when it came to making options for my career, I was interested in how I could break into the motor racing industry. The Formula 1 cars have multiple instrumentation technologies on them which I found fascinating; therefore, it made sense to look into instrumentation apprenticeships. My Dad worked as a Systems Engineer at Fawley Refinery and so after I finished my GCSEs, I applied for an apprenticeship there as an Instrument Technician. The role involved maintaining and working on instruments measuring pressures, levels, temperatures and flows, whilst ensuring a 24/7 process. Whilst I was there, I went to college and university to complete a HNC in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Following my apprenticeship, I moved across to Southern Water as an Instrumentation, Controls and Automation Technician, where I spent almost 10 years supporting their waste and freshwater processes, before joining systems integrator Cougar Automation as a Support Engineer. After 6 years with Cougar, I was ready for my next chapter and joined Veolia, which is where I have been for the past 5 years starting as Southern Regional Engineer, and I am now National EC&I Engineer.

What is a typical day like for you?

Veolia manages a network of 10 Energy Recovery Facilities across the UK. The primary use of an ERF is to sanitise refuse waste that otherwise would have gone to landfill. Instead we take these materials and recover them creating energy to power the National Grid and at three of our facilities we also have the added benefit of a district heating network. Day to day I support the running of these sites and ensure the lifecycle of equipment is well maintained, supporting any failures through both planned projects and reactive activities, and making sure the sites are working to the latest standards (cyber security, etc), and innovating processes assisting the business to meet its strategy goals and values.

Tell us about working at Veolia!

I particularly enjoy working at Veolia as their strategies are aimed at preserving the environment, serving growing populations, and assisting customers to meet business demands in a more sustainable way.

What do you love about your job?

Working at Veolia, I feel part of pioneering real change with innovative and developing solutions. Focus is on delivering ecological transformation through preserving resources and supporting green recovery, and in turn bringing benefits to local communities and the planet. I am continually given opportunities to better myself both as a person and within my career. Over the past 2 years Veolia has sponsored me through a Master’s degree (in Engineering Management), which I have recently completed. It wasn’t something I thought I’d ever get the opportunity to achieve, so it has meant a lot to me personally, and will obviously serve me well in my career development.

What would you say to those who are thinking about joining Veolia?

In my 22 years’ experience within the Controls and Instrumentation industry I have seen a lot of change both in technology and business. It’s been really interesting to see how businesses are adapting and becoming more aware of the need for diversity within their organisations. Veolia certainly goes above and beyond in this area. As a woman I feel empowered working at Veolia and want to be an inspiration for all genders.

Why should other women consider a career in engineer?

Hopefully in this day and age, men and women know they can be whatever they want to be. More women seem to be taking the engineering career path, although the industry is still very male dominated.

Gender diversity obviously brings its positives (different perspectives of how to resolve a fault, develop innovation strategies, or encourage and grow talented people, for example), but it is still important to focus on quality and experience. I believe to encourage more women into the world of engineering we need to be sowing the seed with young children in schools (all ages).

As a little girl, seeing women succeeding in male dominated industries really inspired me and made me want to be part of “breaking the mould”. 22 years ago, it was almost rebellious to consider such a career path! I have spoken in schools over the years, and really hope I inspired some young brains into the world of engineering. I’m always happy to be a mentor for anyone who is keen and motivated, my door is always open.

Plastics Recycling Annual Awards 2023

Plastics Recycling Annual Awards 2023

The RECOUP awards recognise and celebrate excellence in plastics resource efficiency and recycling, and champion those leading a more circular plastics value chain. The awards ceremony is part of the RECOUP Pre-Conference Networking Dinner on Wednesday 27 September 2023.

The RECOUP awards recognise and celebrate excellence in plastics resource efficiency and recycling, and champion those leading a more circular plastics value chain. The awards ceremony is part of the RECOUP Pre-Conference

The RECOUP awards recognise and celebrate excellence in plastics resource efficiency and recycling, and champion those leading a more circular plastics value chain. The awards ceremony is part of the RECOUP Pre-Conference Networking Dinner on Wednesday 27 September 2023.

Networking Dinner on Wednesday 27 September 2023.

Award categories:

Award categories:

Award categories:

• Best Development or Innovation to Enhance Plastic Products for Recyclability or Re-Use.

• Best Development or Innovation to Enhance Plastic Products for Recyclability or Re-Use.

• Recycled Plastic Product of the Year.

• Best Development or Innovation to Enhance Plastic Products for Recyclability or Re-Use.

• Recycled Plastic Product of the Year.

• Best Innovation in Equipment or Technology to Improve the Collection, Sorting, Reprocessing or Re-use of Plastics.

• Recycled Plastic Product of the Year.

• Best Innovation in Equipment or Technology to Improve the Collection, Sorting, Reprocessing or Re-use of Plastics.

• Best Innovation in Equipment or Technology to Improve the Collection, Sorting, Reprocessing or Re-use of Plastics.

The awards are FREE to enter, and the closing date is 14 July 2023.

The awards are FREE to enter, and the closing date is 14 July 2023.

For more details or to enter please scan or visit: www.recoup.org/recoupawards23

T | +44 (0)1733 390021

For more details or to enter please scan or visit: www.recoup.org/recoupawards23

For more details or to enter please scan or visit: www.recoup.org/recoupawards23

The awards are FREE to enter, and the closing date is 14 July 2023. T

RECOUP PLASTICS RECYCLING ANNUAL AWARDS 2023: CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN PLASTICS RECYCLING AND RESOURCE EFFICIENCY

Wiith the deadline nearly upon us to enter the prestigious RECOUP Plastics Recycling Annual Awards 2023, plastics resource efficiency and recycling charity RECOUP is urging all organisations and individuals involved in the plastics recycling industry to submit their entries before the deadline on 14 July. The awards are FREE to enter and celebrate excellence in plastics resource efficiency and recycling, and champion those leading a more circular plastics value chain.

There are 3 award categories and no limit on the number of entries:

1. Best Development or Innovation to Enhance Plastic Products for Recyclability or Re-Use.

2. Recycled Plastic Product of the Year.

3. Best Innovation in Equipment or Technology to Improve the Collection, Sorting, Reprocessing or Re-use of Plastics.

The awards will be presented at the RECOUP Awards & Pre-conference Networking Dinner on Wednesday 27 September 2023, at the Holiday Inn, Peterborough West and will recognise and celebrate the innovative and inspiring projects and initiatives that have helped to drive the plastics recycling industry forward and lead to a more sustainable future.

Rebecca Davis, Membership & Events Manager at RECOUP comments: “We believe that this is an excellent opportunity for organisations and individuals to showcase their achievements and be recognised for their contributions to the plastics recycling industry. We have managed to secure an esteemed judging panel that will be announced on social media and are excited to receive entries for our new award categories before 14 July”. To apply for the awards, please visit the RECOUP website and complete the online entry form.

The awards are followed by RECOUP’s not-to-be-missed event of the year, the Plastics Resource and Recycling Conference, which is held at Kingsgate Conference Centre, Peterborough on Thursday 28 September and attracts delegates from the entire plastics and wider sustainability value chain. Tickets can be booked via the RECOUP website. Limited awards and conference sponsorship opportunities are also still available. Please email membership@ recoup.org for more information or if you require any assistance with the award entry.

INFORMATION

To learn more about RECOUP, please visit: www.recoup.org

TOMRA CHOSEN AS TECHNOLOGY PARTNER FOR BERRY CIRCULAR POLYMERS’ PURPOSE-BUILT CLEANSTREAM® PLANT IN LEAMINGTON SPA

Advanced flake sorting equipment from TOMRA Recycling Sorting has been chosen by Berry Circular Polymers for its purpose-built CleanStream® plant in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

Five AUTOSORT™ units and one INNOSORT™ FLAKE unit are installed at the plant where operations began in spring 2023. 48,000 tonnes of domestically recovered household polypropylene (PP) will be processed annually at the plant, with the refined outputs being used as raw materials exclusively in Berrymanufactured packaging solutions, such as the recently launched B Circular Beauty Collection.

Mark Roberts, Circular Value Chain Director at Berry Consumer Packaging International Division, comments: “Leamington Spa is a flagship facility for Berry Circular Polymers, so it was essential to have the reassurance of a market leader with the ability to manage everything effectively. TOMRA is wellknown in the industry for its sensor-based sorting solutions and offered invaluable expertise and guidance during the design phase of the plant. Choosing TOMRA as a technology partner has ensured industryleading support and reliability.”

The five AUTOSORT™ units installed at Berry’s plant are used to presort and purify the post-consumer polypropylene (PP) bales. AUTOSORT™ delivers exceptional high-speed sorting performance thanks to its unique homogeneous light distribution for improved detection and its high-speed valves which can eject even the smallest contaminants with precision. Additionally, the INNOSORT™ FLAKE unit is used to purify the final PP flake after washing. It incorporates a unique combination of sensor technologies and a dual full colour camera to simultaneously and effectively remove undesired colours, polymers and opaque material. Its modular design, with working widths up to two metres, delivers a running capacity of up to six metric tonnes per hour. The flexible configuration allows for single or multi step sorting on the same unit to get the purest possible end products.

Steven Walsh, Area Sales Manager UK at TOMRA Recycling Sorting, comments:

“Modern sensor-based flake sorters are a game-changer for the plastic manufacturing industry. They are capable

of detecting and accurately sorting by polymer type, as well as separating different colours, generating multiple fractions at the same time. Regardless of the polymer application, our flake sorters offer unrivalled versatility and performance, and generate reliable flake quality comparable to virgin polymers. It’s a very exciting time for plastics recycling and we are delighted to have played a part in Berry’s ground-breaking CleanStream® plant.”

Mark Roberts adds: “The accuracy and speed of sorting delivered by TOMRA’s units have enabled us to produce a material that is suitable for all contact sensitive applications, in particular cosmetics and personal care, as well as food contact. Following the success of the operations at our Leamington Spa plant, we are now pursuing EU approvals for the material for food packaging applications and, as a result, we’re also looking to build on this investment in the future with additional facilities to produce more highquality circular polypropylene feedstock.”

Berry’s CleanStream™ technology is the world’s first closed-loop system to mechanically process postconsumer polypropylene (PP) from household collections back into foodgrade packaging. In August 2022, CleanStream™ was granted a Letter of No Objection from the US Food & Drug Administration confirming that the post-consumer recycled PP produced by the process can be used in levels up to 100% recycled content for food contact applications.

TOMRA Recycling Sorting

TOMRA Recycling Sorting designs and manufactures sensor-based sorting technologies for the global recycling and waste management industry to transform resource recovery and create value in waste.

The company was the first to develop advanced waste and metals sorting applications use high capacity near infrared (NIR) technology to extract the most value from resources and keep materials in a loop of use and reuse.

To date, more than 9,000 systems have been installed in 100 countries worldwide. TOMRA Recycling is a division of TOMRA Group. TOMRA was founded on an innovation in 1972 that began with the design, manufacturing and sale of reverse vending machines (RVMs) for automated collection of used beverage containers. Today, TOMRA is leading the resource revolution to transform how the planet’s resources are obtained, used and reused to enable a world without waste. The company’s other business divisions are TOMRA Food and TOMRA Collection. TOMRA has approximately 105,000 installations in over 100 markets worldwide and had total revenues of about 12 billion NOK in 2022. The Group employs 5,000 globally and is publicly listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The company headquarters are in Asker, Norway.

Berry Global

At Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE: BERY), we create innovative packaging and engineered products that we believe make life better for people and the planet. We do this every day by leveraging our unmatched global capabilities, sustainability leadership, and deep innovation expertise to serve customers of all sizes around the world. Harnessing the strength in our diversity and industry-leading talent of 46,000 global employees across more than 265 locations, we partner with customers to develop, design, and manufacture innovative products with an eye toward the circular economy. The challenges we solve and the innovations we pioneer benefit our customers at every stage of their journey.

To learn more about Berry Global Group, please visit: www.berryglobal.com

SUEZ AND PYRUM JOIN FORCES TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE TYRE RECYCLING PLANT

BASED ON AN INNOVATIVE PYROLYSIS TECHNOLOGY

THE

SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK (SUEZ) announced it has entered into a one-year exclusivity agreement with Pyrum Innovations AG (Pyrum) to build the UK’s first plant using a new patented pyrolysis technology for recycling endof-life tyres.

Over the coming 12 months, the agreement will see SUEZ identify a location for the first plant and initiate the approval process with support from Pyrum. The planned plant will comprise three pyrolysis reactors with a recycling capacity of around 20,000 tonnes of endof-life tyres per year.

Pyrum’s patented pyrolysis reactor technology is a first for the UK, resulting in the recovery of high-quality raw materials from tyres, saving up to 72% of CO2 emissions in the process when compared with current recycling methods.

Around 50 million tyres (480kt) are disposed of in the UK, currently 13.4 million of these are used as alternative fuel, with the remaining tyres shredded and ground into a new material called crumb which is used on sports pitches or

playgrounds – the rest are sent for energy recovery or to landfill.

During the pyrolysis process, tyres are separated into their component raw materials – oil, carbon black, and pyrolysis gas. The carbon black is re-used in the manufacturing of new tyres, the oil is taken by BASF and recycled into new products and the Pyrolysis gas is used to power the plant.

Through the partnership with SUEZ, the Germany-based Pyrum Innovations AG is expanding its extensive and promising pipeline for developing pyrolysis plants across Europe.

In partnering with Pyrum, SUEZ is tapping into the UK’s recycling market for end-oflife tyres, where more than half of used tyres are currently not recycled.

SUEZ brings to the project its track record in providing resilient and innovative solutions for its customers’ waste, with its significant expertise and experience in delivering new infrastructure, from design through to operation. Elsewhere in the Group, SUEZ is innovating with pyrolysis technology in its water business, leading a research program to evaluate the benefits

of pyrolysis for treating sewage sludge to capture carbon.

SUEZ and R&R CEO John Scanlon: ‘’This agreement marks an exciting milestone for SUEZ as leaders in the development of a more circular, resource efficient UK economy. With our expertise in delivering new infrastructure, SUEZ are the natural choice to pioneer this innovative technology in the UK, which will see a vast improvement in the recycling of end-of-life tyres, and a significant reduction in CO2 emissions compared with current tyre recycling technologies. We look forward to working together with Pyrum over the coming year to develop plans for the first UK plant.’’

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more about SUEZ, please visit: www.suez.co.uk

To learn more about Pyrum, please visit: www.pyrum.net

ANNOUNCEMENT MARKS THE END OF THE ROAD FOR UNSUSTAINABLE TYRE DISPOSAL.

MPS DEMAND CARBON LIMIT FOR ALL PROJECTS

An influential group of MPs and peers has demanded a major government crackdown on carbon emissions from construction. The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for the Timber Industries called for a raft of policy changes to boost demand for wood by focusing on sustainability requirements for building materials.

In a report published this week, the panel says 92 per cent of Scottish homes are built using timber while almost four in five across the UK still feature masonry. Use of wood as a construction material offers a “safe and effective means” of decarbonising the built environment, the report adds.

“Timber does not need policies which would artificially inflate its use,” says the report. “Growing demand for timber in construction will come through sensible policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, increasing affordable housing supply and stimulating the low-carbon and circular economies.”

Among the suggested interventions ministers could make is a legal

clampdown on construction-related emissions.

“If the government is to achieve net zero by 2050, it must regulate embodied carbon emissions,” says the report. “This can be achieved by expanding the Building Regulations to include requirements to assess, report and reduce embodied carbon; introducing clauses to the National Planning Policy Framework with requirements for whole life-cycle carbon assessments to be submitted as part of pre-application enquiries, full planning submissions and at practical completion; and setting limit values on embodied carbon emissions for all developments.”

The group is also calling for ministers to use “low-carbon, MMC [modern methods of construction]” for affordable housebuilding.

Funding should be provided to the timber sector to “encourage expansion and assist with new research and development” the report adds.

The government has previously said it was “exploring” whether to set “a maximum embodied carbon level

for new buildings in the future,” but warned that it would first need “a robust evidence base” of the “current baseline” of embodied carbon emissions and potential for decarbonisation, according to Construction News’ sister magazine The Architects’ Journal

Operational carbon emissions are already regulated via Parts L and F of the Building Regulations, which prescribe minimum targets for energy efficiency in new buildings.

The chair of the APPG for the Timber Industries, Baroness Hayman of Ullock, said: “Built environment emissions are a major cause for concern, directly accounting for around 25 per cent of the UK’s total carbon output. Tackling these emissions is essential if we are to hit netzero targets.

“The latest APPG report looks to assist policymakers in their bid to decarbonise construction by outlining what policies can be used to expand timber use in the UK.”

Plans for the UK’s largest timber development, a 700-home, mixed-use neighbourhood in East Sussex, were unveiled earlier this year.

Machines working in the waste industry are often found to be subjected to some of the toughest conditions of any application.

SMT GB’s engineers frequently encounter machines used in the waste industry with high levels of wear and damage to their highly expensive solid tyres, as well as damage to buckets and component wear at far more advanced levels than machines with similar hours working in other applications.

Fortunately, with access to machine reporting and telematics data from Volvo excavators, material handlers and wheeled loaders working within the waste industry, SMT GB have determined that EcoOperator training constitutes the best solution to the issues facing machines working within the waste industry.

Created by Volvo and delivered by SMT GB, EcoOperator training is an advanced course for already-experienced operators, which primarily focuses on improving efficiency.

Split between classroom and hands-on sessions, the course also aims to teach operators how to maximise productivity, while also minimising emissions, fuel consumption and machine wear.

“We do appreciate the difficulties facing machines and operators working

EcoOperator training

in the waste industry,” explains SMT Operator Efficiency Solutions Product Manager Richard Cannon. “Not only are the machines being used in harsh environments, but using the machine for shift work, and the disparity we find in operator experience compounds these difficulties,” continues Richard.

“This is where EcoOperator training really stands to benefit operators working in the waste industry. Throughout the course, we have the opportunity to explain how and why it is important to use the machines as efficiently as possible, as well as the many benefits of doing so. We are also able to set up individual user profiles for operators on each machine. These machines give site supervisors the ability to determine which operators are performing well, and which operators require more training to get the most out of the machine per shift,” adds Richard.

“Lastly, the user profiles score the operator out of 100 for how well they have performed during a shift, and provides suggestions for how to improve their score. The major advantage of this is that it gives the operator a real goal to work towards, and even explains exactly how to achieve this,” concludes Richard.

In addition to EcoOperator training, SMT Connected Support is another important solution providing benefits to machines operating in the waste industry.

By employing IoT roaming, machines equipped with Connected Support are kept in constant two-way contact with the cloud via the strongest available network to their current position. This ensures that the risk of poor signal causing the loss of real-time data insight is removed, and also improves the reliability of any Co-Pilot apps installed on the machine. However, most importantly, Connected Support ensures that the machine’s software is kept constantly up to date, ensuring that the customer is able to get the most out of their machine at all times. When used in tandem with EcoOperator training, Connected Support ensures that waste industry fleet and site managers are able to fully appreciate the efficiency and productivity improvements delivered by SMT GB.

HOW SAFE ARE YOUR TEAM?

The waste and recycling sector is a critical part of our economy and plays a crucial role in ensuring a sustainably led future. However, it is also a sector that is fraught with danger and risks. From hazardous waste to workplace accidents, the waste and recycling sector presents a significant challenge for workers and businesses when it comes to safety.

As with any large-scale waste operation, the use of heavy plant machinery and vehicles alongside operatives and ground workers, will always present a safety risk. No site, even with the highest health and safety standards and best practices is 100% free from danger. In fact, between 2017 and 2021, the waste and recycling industry had the highest rate of fatal injuries per year –with 70% of all fatalities linked to

workers being struck by vehicles or through contact with moving machinery.

In a report from the HSE in 2022, they highlighted the increased dangers associated with the waste and recycling sector - between 2017/18 and 2020/21, the waste sector recorded an average of five fatal injuries per year saying: “The waste and recycling sector has an elevated rate of fatal injury [between 2017/18 and 2020/21] compared to the average across all industries: 11 times as high.”

The most common cause of injury or fatality was being struck by a moving vehicle with 37% of all confirmed fatalities. Second was contact with moving machinery at 33%.

Although existing control methods such as physical barriers, warning signs and correct health and safety training for workers are already in place, they are never 100% effective due to human

error, on-site distractions, and other mitigating circumstances.

So, what can be done to increase the control measures already in place to help make the industry even safer and reduce the number of injuries and fatalities?

One way to increase your safety measures is to implement a plant proximity solution. One of the best on the market is the Zonr Plant Proximity Solution.

Zonr creates virtual safety exclusion zones that warn your workers when they are getting too close to dangerous or moving equipment.

The Zonr system creates a virtual barrier around anything you attach a sensor to, using UWB technology (the same technology found in an Apple Tag). This allows workers and plant operators to have an extra layer of safety protection while on site.

EU SINGLE-USE BEVERAGE CONTAINER INDUSTRY UNLIKELY TO ACHIEVE CLIMATE TARGETS

Anew study into the decarbonisation of singleuse drinks packaging has found that the European beverage container industry is unlikely to meet 1.5oC climate targets and is at risk of missing Net Zero without swift intervention. Zero Waste Europe commissioned Eunomia Research & Consulting to investigate the net zero pathways for aluminium, PET (plastic), and glass products when used in EU drinks packaging.

IThe ‘Decarbonisation of single-use beverage packaging: Investigating 1.5C future by 2050’ report found that all three materials are projected to exceed their allocated carbon budget by at least 50%. Single-use glass is the most significant contributor (+200% exceedance) followed by PET (+150%) and aluminium (50%). Collectively, they face significant challenges to stop or reduce the emission of global greenhouse gases (GHGs) as the result of their manufacture – posing a risk to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Key findings of the report:

• Even with no growth in beverage container consumption, the industry is likely to significantly overshoot the proposed cumulative emissions budget aimed at staying within 1.5°C warming.

• All three beverage container materials face significant challenges in decarbonisation:

• Aluminium – transitioning the smelting process to run on green energy will take substantial investments due to its high energy requirement.

• PET – a fundamental shift in the value chain to bio-based feedstock is necessary, but technical hurdles currently exist and may conflict with the fossil-focused nature of the industry.

• Glass – electrifying gas furnaces will require either a costly and complete infrastructure upgrade or a gradual replacement of legacy systems. Despite efforts, glass manufacturing will continue to have high energy consumption.

• GHG emissions per unit of packaging material are consistently 3-4 times higher for glass bottles compared to aluminium and PET throughout the decarbonisation pathway.

• Investment in technology, developing reuse systems, enhanced recycling, and reducing demand for aluminium, PET and glass materials are recommended as priorities to help the beverage container industry to achieve their net zero target. The research and its findings have further relevance in the context of the current revision of the EU Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

Aline Maigret, Head of Policy at Zero Waste Europe, said: “This research shows the EU packaging policy is

ill-equipped to deliver on the Net Zero agenda. Overall material use must be reduced in all packaging categories, and this speaks in favour of ambitious prevention and reuse targets. To add to this, glass’ incredibly high carbon footprint makes it unsuitable for single-use applications. The new PPWR should plan a material transition away from single-use in general, but with a particular focus on glass and PET.”

Simon Hann, Principal Consultant at Eunomia Research & Consulting and lead report author said: “It is crucial that we prioritise long-term decision-making and acknowledge that the process of achieving Net Zero is as significant as the timing. Our study highlights the effectiveness of employing a carbon budgeting methodology to identify the most viable approaches for attaining this goal. When examining beverage containers, it becomes evident that we need to adopt a more strategic approach to decision-making that takes into account future implications.

Our findings indicate that justifying the continued use of single-use glass, in particular, will become progressively more difficult, despite the obstacles faced by alternative materials.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

To learn more, please visit:

www.zerowasteeurope.eu

GREEN SKILLS NEEDED FOR A GREEN FUTURE

KATIE COCKBURN, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES DIRECTOR, CIWM

As the resources and waste management sector moves further away from its traditional linear roots towards a more circular economy, that transition will need to be underpinned by having the right skills in the right roles at the right time.

‘Green’ skills are not only topical; they are vital for securing a sustainable future for generations to come. In establishing the Green Jobs Delivery Group, the Government has recognised the importance of green skills, and CIWM acknowledges how critical our sector can be to the Government’s net zero commitments; both through our own sector’s decarbonisation and through our unique ability to advise and support other industries. This support may be through data and insights, new technologies offering renewable energy opportunities, or critical lifecycle analysis of materials and products. Incoming policy changes, such as the deposit return scheme, extended producer responsibility and consistent collections, will also underpin the need for change in the sector over the coming years.

To understand the need for green skills and recruitment needs over the coming years, CIWM recently launched a critical piece of research, Beyond Waste: Essential Skills for a Greener Tomorrow, providing data and insight into the sector’s transition and skills demands. The report concludes that the sector has the real potential to create an additional 240,000 new roles by 2040, on top of the 135,000 already employed in our sector.

The resources and waste management sector

The waste sector is often considered an unattractive career option, but this really

couldn’t be further from the truth. The complexity of our sector means that there are roles in a wide range of disciplines, from chemistry to communications, administration, engineering, and artificial intelligence. Not only that, but a career in our sector offers an opportunity to contribute to the preservation of resources and protection of our natural world.

As we start to make the circular transition, what skills does the sector need? Do we have the right infrastructure in place? The research notes that there is a lack of understanding about what the sector is already delivering in terms of the breadth of roles available, the new career paths that are opening up, and the innovation and change that creates the need for specialist roles.

Huge economic, environmental, and social benefits are being enabled across the value chain, but sector attractiveness remains a barrier due to societal perceptions of working with waste and competition from other sectors.

Green skills

Do all roles within the waste sector have the potential to become ‘green’? To answer this well, there must be a shared understanding of what is meant by ‘green’. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently set out their working definition as “Employment in an activity that contributes to protecting or restoring the environment, including those that mitigate or adapt to climate change.” Our sector is critical to the maintenance of our environment; from the cleanliness and hygiene of our lived experience to the future security of our society’s physical resources, as well as the operatives collecting waste to those at the forefront of innovating new technologies and

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information on green skills, please access the full report at: https://bit.ly/44qhta8

systems to process materials – everyone in the sector has a part to play. In fact, the ONS data analysing ‘green tasks’ across over 360 occupations between 2011 and 20191 identified waste operatives as undertaking green tasks in 59% of their work – in the top three roles analysed.

How do you know what the skills of today are and what you need for tomorrow?

CIWM Past President and Trustee, Dr. Adam Read’s presidential report ‘Skills for the Future: The Journey to Net Zero’, identified the key skills required by our sector in the initial stages of the transition from 2021-2030. To maintain our understanding of current and future skills needs, and as part of the Pioneering Professional Standards pillar of CIWM’s strategy, we have set up the Skills for the Future Working Group; a group of almost 70 dedicated CIWM member volunteers from a broad range of sector disciplines, who have helped us to understand skills needs.

The research

Using a mix of literature review, a workforce survey, interviews and two workshop sessions, the research set out to answer five key questions: which green occupations will be the most important, when we will see employers demand, how many roles will we need, where will demand be and are we skills ready?

The data collected identifies that in the short-term to 2030, roles that sit alongside policy development and implementation will be needed, as the sector focuses on the greater segregation of materials. It is therefore important for the sector to identify the skills needed to reduce waste, make packaging more circular, and so on. Looking further ahead to 2035, the circular economy comes into its own and specialists in this field will be sought after. For example, the need for reuse and repair roles increases in the period 2030-2035, which will create lots of

exciting opportunities for highly trained technicians and accelerate the transition to Net Zero.

With increasing policy changes there is a need for more regulators and roles in compliance, as well as communications experts to underpin behaviour change by communicating to both industry and the general public.

It is likely that the sector will require multi-skilled workers as businesses diversify into other areas beyond traditional waste and focus on the circular economy. Inadequate skills provision will hold the sector back, so it is essential that skills gaps are plugged and plans are put in place to nurture and develop talent.

The research also identified regional nuances where roles can be linked with knowledge hubs in certain areas, for example chemical reprocessing in the North East and circular economy solutions for end-of-life wind turbines in Scotland. This could lead to regional skills centres being established for practical training and formal qualifications.

Funding

New funding must be unlocked to attract people to the sector. CIWM is calling on the Government to create a Green Skills Fund that will prime the transition to a more circular economy, allowing the sector to unlock its potential as a powerhouse of economic growth and green job creation.

The fund could be used flexibly for apprenticeship provision or other approved qualifications as well as training, careers advice and regional hubs of excellence (such as NICER for circular economy) to provide the right people, with the right skills, at the right time, to sustainably manage our resources for generations to come and, ultimately, achieve our vision of a world beyond waste.

WARNING OVER DISPOSABLE BBQ FIRE HAZARD

As we head into the summer months, waste chiefs in South Yorkshire have issued a fresh warning about the danger of throwing away disposable BBQs before they are properly extinguished.

One of the main hazards of disposable BBQs is the risk of starting a fire if they are not disposed of correctly. The BBQs can smoulder unnoticed for hours and set fire to waste bins and refuse collection vehicles.

To help prevent accidents and danger to waste operatives, people are being asked to take a few, simple precautions to keep everyone safe.

Care should be taken when using disposable BBQs in the countryside. Never leave them unattended and make sure they are fully out and have gone completely cold after use.

Last year some national retailers announced they would no longer be stocking disposable BBQs following a series of fires believed to have been started by them. This summer there have already been destructive moorland fires where BBQs are believed to have been the cause.

Community Education Liaison Officer Abi Reid, who is based at the BDR household waste treatment facility at Manvers, said: “As the summer season gets underway there is an increase in the use of disposable BBQs. For anyone using them we would urge you to make sure they are properly extinguished before you throw them away or the consequences can be very dangerous.

“You should also take care to protect the surrounding environment especially in hot, dry weather. Forest and grass fires are becoming more common, and disposable barbeques are a common cause.”

• Never put hot embers into your bin.

• Disposable BBQs should be dowsed fully with water and then left overnight or for at least 4 hours before being disposed of as they can stay hot for a couple of days. Many fires start due to the heat from leftover disposable BBQs, rather than the flames themselves.

• Do not dispose of them in the recycling bin, as they cannot be recycled. Once completely cold, they should be placed in the household waste bin.

• Remember, ash and embers can still be very hot even if they appear unlit, so take extra care when handling the BBQ. Do not move it immediately after use or after it has been extinguished. It can take a long time for the BBQ to cool down enough to safely move.

CARS & MRE SHOW

The Complete Auto Recycling Show and Metals Recycling Event is Europe’s largest event for the end-of-life vehicle recycling, dismantling, and metals recycling industries.

The summer arrived in style with the Cars Metal and Recycling (CARS & MRE) event in Stoneleigh Park, Coventry. Over 1,700 attendees flocked to the event, arriving from all over the United Kingdom. Under bright sunshine and clear skies, companies such as TDL, Ward, eBay, TyreBoss, and Bluegroup gathered to meet attendees and discuss their latest products and innovations.

The 90 companies at the event were joined by over 40 expert speakers, each one giving insight into the industry’s recent developments and overall plans. Also on-show were up-close workshops, live demonstrations, and muchneeded refreshments in the outside seating area. Hundreds of vehicles lined the perimeter of the site as recycling and car parts enthusiasts made their way to the exhibition. Future Waste was there and, enjoying the glorious weather, met with several of the on-site companies and spoke to them about their presence at the event.

Brands Light Up The Show

The biggest draw of the 2023 CARS & MRE Event were dozens of brands in attendance. Bluegroup dazzled audiences by showing their vehicle dismantlers and Develon excavators, Tyreboss displayed their latest cushion solid tyres, whilst TDL’s Atlas crane towered over the event’s outside concourse.

eBay were present as they showcased their relaunched Certified Recycled program, which aims to promote the sales of second-hand car parts. When asked about the future of the brand and its back-to-basics approach, they stated, ‘’eBay is going back to its roots. The first thing ever sold on eBay was a ball-point pen, so the brand has come full circle in that sense.’’

Ward Recycling described the event as ‘’massively exciting’’ and, when asked about the future of the recycling industry, they stated that ‘’the twenty first century is an exciting time for it [the recycling industry]. Every year it seems like new, gamechanging products come to market.’’

Colourful stalls and towering equipment dotted the indoor section, with plenty of attendees stopping in their tracks to view the hardware above them. For those wanting a break from the networking, a massage and general wellbeing section could be found around the corner, with its mission being to promote health and wellness for those with busy careers and little time for R&R. Spectators also had the option of listening to presentations by renowned industry leaders and partaking in practical skills workshops. One of the highlights of the event was the networking dinner held at the Chesford Grange Hotel.

In association with Child Bereavement UK, the dinner aimed to connect the industry’s big players and raise money for a good cause.

A brunch for the industry’s young professionals was also held to give those under 40 the chance to meet, eat, and chat alongside likeminded people. A vibrant, exciting atmosphere permeated the entire show, and the interactive features helped involve the spectators and provide a more immersive experience.

This year marked the 12th edition of the Cars

Metal and Recycling event, and its profile has only increased since its 2012 inception. Organised and run by Roar B2B, the exhibition ran from 24-25 May this year and was a huge success. Future Waste had the pleasure of meeting almost all the companies at this year’s CARS & MRE event, and we look forward to attending again next year.

IT’S TIME TO CHANGE OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE

Statistics indicate that only a tiny fraction of building materials (at times as low as between 5 and 10 %) are even used on-site, whilst certain materials (like steel beams) can have usage rates of only 3 or 4% - a shockingly low amount considering how many buildings are built and demolished every year. Then again, the construction industry has always had a complicated relationship with waste.

Excess construction and demolition (C&D) waste is a scourge of modern times and its impact on the environment has already been profound.

The long-lasting nature of these materials mean that, if improperly disposed of, they can stay in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Figures from 2018 show that waste from the construction, demolition and excavation industries accounted for a staggering 62% of the United Kingdom’s total waste, and another study showed that 13% of materials delivered to a site end up being wasted without ever being used.

Excess construction and demolition waste is, however, not an issue limited to the confines of the United Kingdom, as a third of the total waste generated in the European Union comes from the construction and demolition industries and the USA’s waste figures make for grim reading as well.

C&D materials are generated when new structures, whether they are buildings or civil-engineering structures, are built, demolished, or renovated. This can include things like motorways, bridges, piers, dams, and utility plants. Glass, concrete, asphalt, bricks, metals, and wood are all examples of waste generated by the construction and demolition of structures, and the long-lasting nature of these materials mean that, if improperly disposed of, they can stay in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years.

It is clear that a lot of work needs to be done to limit the sheer amount of C&D waste in the global environment, and serious efforts to tackle the issue must begin immediately.

Incinerators produce a laundry list of harmful materials such as sulphur dioxide, mercury, and dioxins, each one posing its own threat to public health.

Effects of construction and demolition waste on the environment

A disturbing amount of the materials delivered to construction sites are never used and far too many of them end up finding permanent residencies in landfills or incinerators. The sheer number of surplus materials is not just costly from a financial standpoint, as the impact on the environment is at best an inconvenience and at worst, completely devastating.

Incinerators produce a laundry list of harmful materials such as sulphur dioxide, mercury, and dioxins, each one posing its own threat to public health. Never was this truer in 1985, when Towns Beach (in Missouri, USA) had to be abandoned due to the introduction of dioxin in the town’s soil. Unaware of the compound’s carcinogenic qualities, enormous amounts of it were sprayed on fields, roads, and lawns, causing widespread destruction and permanent damage to the ecosystem.

Almost 40 years later, and the streets of Towns Beach are still as uninhabitable as ever and plans for reintroduction will never see approval.

The sad tale of Towns Beach may be an extreme example of the effects of C&D waste mismanagement, but the lessons learned from it should remain in the public consciousness for as long as possible.

Those who live near incinerators are subject to a substantial amount of air pollution, noise, and foul odours. Limited landfill space makes the combustion of leftover materials seem like the more viable option, but it certainly is not the lesser of two evils. For every convenience incineration has, there are several drawbacks (the same applies to landfills) as they can contaminate sites for millennia and poison nearby water supplies in the process.

Humanity’s relationship with C&D waste needs addressing as soon as possible. If we are serious about giving the environment a solid chance of recovery, then we’re going to have to be very careful in how we choose to dispose of our unwanted materials.

HWM Group is a Hampshire-based company providing a comprehensive, full cycle range of Demolition, Waste Handling, Contaminated Soil and Groundworks Contracting services for redevelopment projects across the south of England.

CONTAMINATED SOIL SERVICE

HWM Limited, a division of HWM Group, was set up to handle the requirements of a very busy demolition and groundworks business mainly involved in brownfield development where contamination was a factor in almost every job. Waste material that needed to be treated before it could go back into the recycled aggregate supply chain would often end up in landfill or travel almost 100 miles to a treatment facility. Setting up their own soil treatment facility was the logical solution to ensure that as much concrete and soil waste coming from their demolition sites was recovered and that an absolute minimum would be going to landfill, enabling their clients to achieve their sustainability objectives.

Fourteen years on, HWM Ltd is now providing soil treatment services to a solid client base across many sectors including other demolition companies, civil engineers, MOD and Spill Response, to name a few. HWM Director, Adam Blake said:“Our bespoke treatment facility for contaminated concrete and soils is in a ‘one of one’ class of its own in the South of England and offers an alternative to landfill for contractors for whom TPH or heavy metal contamination is a problem.”

Demolition, decontamination and land remediation at Eastleigh Rail Works

Adam went on to explain “The government department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has caused an increase in enquiries from local councils on the demolition side of the business. This, in turn, has led to an increase in the enquiries we receive as developers start to make the vision a reality. “Regeneration is what provides the most contaminated material for our soil treatment facility. Landfill is no longer the ‘only’ option and we are proud to be offering a service that clears approx. 96-98 per cent of material into the recycled aggregate sector.”

HWM’S CONTAMINATED SOIL TREATMENT FACILITY

HWM Ltd’s bespoke soil treatment facility is conveniently located in Hampshire, close to the M3 motorway, for processing soils impacted with heavy metal and hydrocarbons. Once the material has undergone our unique cleaning process it is re-deployed into the construction industry in accordance with the WRAP Protocol.

Part of HWM Group’s Soil Contamination cleansing and sorting plant

The facility has a full Environment Agency (EA) Permit and is regularly audited to ensure compliance. The HWM team have many years’ experience and the critical skill sets needed for all situations. HWM have their own in-house chemist (BSc (Hons)) and use only UKAS and MCERTS accredited laboratories.

HWM’s specialist equipment has been expertly designed to achieve ‘end of waste’ status for material in order to avoid unnecessary disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous soils in landfill. The process begins with soil testing. Under the EU Waste Framework Directive, all soil removed from a site is classified as waste, even if the intention is to return it to the site. The identity of any hazardous properties needs to be considered in order that the waste can be classified. To establish if the waste has any hazardous properties, it must be subjected to a robust chemical analysis. Often a waste producer will already have documents and lab data from a full Site, or Ground Investigation Report (SIR or GIR). If not, HWM Ltd offer a soil investigation service – providing a range of analyses including hydrocarbons, phenols, asbestos identification, volatile organic compounds and metals. This data, when assessed by our chemist, will determine the classification of the waste. Waste soils can only be classified as either Hazardous or Non-Hazardous. The term ’Inert’ is not a classification.

As part of their seamless Contaminated Soil Service, HWM have their own fleet of tippers for transporting waste to their facility which gives their clients added confidence and control. HWM provide full waste transportation documentation and meticulous record-keeping as standard.

SOIL TREATMENT

Due to rising landfill costs and legislation, the industry must become cleaner and more efficient. For many this is not an option but a requirement. HWM Ltd achieve these goals by reprocessing and re-using soil, whatever its origin. They are committed to sustainability, treating and re-using surplus and technically inferior soils that in the UK would be land filled (at considerable cost both to the environment and the client). They recover, re-use and recycle contaminated materials with almost zero going to landfill, offering services that are environmentally relevant to contaminated, ex-industrial sites (brownfield sites), spill response and all projects with contaminated land.

In summary, HWM Ltd offer a full soil and land remediation service as part of their comprehensive Contracting service, always seeking out the best viable option for providing cost-effective solutions. The golden thread running through all their processes is firmly based on the principles of sustainable development to protect and enhance the environment.

HWM Group offer their Soil Treatment expertise both as a stand-alone waste-handling service and as an integral part of their demolition and civil engineering services. HWM Group have recently gained CHAS Elite Accreditation, the UK’s leading provider of compliance and risk management solutions, by demonstrating compliance across 13 risk management areas, including health and safety, equality and diversity and modern slavery.

Butlins – Contaminated land remediation and civil engineering

DEMOLITION & CIVIL ENGINEERING SERVICES

HWM Group’s core objective is to provide safe, environmentally conscious and cost-effective demolition and decommissioning in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors across London and the Home Counties including Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Somerset and West Sussex.

Their key management staff ensure full regulatory compliance with fully integrated management systems in place throughout. Registration with National Quality Assurance (NQA) training, National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health (NEBOSH) training and the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) ensures their working practices are fully compliant with demolition industry and waste handling standards.

HWM recently completed a 22-week, £1.2m commission for Glencar Ltd to demolish 5-storey Lilly House with 2-storey underground car parking in Basingstoke. The project included removal of all asbestos-based material, full site clearance and removal of waste using HWM’s own waste facilities. Once at ground level, HWM were required to locate and protect all existing drainage systems, secure and protect critical utilities infrastructure running through the site, crush all arisings for grading to use on site (6F2 & Type1) and sort, segregate and remove all required waste streams.

HWM were able to manage significant challenges to ensure disruption was minimised to adjacent businesses, a nearby hotel, residential blocks and two busy main roads during the works. With utilities such as substations, underground power and fibre telecoms running through the site to nearby businesses and a hospital, HWM had to secure and protect these critical infrastructures throughout the demolition and ground stabilisation process.

HWM have just spent 8 weeks at Butlins in Bognor Regis for Amiri Construction to prepare land with several previous uses to make way for a new entertainment area. Soils removed to their own treatment facility achieved a 90 per cent recycling rate. 3,200 tons of old concrete were crushed on site for reuse with only 200 tons having to be imported to finish the job.

Earlier this year, the company was engaged to demolish buildings at Eastleigh Railway Sidings in Hampshire for ADI Ltd, part of a large redevelopment project in the Navigator Quarter of the new Solent Freeport area. The work involved removal of all asbestos-based material from six structures, crushing all arisings for grading and re-use on site (6F2 & Type 1) and sorting, segregating and removal of all required waste streams. HWM’s Land Remediation team prepared the land to meet the needs of a modern occupier with Net Zero Target Build requirements.

Soil sample testing

FOOD RETAILERS COULD SAVE £7,000 BY RECYCLING FOOD WASTE

On average, food retailers in the UK are spending £50,862 every year on sending their food waste to landfill, but recycling food waste could save them £7,000 per year, according to new research from Keenan Recycling.

On top of this, the survey also found that 37% of food retailers in the UK either arenʼt aware of upcoming legislation on food waste, or if they are, have little or no understanding of it.

The research by the national food waste recycling company also looked at whether food waste recycling was a priority for retailers. It found that almost half (41%) of UK food retailers do not think food waste is a core priority, and shockingly, over a third (36%) said that they do not recycle food waste at all.

This new data comes as proposed legislation from the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Environmental Act is fast approaching, which plans to make it a legal requirement for companies in England to separate and recycle food waste. Similar legislation on businesses producing more the 5kg of food waste per week has been in force in Scotland since 2016, and will be coming into force in Wales in April 2024, leaving businesses with minimal time to prepare.

However, despite the lack of understanding in the sector, half of respondents (49%) did say that their business is working to gain an understanding of the proposed legislation.

Grant Keenan, managing director at Keenan Recycling, said: “Rising inflation and a looming recession combined with staff shortages and customers cutting back on their spending, has led to a tough time for the food retail industry. Grocers and convenience store managers are having to think about how they can cut costs to maintain profitability and minimise the amount of added expense they are passing on to customers. So, an average saving of £7,000 could have a big impact on businesses who are struggling.”

“On top of this, with pending legislative change and pressure for businesses to make their own net zero plans public, food recycling will be key to how operations function sustainably in the future, so the best time to become involved with it is now.”

For more insights download Keenan Recycling’s full ‘Food Waste Recycling 101’ report here.

37% of food retailers in the UK arenʼt aware of upcoming legislation on food waste

EXCITEMENT BUILDS FOR RWM 2023!

Birmingham’s famous NEC Arena will host the 2023 edition of the RWM Expo on September 13-14th and hopes are high that the event can build upon the strong foundation it established several years ago.

The Resource & Waste Management Expo is one of the biggest events in the industry calendar and it will appeal to anyone with even a passing interest in recycling. As anticipation for the show grows, Future Waste is gearing up for a productive two days at the event and we very much look forward to meeting the attendees.

What is the RWM Event?

RWM has long been known as the premier recycling and waste management event and its presence attracts hundreds of people from the recycling and waste management industries. Whether you’re a large-scale operator or a smaller, independent operator, RWM is ideal for everyone who wants to know the industry’s latest developments and keep their finger on its ever-moving pulse. There’s seldom a dull day in the waste management sector as new challenges, obstacles, and solutions present themselves regularly and new game-changing technology is always in the works.

The event is hosted alongside Letsrecycle Live, and it will spotlight the latest developments in the recycling and waste management sectors. Over two-thirds of RWM visitors attend to source new equipment and suppliers from the 9,000 industry buyers, whilst thousands more attend to marvel at some of the many impressive stands and network with other industry professionals.

The build-up for the show kicked-off with a digital webinar hosted by Grey Parrot AI. Regen Waste and Sort Flow were the main speakers, with Sort Flow CEO Luc Malinger and Re-Gen Group Conor McCooey each giving their thoughts on AIdriven waste management strategies.

The role of AI will be just one of the many talking points heading into the show as the technology seems to have noticeably advanced within the last 12 months. Climate change, plant fires, and the plastics crisis are also in the minds of industry professionals, and RWM will serve as the perfect event to voice such concerns.

What to Expect at RWM 2023

This year’s RWM will be the most dynamic yet, with the exhibition being split into four distinct zones. Each district will offer something different, and its layout is designed to be as easy to navigate as possible.

Over two-thirds of RWM visitors attend to source new equipment and suppliers from the 9,000 industry buyers

Collections and Transport Zone

The collections and transport zone showcases the latest solutions for sustainable waste transportation, street cleaning, and refuse collection. Companies like Volvo Trucks, KORE, LARAC, and LAPV represent just a handful of past and present exhibitors there and the zone is an ideal location for those wanting to learn more about responsible waste management.

Recycling Services

The recycling services zone aims to spotlight the ever-changing recycling industry and its emerging reliance on AI and software solutions. Past and present exhibitors include TATA Steel, Fairport Containers, and SUEZ Recycling. If you’re interested in the recycling sector and wish to know more about its status in 2023, then this is the zone for you.

Machinery & Equipment

The machinery and equipment area is dedicated to the latest industry-leading machinery designed to process and handle waste material. Shredders, balers, compactors, and so much more are on show here, and this section of RWM is the most talkedabout and visited due to the impressive technology on show. Companies like Sword Engineering, Terex Recycling Systems, and CK International make up just a few of the zone’s past and present exhibitors, and the district is a must-visit if you wish to achieve the full RWM experience.

The 2023 event is forecasted to host over 12,000 visitors from all over the world

Outside Area

The outside area is where you’ll find live demonstrations and imposing pieces of machinery. If the weather holds up, visitors can enjoy an afternoon of walking around the concourse in the sunshine and meeting the exhibitors. Food and drink stalls are available outside, and several industry-leading companies can also be found.

2023 Aims to Build Upon Last Year’s Success

Last year saw over 9,000 visitors flock to the exhibition’s 3 main halls and spacious outdoor area. Over 200 expert speakers gave presentations on the hot topics and newsworthy events, and several companies gave demonstrations on their upcoming products. The event was a huge success and it certainly lived up to its reputation as one of the most exciting events in the industry’s calendar. The 2023 event is forecasted to host over

12,000 visitors from all over the world and welcome companies like Liebherr Group, CRWM, Ward, Recycling Lives, Alfred H. Knight, Bucer Municipal, Dennis Eagle, Finning CAT, Fireward, Portacabin, and Suez. Other notable names include Costa, McDonald’s, Siemens, and Tesco, and each one will be speaking to the public and exhibiting their latest products.

Plastic Crisis Looms Over Industry

The 2023 RWM Exhibition will take place against the backdrop of the worldwide plastics crisis which has dominated headlines over the last year. As international talks about the material continue to rage on, it will be fascinating to hear what insights those at RWM will have on the issue. Items like disposable vapes and single-use plastics have caused their fair share of environmental damage, and we look forward to hearing what solutions are conjured up by some of the event’s speakers and exhibitors.

Big Players on Show

An extensive list of industry-leading companies will be present for this year’s RWM and Future Waste are tremendously excited to be along for the ride. All will be there showcasing their latest products and giving their insights into the future of the industry.

Darren Shelton, the Business Manager of Future Waste, said: ‘’The RWM event offers huge excitement and, after a successful 2022, Future Waste is tremendously excited to attend and meet some of our many industry partners, both old and new.’’

The RWM exhibition will span 3 indoor exhibition halls as well as a large outdoor area for vehicle demonstrations, machinery, and equipment. Future Waste has attended the show in the past and we were hugely impressed with the sheer scale and spectacle of the event. The increasing popularity of the show is a good sign as the public are becoming more and more aware of the importance of recycling and reducing their carbon footprint.

Future Waste is excited to attend this year’s RWM and we’ll hopefully see you there!

www.ess-expo.co.uk/four-shows/rwm

www.letsrecycle.com/event/rwm-letsrecycle-live-2023/

The increasing popularity of the show is a good sign as the public are becoming more and more aware of the importance of recycling and reducing their carbon footprint

DRIVING SOCIAL VALUE THROUGH CIRCULAR APPROACHES TO WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

Reconomy’s services across compliance, recycling and returns act as a three-pronged platform to conserve finite resources by delivering bespoke solutions to help businesses of all shapes and sizes across many different industries achieve their ESG goals.

In the construction sector, we are laser focused on using innovation, data and specialist expertise to help our customers achieve zero waste and create sustainable value in their projects.

We are strengthening out our proposition and building out the required infrastructure to improve recycling efficiency as we look to consolidate and strengthen our marketleading role within the industry.

ADDING COMPLEMENTARY SERVICES VIA ACQUISITION

For example, in June we acquired Ecofficiency, a Doncaster-based provider of waste and materials management solutions.

Not only did this transaction bolster our existing proposition but we also added Ecofficiency’s specialist soil services to our capabilities allowing for a total managed solution for the reuse and removal of soil from construction sites, as well as across other relevant industries.

This means that construction firms will be able to reduce the bulk volume of waste by segregating hazardous materials and retaining recycled soils on site.

Such a complementary acquisition was made to further enhance the depth of services that we are able to offer our clients, and also because expanding our capabilities helps us achieve our core mission of creating a more circular economy. That’s why it is important that the acquisitions we make add specialist services from organisations that align with our philosophy. It widens and strengthens what we can offer businesses, with rapid innovation, cutting edge technology and deep specialist skills being the most fundamental and effective ways to accelerate the transition to a Circular Economy.

Michael Benton, Managing Director of Recycle division of Reconomy

We are laser focused on using innovation, data and specialist expertise to help our customers achieve zero waste and create sustainable value in their projects.

GROWING DIGITISATION AND DATA IN CONSTRUCTION

Alongside our acquisition strategy, another significant area of growth we see is in the increased digitisation within the construction sector and as part of our focus on customer innovation, we continue to support these processes in the construction industry.

For example, every construction company has to perform thousands of transactions each year. Manually placing orders, raising purchase orders and processing invoices all create costs. However, automation can make it approximately 20 times more cost effective.

So, in an ‘industry first’, Reconomy’s large-scale ‘PunchOut’ procurement catalogue is providing Balfour Beatty employees with simple, straightforward access to an e-catalogue of our many waste and recycling services. The catalogue is hosted on our own website and directly linked into Balfour Beatty’s existing purchasing system. PunchOut removes the need for multiple emails or phone calls relating to individual orders.

The growth of data-led solutions is another area where digitisation is driving more efficiency within the construction sector.

Over the past two decades, there has been a growing public sentiment towards protecting the environment and limiting climate change. It means there is particular onus on businesses to demonstrate that they are also committed to having a positive environmental impact.

As a result, customers now want to know exactly how much of the material collected by waste companies is recycled, where it is going and how it is being managed.

Our technology-enabled solutions help meet that challenge. In 2022, 97.5% of all waste managed by Reconomy was diverted from landfill.

We continue to facilitate the re-use of thousands of tonnes of waste material, diverting it from landfill, and collecting, and analysing Group-level data on not only the diversion (or recovery) rate of the total waste handled, but also, the waste avoidance intensity (tonnes of waste avoided divided by turnover).

This is combined by improving infrastructure so that we have both the data available, and the ability to drive improvements in the rate of successful recycling as, ultimately, the business of outsourced waste management can only work with what infrastructure is available.

Construction companies are likely to have many waste streams from multiple sites that all need collection and sorting. To move up the waste hierarchy, there needs to be a combination of better infrastructure for bulk waste handling and different ways of dealing with waste.

We are doing our bit to manage infrastructure through our acquisition of Eurokey which has a brand new, state-of-the-art sorting facility in Kettering, Northamptonshire. In 2022 it became operational as the world’s first sorting facility of multi-polymer plastic packaging.

Eurokey is an important element in the UK’s recycling infrastructure since it can process more than 50% of UK supermarket back-of-store plastic. The facility has an annual capacity of 70,000 tonnes .

CASE STUDY

McDONALD’S

In 2022, Reconomy was awarded sole supplier status on the framework for McDonald’s ‘reimaging store refurbishment works programme’. Within this role, Reconomy was tasked with supporting all ten existing contractors responsible for overseeing restaurant refurbishments to deliver increasingly sustainable environmental excellence.

This meant identifying more sustainable, circular solutions to minimise waste generated by each restaurant refurb, along with exploring all possible opportunities for the reuse or recycling of materials.

This would be underpinned by detailed and accurate waste and resource management Information delivered via the market leading Reconomy Portal.

Through this project, the team established a partnership between Reconomy, McDonald’s, Murray & Willis and YMCA Together’s Liverpool branch in order to facilitate the reuse of restaurant furniture from a newly refurbished McDonald’s restaurant, located at Poplar 2000 services in Lymm, Warrington.

Reconomy identified a significant reuse opportunity for surplus-to-requirements furniture from the McDonald’s Lymm restaurant owned by Franchisee Jayne Aspin-Mayne. These included stools, chairs, benches, tables, sofas, and even its recycling stations.

Following a period of engagement with nearby third sector organisations, an agreement was reached to donate the furniture to Liverpool branch of YMCA Together, effectively removing it as a waste stream whilst at the same time creating a social value initiative with significant expansion potential.

In doing so, it has both prevented these resources from being wasted and created a reuse opportunity that benefits both the community and the wider environment.

The more sustainable management of the furniture has realised several social, environmental and commercial benefits.

Firstly, their reuse within a community-focused initiative has generated £5,500 of social value. Furthermore, diverting these materials from landfill and preventing them from being wasted saved 0.4 tonnes of CO2e, and has potentially helped prevent increased costs associated with new POPs legislation, which could impact all 1400+ McDonald’s stores in the UK and Ireland.

One of the most exciting things about this project is its scalability and potential to add significant value at a national level. Preventing McDonald’s commercial

grade restaurant furniture from becoming general waste demonstrates a nationally coordinated social, environmental and commercial proposition, with McDonald’s franchisees, contractors and third sector partners all working closely together to deliver sustainable outcomes.

The reuse solution with YMCA Together is now acting as a template for all the work taking place across the UK & ROI as part of McDonald’s annual reimaging store refurbishment works programme. The partners are also actively involved in trialling circular solutions for other high-volume materials created by the refurbishment works, including Rockfon ceiling tiles and Corian materials.

It has both prevented these resources from being wasted and created a reuse opportunity that benefits both the community and the wider environment.

GROWING IN THE RIGHT WAY

As specialists in sustainability and circularity, it is vital that we grow in a way that brings communities, partners and suppliers with us. The award-winning Reconomy Social Value Programme is, therefore, an absolutely vital consideration in our commercial decision-making.

We have delivered £2.2 million in social value through the programme. We are particularly proud of our local initiatives which have helped to create opportunities for young people leaving care and for other hard-to-reach groups.

Reconomy has also supported 86 apprenticeships and 60 internships in 2022 and we have ambitions to ramp this up this moving forward with vacancies ring-fenced for those leaving the care system in the UK through our partnership with the National House Project.

Within the construction sector, last year we acquired Webb’s Training Services, a well-established commercial training company, providing top quality training across different areas including health & safety, construction, plant operation, manual handling, working at height, first aid, driving and many more.

The war for talent is a problem across the UK economy and the construction sector has been particularly badly affected by this so we are excited by the potential to continue scaling up our internal construction services programmes.

As with our recruitment policies, we will also be aiming to cultivate more talent from hard-to-reach backgrounds and the local areas where are offices are based.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

Within the Recycle division, we will maintain our relentless concentration on building out our skills to create a complete circular proposition.

We are particularly energised by the ability to develop our offering in the construction sector, and the recent acquisition of Ecofficiency is testament to the investment we are making in the sector as well as our ambitions to provide an outstanding service to companies in this space.

This means continuing to develop our technology and data skills to harness a growing consensus around the need for practical change to preserve finite resources.

The war for talent is a problem across the UK economy and the construction sector has been particularly badly affected by this.

HOW DO WE SOFTEN THE BLOW OF CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION WASTE ON THE ENVIRONMENT?

There’s no shortage of materials that can be reused and recycled for future use. In fact, a significant number of building materials, from packing materials to paint, can easily be given new life. Doors, appliances, and other forms of hardware all contain versatile raw materials, whilst bricks and masonry can be recycled as subbase material for soil amendment. The era of liberally sourcing virgin materials every time a structure is built is long-over, so it’s up to us to start making good use of what we already have.

Whilst it’s true that both environmental and public health has already been affected by the careless disposal of surplus C&D waste materials, to say the battle is entirely lost would be something of an overstatement.

There’s no shortage of materials that can be reused and recycled for future use

Recycling and reusing C&D waste materials gives us the license to be creative and the increasing global population makes conjuring up solutions to the world’s waste problem a flat-out necessity. As the population grows and natural resources shrink, the time for redemption took place several years ago and the possibility of a full recovery may have already passed us by.

Benefits For the Recycling Industry

The environment isn’t the only big benefactor of the reuse process, as jobs, revenue and overall opportunities in the recycling industry also benefit hugely. A greater incentive to recycle creates a win-win scenario for both us and the environment, but this alone is not enough to discourage widespread wastage of C&D materials. The same can be said for education, which, whilst important, will not paper the cracks permanently embedded in the environment.

A greater incentive to recycle creates a winwin scenario for both us and the environment

Countries such as Denmark have ordered a reduction in their incinerator output as the by-products don’t fall in line with their climate requirements. Wholesale restrictions, such as the European Union’s 2018 pledge to cut waste and provide incentives for reuse, are among the biggest tools humanity have in its locker to combat the epidemic that is C&D waste mismanagement.

Entirely undoing the damage suffered by the environment may be an impossibility and a naïve pipe dream, but it’s never too late to make positive strides. The sooner the construction and demolition industries resolve their fractured relationship with waste, the more favourable our planet’s outlook will be in the long run.

Construction and demolition waste carries with it the threat of serious environmental damage and its prominence has been allowed to grow to near-unthinkable levels. If action is not taken now, then its already-serious consequences will only get worse as time goes on.

The sooner the construction and demolition industries resolve their fractured relationship with waste, the more favourable our planet’s outlook will be in the long run.

Creating

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