FUTURE WASTE MAY 2023

HAZARDOUS WASTE: STATE OF EMERGENCY

THE OIL DEPOT: FUEL SUPPLIERS

TOP SORTING PROCESSES

HAZARDOUS WASTE: THE LOWDOWN

How safe are your

Every year too many workers are killed or injured through unnecessary contact with plant and machinery on construction sites and beyond.

Zonr plant proximity solution has been designed and built using Pathfindr’s technology expertise in collaboration with construction safety experts. It uses Ultra-Wideband (UWB) signals to create a virtual barrier around dangerous plant and equipment.

Zonr

FUTURE WASTE FUTURE WASTE

Welcome to the May issue of Future Waste, an issue packed with some really inspiring news as we embark on a great year for sustainability. There’s so much to read; from methods of sorting waste, to the hazardous waste emergency. This issue looks to bring you the latest on all issues central to hazardous waste, whether it is the disposal of hazardous waste or waste sorting. Be sure to check out the cover stories of SMT and The Oil Depot, respectively covering the Future of construction machinery and fuelling the business on pages 44 and 58.

Keep up to date with the latest via our website and social media pages and we look forward to seeing you for next issue!

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KATE HUTCHISON EDITOR

CONTENTS

CONTENTS In this May issue ...

In this January issue...

09 Latest News

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

25 BIFFA

Biffa trucks to be upcycled to electric in line with the principle of the circular economy.

29 Why sort waste?

Martina Tonelli looks into how we sort waste, what it means and why it is important.

36 Hazardous waste: state of emergency

All the news from around the world on how waste is affecting earth. Some shocking data and incredible stories!

44 The Oil Depot

Why choose The Oil Depot for your fuel supply needs?

50 Top sorting processes for different waste

Kate Hutchison takes us through the different methods of waste sorting.

58 SMT

With an emphasis being put on increasing sustainability in the construction machinery sector, SMT GB are proud to offer Volvo Construction Equipment Electric Machinery.

64 Hazardous waste

Martina Tonelli takes a look into hazardous waste.

LAUNCHES ITS PLASTICS RECYCLING ANNUAL AWARDS

Plastics resource efficiency and recycling charity, RECOUP launches its Plastics Recycling Annual Awards 2023 to recognise and celebrate excellence in plastics resource efficiency and recycling, to champion leading a more circular plastics value chain.

Following the success of its inaugural awards last year, RECOUP has decided to make its awards bigger and better, by extending the award categories and holding the awards ceremony as part of its pre-conference networking dinner on Wednesday 27 September.

Rebecca Davis, Membership & Events Manager, at RECOUP comments: “ We are excited to be able to launch a new equipment and technology focussed award category this year, alongside the previous categories which showcase and reward developments and innovations that are raising awareness of not only plastics recyclability but also reuse potential.”

The awards are FREE to enter and RECOUP invites entries from anyone involved in the plastics resources and recycling value chain who want to be recognised for their work and initiatives under the following award categories:

AWARD CATEGORIES

• 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 Reuse of Plastics

Tom Heap of ‘Costing the Earth’ and BBC’s ‘Countryfile’ will be joining RECOUP Chairman, Jim Armstrong to announce

the winners and celebrate at the RECOUP Awards and Pre-Conference Networking Dinner on Wednesday 27 September.

The closing date for award entries is 14 July 2023 and entries are accepted via the RECOUP website www.recoup.org/ recoupawards23

Award sponsorship packages are still available, please contact enquiry@recoup. org for more information.

The RECOUP Annual Conference takes place on Thursday 28 September and RECOUP Awards and Pre-Conference Networking Dinner on the 27 September 2023.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

For more information, please contact enquiry@recoup.org or to book conference tickets please visit: www.recoup.org

When using the right machine, waste can be transformed into valuable raw materials. Reducing, re-using and recovering waste to manage waste sustainably can be done profitably. Efficiently recycling waste by conventional means is notoriously difficult, and in most cases only a certain percentage of the waste ends up recycled. But what if there was an easier way?

We are lucky enough to have the most versatile machine on the market in regards to the TANA Shark Shredder. Be it general waste, mattresses, tyres, wood, plastic, C&I, C&D the Shark can handle them all and more. Pair that with excellence in service and you have a winning formula.

There are many applications to which the TANA Shark shredder can be used. The TANA Shark can shred all kinds of endof-life tyres. These could come from cars, trucks, aircrafts and heavy-duty vehicles and can be really difficult to recycle. The TANA Shark uses high-torque to make it possible to shred tyres to an 80 mm particle size in just one pass and separates most of the metal wires directly from the shredded material flow on the conveyor. The steel wiring is removed in the shredding process and by an over-band magnet in the unloading conveyor. Once

separated, shredded tyres and metals can be sold and reused in many ways.

For packaging materials such as hard and soft plastics, cardboard, paper, wires, paper rolls, containers, aluminium, gypsum or any reject from the production line of a manufacturing process can all be shredded using the TANA Shark. TANA Shredders are well utilised in the treatment of this variety of material. Many complications arise from commercial and industrial waste depending on the recollection process of the materials. TANA shredders are slow speed and use a single shaft with high torque that optimises the machines’ functions. Because of TANA shredder’s unique features downtime is minimal as processes are in place to ensure the treatment process runs smoothly and efficiently without breaking down or requiring a ‘cool off’ period.

Get more out of your investment with the TANA Shark’s low-rev and high torque process. This makes light work for difficult materials such as mattresses, cables and wires, and ragger wires. Some of these

materials are loathed by landfill operators as especially mattresses contain a mixture of complex materials such as textiles, latex, foam, springs and wood that are difficult to recycle. The magnetic separation of metals can generate additional income, as it can be sold on for recycling purposes. As cables and wires come in a plethora of shapes, sizes and contents, they can be classed as almost impossible to separate. However, the high torque capabilities of the TANA Shark enable this process to be possible.

B-SURE RECYCLING’S £70K INVESTMENT SOLVES CUSTOMERS’ WASTE MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS

Leicestershire-based B-Sure Installations has invested over £70k to launch a new waste management company, B-Sure Recycling. The new enterprise helps customers reach waste management targets by providing a complete collection and recycling service of all types of business waste.

“How we manage waste is a huge business concern for everyone across all sectors from schools, manufacturing, retail and healthcare. Reaching recycling targets through circular economy solutions is a significant part of environmental goals for companies today,” explains Ross Chambers, Managing Director, B-Sure Installations. “All waste from cardboard and shrink wrap, to thrown out old dispensers and unwanted furniture, is collected and recycled at our newly-built B-Sure Recycling facility.”

B-Sure – which is based at Manor Business Park in Enderby Road, Leicester - has grown over the last 15 years to be a major installation company in the

UK. B-Sure Recycling can now manage the waste recycling process from its installation projects including furniture, B-Spoke hygiene boards, dispensers and air conditioning units along with property maintenance. All waste items can be recycled at the B-Sure site where the company has recently installed two compactors and a high-tech granulator.

down and separated and plastic waste is granulated and bagged. The recycled materials are then provided to B-Sure partners who create it into new products such as mats, play areas, PVC windows, toys and many more new products. Some items such as office furniture, if they are in good condition, are refurbished or resized so that they can be reused, placing them back into the circular economy.

Customers are provided with bins and cages to collect waste at their sites. When these are full customers can either book a collection using our on line portal or arrange for a regular collection to be made by the B-Sure recycling team. Once collected then the waste transported back to B-Sure Recycling facilities. Metal waste is collated, wood-based waste is broken

“We can now offer a complete circular economy solution for all of our customers waste management needs,” adds Ross Chambers. “B-Sure Recycling can enable customers to complete its waste circle, saving them money, time and hassle within the manufacturing process and supporting the expansion of the business waste recycling infrastructure across the country.”

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

T: 01302 872431

E: enquiries@tanauk.com

www.tanauk.com

WASTE SECTOR EDITORIAL

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 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 that you can 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. FOR

“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.”

Find out how at:

www.biffa.co.uk/campaigns/try-for-90-days

NEW REPORT PROVES COST-COMPETITIVENESS OF MATERIAL RECOVERY AND BIOLOGICAL TREATMENTBASED APPROACHES FOR MIXED WASTE TREATMENT

Anew report by Zero Waste Europe (ZWE) demonstrates how Material Recovery and Biological Treatment (MRBT) systems are a cost-effective approach to treating (leftover) mixed waste.

This study on “Nothing left behind: modelling Material Recovery and Biological Treatment’s contribution to resource recovery and fighting climate change”, done by Equanimator, focuses on this technology which combines the use of advanced sorting systems applied to mixed waste (to extract additional material for recycling) with biological treatment of the remaining residual waste aimed at stabilising the waste before its being landfilled.

The study modelled MRBT systems at two scales: 100 thousand tonnes (100kt), and 200 thousand tonnes (200kt). These were further modelled in two scenarios: lower cost EU Member States and higher cost EU Member States.

The study found that MRBT costs are lower than costs for incineration, with MRBT becoming even more compelling once incinerators are included in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS):

• The costs for the MRBT facilities are in the range of €97€123 per tonne for the 100kt system, and €76-€96 per tonne for the 200kt system (1).

• MRBT systems require relatively little capital commitment. These vary between €296-€377 per tonne/year for the 100kt facility and 242-304 for the 200kt facility. These are well under half what would be expected for an incineration facility (2).

The study also demonstrated the benefits of MRBT for extracting plastics for recycling from mixed waste:

• When comparing the costs of extracting plastics from mixed waste with those paid under extended producer responsibility schemes (EPR), the former is very competitive at the 100kt scale (226- 550 €/tonne) and becomes one of the lower-cost means of accessing plastics for recycling at 200kt scale (32-210€/tonne).

Janek Vähk, ZWE’s Climate, Energy, and Air Pollution Programme Coordinator, states: “We have a climate crisis and EU funds should be used to implement MRBT across Europe. These systems must be considered by all EU countries to comply with their circular economy commitments. This report shows that MRBT works, it’s cost-effective, and it brings us closer to our zero emissions target – it’s effectively a proof of concept, so let’s make sure we use it everywhere to address the climate emergency.”

Dominic Hogg, Director at Equanimator, adds: “The relevance of MRBT systems at a global level is potentially enormous both in terms of energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) saving associated with materials recycling but also because of its potential of zero methane landfilling. We really should be doing it everywhere”.

The key results of the report were previewed at the “Mixed Waste Sorting: The next frontier for the circular economy” conference on 21 March 2023.

ADVANCE CARBON REDUCTIONS

for one of the largest teaching hospital trusts in England

Major projects will help the Trust towards the NHS Net Zero goal by cutting CO₂ by a further 3,847 tonnes per year across two large hospitals using heat pump and solar technologies.

Veolia has marked 85 years of providing energy management to the healthcare sector with major new projects to help decarbonise two acute hospitals for the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, one of the largest teaching hospital trusts in England that treats over 2.8 million patients each year. Using a £22 million investment from the Salix Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) Phase 3a, and additional Trust funding, the Good Hope Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham will gain from an extensive range of energy upgrades that will further cut carbon emissions.

The works are being delivered through the Energy Performance Contract with Veolia that was awarded through the Carbon Energy Fund framework, which provides project management and technical support to the projects. Designed using the whole building approach, these will help the Trust achieve the NHS Net Zero goal by saving 3,847 tonnes of CO2 each year.

Located in Edgbaston, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham will lower its carbon footprint by 2086 tonnes per year through conversion from the use of steam for heating, and replacing this with a hot water system backed by the integration of a 1MW multi-stage heat pump system.

To ensure the efficiency of the new system 2,000m² of roof insulation will be installed and the control systems optimised. Installation of a 314kWe solar array will further help to decarbonise the hospital’s electricity supply, by adding renewable power,

and electricity consumption will be reduced by fitting more than 2962 LED luminaires in the buildings.

Upgrades at the Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield will mirror those being implemented at the Queen Elizabeth hospital with a similar conversion from steam to hot water heating. To achieve a total annual saving of 1760 tonnes of CO2 the hospital will use a 650kW multi-stage heat pump system, new efficient hot water boilers, installation of 9,500m2 roof insulation, and new building energy management systems. Electricity use will be cut by 1992 LED luminaires that will replace existing internal lighting. These measures will add to the efficiency of the existing combined heat and power based supply that has been delivering financial savings and efficient energy, secure generation since 2013.

Managing energy in hospitals since 1938, Veolia now provides secure on-site energy, FM and recycling services to over 230 UK hospitals. Using wide-ranging carbon management strategies the company is at the forefront of delivering significant cost and emissions reductions using proven energy efficient technology, and best practice optimisation. This backs Veolia’s aim to tackle climate change by expanding the use of existing and new innovative solutions, with a target of becoming the benchmark company for ecological transformation.

“As the NHS became the world’s first health service to commit to reaching carbon net zero, these projects will help the Trust meet this target by cutting reliance on fossil fuels and will advance their progress to eliminate carbon emissions by 2045. Our whole building approach, and expertise gained over 85 years of delivering energy efficiency to healthcare, will deliver major benefits including savings on critical energy costs, reduced emissions, and enhanced patient facilities. By working in partnership we will enable the Trust to meet their sustainability goals and deliver a net-zero future for healthcare in the UK.”

GAVIN GRAVESON

Veolia

Senior Executive Vice President

Northern Europe Zone

“Working with Veolia on these projects will make a significant difference in reducing the Trust’s carbon footprint, as we move towards our net zero target. We are committed to our sustainability goals, whilst making sure we continue to provide the treatment, support and care our patients need.”

VICKY MARSHMENT

Sustainability Lead at University Hospitals

Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust

Easter may have been and gone, but that doesn’t mean we stop indulging in our favourite treats! So, to remove some of that guilt, we share some handy tips to help you recycle more, and waste less. Details about both Easter campaigns from Recycle Now and Love Food Hate Waste can be found at: – Seven ways to recycle at Easter, Recycle Now, What to do with your Easter leftovers , and Love Food Hate Waste

TOP TIPS

EASTER EGG / SWEET FOIL

The foil wrapped around most easter eggs CAN be recycled - Simply scrunch the foil into a loose ball along with any other bits of used foil (including from smaller eggs) and pop it into your normal recycling bin for collection. If it springs back open when you try to scrunch it, this means it’s laminated and should go in your general rubbish bin.

EASTER EGG / CHOCOLATE PACKAGING

Easter eggs with less packaging are much better for the planet and luckily there are more around these days. Most of the packaging can be popped in your kerbside collections - cardboard boxes and possibly some plastic trays, which

HOPE YOU HAD AN EGGCELLENT, WASTEFREE EASTER!

Recycle Now and Love Food Hate Waste, part of climate action NGO WRAP, came up with some eggcellent tips to help reduce waste over Easter.

need to be flattened them to save space.

FLOWERS:

Once your flowers have past their best you can pop them in with your garden waste or if you have a home compost, they can go on there. If you are feeling creative, you can dry them and use them around your home.

PLASTIC WRAPPING/ WRAPPING PAPER:

If your chocolate treats have come in cellophane wrapping this is not widely recycled at kerbside – you can check the Recycling Locator to see if your council accepts it. Over 6,000 supermarkets across the UK now accept plastics bags and wrapping, which you can take this type of plastic to for recycling. For any wrapping paper, as long as it’s not foil or covered in glitter, and passes the ‘scrunch test’, it can be recycled at your kerbside.

FOOD WASTE:

Each year in the UK, approximately 6.6 million tonnes of food go to waste from our homes over the twelve months. So, don’t forget about the many benefits of your freezer! Utilising your freezer acts like a pause button, giving you more time to eat it and saving it from the bin. Not only does it lock in freshness and

preserve quality and flavour, but it’s also perfectly safe providing it’s defrosted correctly. Your food won’t deteriorate in the freezer, and most bacteria can’t grow in it, so it’s a great way to buy yourself extra time and save delicious food for later!

Love Food Hate Waste has some excellent tips on the best ways to prevent food waste.

USEFUL LINKS:

• What do all the SYMBOLS on your packaging actually mean – and which ones should you take heed of? https://www.recyclenow.com/ how-to-recycle/understandingrecycling-symbols

• Recycle Now’s definitive A-Z list of what can/can’t be recycled: https:// www.recyclenow.com/recycle-anitem the postcode locator (on the Recycle Now homepage) can also tell you what each local authority does with any of those items, from London to Llanfairfechan.

• Freezer guidance: Seven foods you never knew you could freeze | Love Food Hate Waste

VIRIDOR RENEWS COMMITMENT TO REUSE NETWORK THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

Viridor has renewed its commitment to the charity Reuse Network through a strategic partnership which has seen the two organisations aligned since 2022.

This continued partnership demonstrates Viridor’s commitment to ESG and its dedication to supporting initiatives that reduce waste and promote circular economy principles.

The announcement was made during the week leading up to Earth Day (Saturday 22 April 2023) on which communities across the world demonstrated support for the protection of the environment and took action against climate change.

Reuse Network supports a network of charitable organisations across the country who are each dedicated to reuse. Each year the network diverts millions of household items from landfill, helping to reduce carbon emissions and assisting low-income households by giving them access to affordable goods.

In 2022 the reuse sector saw continued growth with 2.7 million furniture and electrical items reused throughout the year. This helped 1.18 million households save £343.2 million and prevented 98,935 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Click here to find your nearest re-use charity.

Under the renewed partnership, Viridor will continue to provide support to Reuse Network through funding, resources, and expertise. This support will enable Reuse Network to further raise the profile of the sector through strategic marketing and communications to promote socially-driven reuse as the only option for reuse. Through this work, Reuse Network will help improve access to reuse information, services and products to help low-income households gain the essential household items needed to create a sustainable home.

This year, Earth Day centred around the theme ‘Invest in Our Planet’ and is urging people, governments, institutions and businesses to recognise the collective responsibility for the

environment and the need to accelerate towards creating a greener and more equitable future for all.

Viridor’s renewed partnership with Reuse Network underscores its commitment to building a world where nothing goes to waste. Reinforcing its pledge to invest in reuse, one of the highest levels in the waste hierarchy.

Craig Anderson, Chief Executive of Reuse Network said: “The establishment of our strategic partnership with Viridor last year supported us in making significant strides in raising the profile of the reuse sector. The network was able to increase awareness of the importance of reuse through a range of initiatives.

Through these efforts we have seen increased interest and opportunity in this important area. Amidst ever-evolving social and environmental challenges we see burgeoning opportunity for reuse charities to be the foundation of the circular economy, driving positive social and environmental impact through reuse.

“Viridor’s continued support is invaluable to our mission of promoting reuse and sustainability. Their expertise and resources have helped us make a meaningful impact in reducing waste and supporting communities in need. We look forward to continuing our partnership and driving positive change together.”

Edita Adamcikova, Head of ESG at Viridor said: “We are delighted to continue our strategic partnership with Reuse Network, their work highlighting the importance of the reuse sector is greatly aligned with Viridor’s ambition to build a world where nothing goes to waste. We look forward to working together, raising awareness of both the environmental and social benefit opportunities that the re-use sector holds, helping to create a sustainable future for communities across the UK.”

BOOT BASED BIRD BOXES ARE AN EASTER TREAT FOR OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS

FCC Environment’s Mid and East Kent based Education and Communication Officer Vikki Sedgwick, spent a morning working with Friends of Milton Creek Volunteers, making bird boxes by reusing old work boots over the Easter break.

“This was partnership working, as well as recycling at its finest” said Vikki, as staff from FCC Environment, Swale Borough Council’s Kris Staples, his apprentice Rosie Lancaster, KCC and staff from Countrystyle Recycling all fell into step to deliver a community event with a difference.

Using 20 pallets of wood kindly donated by Countrystyle

Recycling and a selection of old boots from DS Smith, the volunteer morning saw an array of helpers and families attending to make the unique boot boxes which are perfect to encourage nesting amongst smaller bird communities. 18 were made in total.

“Alongside a tree planting project, the boot bird boxes will help to create a natural habitat for insects, birds and wildlife across our green spaces on the HWRCs throughout Mid and East Kent, and in doing so we managed to reduce waste, reuse waste and recycle waster.

TESCO LAUNCHES COLLABORATIVE READY MEAL

TRAY-TO-TRAY INITIATIVE WITH FAERCH

In an industry first, Tesco has begun recycling used plastic food trays back into packagingcreating a fully circular packaging solution for its range of core chilled ready meals.

The change is in collaboration with leading packaging manufacturer Faerch and will see customer-recovered PET trays - collected via European kerbside waste - recycled and converted back into food grade plastic trays.

Tesco’s ready meal trays already contain up to 75% recycled content, predominantly from cleaner and easier to recycle bottle flake plastic. Through the new Tray 2 Tray by Faerch™ programme, a minimum of 30% recycled tray content will be included in the new core chilled ready meals trays.

A phased rollout of the new trays will take place in April across Tesco’s core own brand chilled ready meals. The collaboration will ensure that high quality food-grade PET is kept within the supply chain, rather than being downcycled, and demonstrates that PET packaging from trays can be fully recovered and recycled at an industrial scale.

Adele Kearns, Packaging Development Manager at Tesco, said: “We are determined to close the loop on our packaging – for it to be fully recyclable and contain recycled content wherever possible. We remain committed to reducing our environmental impact, and helping our customers to do the same, as we work together to protect our planet.”

Ruth Price, Strategic Sales Manager at Faerch UK, said: “We’re delighted to launch our Tray 2 Tray by Faerch™ programme with Tesco, an essential initiative that promotes circular food packaging in the economy, and we are committed to working with our customers to keep rigid food packaging in the economy and out of the environment.

“Our collaboration with Tesco is the perfect example of how material from EU waste resources can be diverted into a valuable commodity. Moving forward, our intention is to not only increase the level of tray-to-tray content but to also start taking this from local UK feedstocks”. Tesco also works alongside suppliers to drive change across products –eliminating all hard-to-recycle material from UK packaging in 2019 - and supports industry action including the UK Plastics Pact, which tackles the impact of plastic waste.

• The Tray 2 Tray by Faerch partnership will affect all Tesco’s core range of ready meals. Rollout of new recycled trays being used in products will commence from April 2023, and be completed by the end of Summer 2023.

• We aim to make this change across additional Tesco ready meal products, including Tesco Finest.

• By 2025, all Tesco packaging will be fully recyclable.

Tesco continues to follow its 4Rs strategy when it comes to plastic and packaging – to Remove it where we can, Reduce it where we can’t, Reuse more of it, and Recycle what’s left. Since launching the strategy in 2019, Tesco has removed over 1.7bn pieces of plastic within its own operations.

• You can read more about Tesco’s approach to plastic and approaching on its Tesco PLC website: https://www. tescoplc.com/sustainability/planet/ packaging-and-plastic/

ABOUT FAERCH

• Faerch is a leading supplier of thermoformed food packaging, with more than 50 years’ experience in the industry. You can read more on its website: https://www.faerch.com/en

• Faerch’s PET tray recycling plant, Cirrec, takes used post-consumer food trays and recycles them back into new food trays of the same quality and in an infinite number of cycles.

• The amount of post-consumer recycled content in food packaging is a key indicator for sustainability and circularity, and consumers and legislators expect full transparency. Faerch uses independent third-party auditing to verify pre-consumer and post-consumer recycled content levels in food packaging, allowing for full transparency of the packaging content through certification.

CIWM WARNS OF SKILLS AND LABOUR SHORTAGE IN UK RECYCLING SECTOR GROUP

The UK’s leading professional body for the waste and recycling sector, CIWM (the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management), has called on the UK Government to provide additional support to address the rapidly expanding skills and labour shortage in the sector and help grow the green economy.

Launching its latest report, Beyond Waste: Essential Skills for a Greener Tomorrow, CIWM estimates that existing policy and the more sustainable use of resources will create over 74,200 new roles in the waste and resources sector by 2030. This figure is set to rise to an aggregate of 240,000 new roles by 2040. To support growth of the sector, which already employs somewhere in the region of 142,800 people across the UK, CIWM has asked Government to provide additional support in three key areas:

Increasing sector attractiveness

Research conducted indicates that the sector is not often seen as an attractive option for future careers. This is partly due to the perceptions of working with ‘waste’, but also because of a lack of understanding of what the sector delivers and the breadth of roles available. Current careers advice at all levels does not highlight the range of roles available or how important the sector is to delivering the UK’s environmental commitments and economic growth. Government support is required to champion the green credentials of the waste and recycling sector.

Policy acceleration and timeframes

Clear timeframes for policy implementation will provide much needed confidence and make the sector more investible. Accelerating policy development will also catalyse the transition to a greener economy and CIWM would therefore urge Government to consider further investment in policy development and associated regulation.

Creating a Green Skills Fund

New funding must be unlocked to attract people to the sector. Creating a Green Skills Fund would allow Government to prime the transition to a more circular economy. 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).

Commenting on its call for action, CIWM’s Professional Services Director, Katie Cockburn, said: “The transition to a greener, more circular economy is not optional if we are to save our planet and unlock the economic and social potential of green growth. The UK waste and recycling sector is central to achieving this aim but, without additional support, we’ll be unable to resource our services with the right people, with the right skills, at the right time. Government funding provided today will mean that the sector is able to unlock its potential as powerhouse of economic growth and green job creation. In doing so, we will ensure that our finite and valuable resources are managed sustainably for the benefit of generations to come.”

A range of different methods were used to collate the necessary evidence, views, and informed estimates contained within Beyond Waste: Essential Skills for a Greener Tomorrow. These approaches included a workforce survey, structured interviews, a wide-ranging literature review and workshop feedback sessions with members of CIWM.

• The full report is available here.

SUEZ BECOMES OFFICIAL PARTNER OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE FEMMES AVEC ZWIFT

Already a sponsor of the women’s cycling team FDJ-SUEZ since 2022, SUEZ furthers its support for women’s cycling and becomes an official partner of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. Through this agreement, SUEZ will accompany the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in reducing its environmental footprint. The Group will contribute to improving the distribution of drinking water and optimising waste disposal and management.

For its second edition, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will eradicate single-use plastic packaging containers in all its areas that welcome the public and guests, resulting in an immediate positive impact on the environment through a substantial reduction in plastic waste during the Tour.

To distribute water in these zones, the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and SUEZ will provide water fountains supplying tap water, along with eco-designed drinking bottles and reusable cups.

In addition to the distribution of drinking water, SUEZ will provide the public with all information available on access points and water quality through the application “Mon Eau” consultable everywhere in France. The partnership reflects SUEZ’s strong roots in local communities and underlines its know-how in the fields of water and waste, in aid of the decarbonation of a leading sporting event.

It comes in addition to SUEZ’s sponsorship, effective since 2022, of the FDJ-SUEZ team, one of the foremost teams in global elite cycling. It is another example of the support provided by SUEZ to women’s sport, of which the Group is one of the leading sponsors in France: 200 top-level sportswomen currently benefit from SUEZ’s backing.

This water and waste programme reinforces the implementation of the sustainable development strategy designed by the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. The event is aiming to become an ever more responsible organisation and is also making commitments to the promotion of cycling mobility with its programme “Riding into the Future.”

“This partnership represents another step in our commitment to women’s sport and the promotion of exemplary environmental practices. Alongside the 40,000 employees in the SUEZ Group, we are delighted to accompany the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift in its eco-friendly initiatives for which the women’s FDJSUEZ team is the standard bearer.” commented Sabrina Soussan, Chairman and CEO of SUEZ.

“I am thrilled to see a major Group such as SUEZ signing up to support us in the second edition of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, which is already the world’s largest cycling event for the women’s peloton. A year after the partnership struck up with the FDJ-SUEZ women’s cycling team, this support will enable us to grow the event even further while controlling its impact on the environment.” said Marion Rousse, Race Director of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.

KEY FIGURES FOR TOUR DE FRANCE FEMMES AVEC ZWIFT (2023):

• 154 competing racers

• 22 participating teams

• 8 stages, covering a total of 956 km

• 3 regions, 11 French departments visited and 12 start/finish towns and sites

• Nearly 20 million TV viewers in France

WORLDFAVOR LAUNCHES CO2 e EMISSION CALCULATOR TO HELP INVESTORS UNDERSTAND THEIR CLIMATE IMPACT

Worldfavor, the global platform for accessing and sharing ESG data, has launched a new tool to help investors understand their portfolios’ climate impact. The CO2e Emission Calculator provides investors access to vital Scope 3 emissions data from their portfolio companies, helping them measure and reduce the carbon footprint of their investments.

With increasing demands on Scope 3 data, stakeholders face the challenge of determining the climate impact of their investments and taking sustainable action to reduce it. Identifying improvement areas requires accurate emissions data from portfolio companies. However, obtaining this data can be a significant challenge as many portfolio companies lack the proper tools, resources, and knowledge to report the required information.

Worldfavor’s CO2e Emission Calculator aims to solve this problem. It was designed to help investors empower their portfolio companies to take ownership of emission calculation by giving them a tool to understand, measure and report their emissions. The tool offers guidance to portfolio companies, allowing them to filter data to learn what emissions factors are most commonly applied to their sector. It presents the data in a neatly visualised way, enabling companies to view their total emissions or focus on the emissions from specific activities.

In addition, the tool assists portfolio companies in exporting and converting their insights into organised spreadsheets that can be easily shared with investors and other stakeholders.

ANDREAS LILJENDAHL CEO at Worldfavor

ABOUT WORLDFAVOR

Worldfavor is a global platform for sustainable business decisions. The company was founded in 2016 based on the idea that every person and business can create a difference by making sustainable decisions. Worldfavor has experienced extraordinary growth since the launch and has seen year-on-year surges in user uptake.

Ever since the start, Worldfavor has attracted leading organisations, and the company is proud to have clients in industries from food to finance, ranging from medium-sized enterprises to Fortune 500 companies. Prominent clients include Nudie Jeans (frontrunner in sustainable denim production), IK Partners (European private equity advisory group with Nordic roots, operating across Northern Europe), Systembolaget (the Swedish monopoly for alcohol), Oatly (Swedish food company that produces oat-based alternatives to dairy products), Oakley Capital (private equity investor) and Grant Thornton (one of the world’s largest accounting and consulting firms).

“At Worldfavor, we believe that sustainability is essential to the success of any business. We are excited to provide the CO2e Emission Calculator to our customers and look forward to the positive impact it will have for companies and investors seeking to reduce their carbon footprint”

Biffa trucks to be upcycled to electric in line with the principles of the circular economy

Leading sustainable waste management company Biffa, and the UK’s fastest growing vehicle electrification and upcycling business Lunaz, have taken a landmark step towards cleaning up one of Britain’s largest fleet of bin lorries. The two British companies are combining expertise to give Biffa trucks a new lease of life by replacing diesel engines with electric. This ensures older vehicles are upcycled instead of scrapped as Biffa transitions its fleet to zero-emissions powertrains.

In signing a fleet electrification and upcycling agreement, Lunaz commits to supporting the transition of Biffa’s existing diesel refuse trucks over the next decade to clean-air electric powertrains through its proprietary upcycling and electrification process and technology. The British companies are working together to create an innovative solution for the transition of large vehicles to EV to reduce emissions and tackle global climate change.

This multi-year production programme is expected to see growing numbers of vehicles delivered to Biffa over the mid-

term. With an initial order of up to ten 26-tonne Upcycled Electric Vehicle (UEV) refuse trucks saving up to 210 tonnes in embedded carbon.

Lunaz’ home in Silvertsone, England has a capacity to up-cycle more than 1,110 industrial vehicles every year. The company has already committed to expanding its UK upcycling and electrification footprint to meet surging demand for electrified vehicles in the run-up to the 2030 ban on the sale of fossil fuelled vehicles.

Following the successful completion of technical trials and due diligence, first deliveries will take place for operations on UK refuse collection routes in 2023. Biffa’s UEV refuse trucks will operate on both commercial and municipal waste collection routes.

The companies chose a fitting place, the company’s first depot at its home in High Wycombe when it was established in 1912, to sign an agreement that forms a key part of Biffa’s long term sustainability strategy.

Better for the planet. Better for the taxpayer:

For UK councils, the procurement of these vehicles represents a significant saving for the taxpayer, with more than £1 million in public money saved for every 20 vehicles upcycled and electrified versus buying new EV equivalents.

The British economy further benefits as Biffa and Lunaz are pioneering growth in circular practices at a critical time by supporting more than 300 jobs and a new, green capability.

The journey to waste net zero:

This agreement represents a key milestone for Biffa, signalling clear progress regarding its 2030 sustainability commitments in line with the UN’s sustainable development goals. This includes:

• Reducing emissions by 50% by 2030, building on a 70% reduction in emissions since 2002.

• The cessation of buying fossil fuelled trucks as soon as practicable.

• A commitment to building a circular economy.

By upcycling and electrifying its existing diesel vehicle fleet in partnership with Lunaz, Biffa moves significantly closer to fulfilling these commitments on the very front line of the UK’s leading waste management operation.

Every up-cycled electric vehicle produced by Lunaz saves 82% of the embedded carbon within that vehicle. For context, at full capacity, Lunaz’ factory in Silverstone, UK, will save the equivalent weight of the Eiffel Tower every year in embedded carbon by upcycling rather than scrapping existing fleet vehicles.

Furthermore, Lunaz stands alone in subtracting a polluting vehicle from the global car park with every vehicle it electrifies. This is through its ‘1 for 1’ policy that ensures the decommissioning of every fossil fuel engine before recycling its components. This practice ensures existing polluting engines are completely eradicated and replaced with cleanair equivalents.

The Waste Management industry is at the frontline of a critical requirement to reduce carbon emissions from road logistics. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, ‘for the industry to limit temperature increases to no more than 1.5 degrees centigrade, two-thirds of trucks sold this decade must be zero-emissions.’

However, this must not come at the cost of scrapping millions of perfectly serviceable vehicles, in doing so increasing the carbon burden in waste and the manufacturing process. The Lunaz approach, in line with the principles of the circular economy, answers this and also creates major economic benefits.

A Lunaz UEV represents a significant Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) saving versus either existing diesel equivalents or new EVs. This accelerates the adoption of clean air vehicles by creating a more economically viable route to fleet transition.

Maxine Mayhew, COO Collection & Specialist Services, said of the partnership: “I am thrilled to announce Biffa and Lunaz’ fleet electrification and upcycling partnership. As the UK’s leading sustainable waste management company we are committed to enabling the circular economy while reducing emissions and carbon expenditure in every aspect of our business. By working with Lunaz to meet our goal of buying no more fossil fuelled vehicles by 2030 while breaking the replace-with-new cycle, we pioneer an approach in this industry that saves millions of tonnes in embedded carbon. I am proud that every electric vehicle upcycled by Lunaz for Biffa’s fleet will mean one less tailpipe emission emitting vehicle for our planet. This long-term partnership with Lunaz is a major pillar in our collective effort to achieve our 2030 commitments. We are proud to work with an innovative UK company to realise the transformational power of upcycling to save thousands of tonnes of embedded carbon in our transition to clean-air refuse truck fleets.”

David Lorenz, Founder & CEO of Lunaz, added: “Biffa has led from the front in pioneering more sustainable waste management practices here in the UK. At Lunaz, we are proud to assist in delivering Biffa’s sustained commitment to leading the waste management industry’s transition to net zero. By embracing the power of upcycling as a dramatically more sustainable course to the transition to a clean air fleet, Biffa delivers economic value to its stakeholders while delivering a great ecological dividend to the planet. By finding new life for diesel-emitting vehicles, we are delighted to stand together with a leading UK company in creating the potential to reduce global emissions at scale.”

Designed from the groundup for waste management:

David Lorenz,

have built Lunaz to answer the critical requirement to transition global industrial vehicle fleets to clean-air powertrains while reversing the ecologically damaging cycle of replacing-withnew. In taking a leadership position, Biffa presents commercial and municipal clients with a solution that is better for the planet, for stakeholders and the taxpayer. This solution represents sustainability without functional and financial penalty and the ultimate win-win for operators and local authorities.”

Each UEV by Lunaz has been designed based on primary research in the field, dramatically improving the carbon impact of these vehicles and contributing to quieter and cleaner communities in which they operate.

The upcycling process also creates significant functional and operational advantages. In collaboration with Biffa’s technical team, Lunaz’ 150 specialist engineers are developing key modifications exactly tailored to Biffa, its clients and its drivers’ operational requirements.

This includes the ability to tailor the size of the powertrain to a specific route profile, enabled by the Lunaz modular proprietary powertrain. This means for shorter, more urban routes, Biffa is not burdened with the extra cost and weight of an overspecified battery-pack.

Critical enhancements to the cabin augment significant safety improvements. This includes the use of 360 cameras with person and cyclist detection and the re-location of the handbrake to ensure drivers never need to take their hands off the wheel.

The camera monitoring system also dramatically improves driver awareness. Two assemblies containing three cameras are mounted on the top corners of the UEV, feeding digitised rear-view mirrors.

The screens also feature object detection, highlighting cyclists, pedestrians and potential hazards to the driver. Unlike standard mirrors, these operate under all conditions, including rain, snow and total darkness, dramatically increasing safety.

Lunaz UEV refuse trucks have been developed following live operator feedback with Lunaz engineers frequently taking part in refuse truck rounds to ensure an intimate understanding of front-line requirements. Critical enhancement to driver comfort and operation have been included, ensuring Biffa’s operational crew feel the benefit of the latest technology and innovations.

Every UEV by Lunaz undergoes an exhaustive process of remanufacturing, re-engineering and electrification. This takes place at the company’s state-of-the art upcycling and electrification campus on the Silverstone Technology Park. This will support more than 300 highly skilled jobs by 2025.

David

Beckham, Lunaz investor: “This deal

is a strong endorsement of Lunaz’ innovative approach to finding sustainable solutions and I’m delighted to be an investor in this fast growing and exciting British company”.

Founder & CEO Lunaz Group: “We

Why waste? SORT

We sort through the facts and bag up the reasons why waste needs sorting

Sorting waste is an important practice that can significantly contribute to the preservation of the environment and the reduction of waste disposal in landfills. Waste sorting is the process of separating different types of waste materials into different categories based on their composition, recyclability, and potential harm to the environment.

One of the main reasons why sorting waste is essential is that it helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Landfills are rapidly filling up, and once they reach their capacity, they become a significant threat to public health and the environment. By sorting waste and separating recyclable materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal from non-recyclable waste, the amount of waste that needs to be sent to landfills is significantly reduced. This, in turn, helps to reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal and prolongs the life of landfills.

PLASTIC RECYCLING FACTS

• Many types of plastics are recyclable.

• But it takes up to 500 years for plastic to fully decompose.

• We make and use 20 times more plastic today than we did 50 years ago.

• Plastic consumption grows by around 4% each year in Western Europe. That might not sound a lot, but it means that within 20 years we will have doubled our current plastic use.

• Every year, we throw away enough plastic to circle the world 5 times.

• Nationwide, we use 7.7 billion plastic bottles per year. That’s an average of 117 bottles per person, per year.

• Despite a ‘War on Plastic’ we recycle just 45% of plastics in the UK.

• That means 55% of all our plastic waste ends up in landfills, or indeed, the ocean.

• Plastics such as carrier bags and bottles that end up in our oceans kill around 1,000,000 sea creatures every year.

• Plastic rubbish in the British countryside kills thousands of land animals.

Another reason why sorting waste is important is that it helps to conserve natural resources. When we recycle materials such as paper, glass, and aluminium, we reduce the need to extract and process new raw materials from the environment. This helps to conserve natural resources such as trees, oil, and minerals, which are essential to sustain life on our planet. By reducing our reliance on these resources, we can help to minimise the environmental impact of our activities and ensure that future generations have access to these resources.

PAPER RECYCLING FACTS

• Worldwide, 4 billion trees are cut down every year for paper. That’s one per cent of the Amazon Rainforest – every single year.

• In the UK, we use over 9.9 million tonnes of paper each year.

• Each tonne of recycled paper saves 380 gallons of oil, 7000 gallons of water, and around 3 cubic metres of landfill space.

• It takes around 10 litres of water to make just one sheet of A4 paper.

• In the USA, paper recycling increased by almost 90% between 1990 and 2010.

• It takes 60% less energy to recycle paper than it does to make it from raw materials.

• Every Christmas, it is estimated that we throw away over 227 thousand miles rolls of wrapping paper in the UK. That’s enough to cover over 11,000 football pitches.

• Paper and card account for 1/5 of all waste produced in the UK.

• 55% of the fibre used by the European Paper Industry comes from recycled paper.

Source: www.recyclingbins.co.uk/recycling-facts/

Sorting waste also helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When organic waste such as food scraps, yard waste, and paper is sent to landfills, it decomposes and produces methane gas, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Methane is a major contributor to climate change, and its emission contributes to global warming. By sorting waste and separating organic waste from other types of waste, we can reduce the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills, thereby reducing the emission of methane and other greenhouse gases.

FOOD RECYCLING FACTS

• The average UK household throws away 20% of all food purchased.

• It is estimated that over 8 million people in the UK are struggling to afford to eat, yet UK households throw away around 7 million tonnes food every year.

• This equates to around £700 per household in food waste – an annual utility bill.

• Of the 7 million tonnes thrown away, 250,000 tonnes is perfectly edible and could be used to make up to 650 million meals for those in need.

• The average person throws away 74kg of food waste each year, the weight of over 1000 banana skins.

• Most of the food that ends up in landfills could be recycled to make animal feed, or even energy by converting the gas it releases into electricity and heat.

• Waste cooking oil is one of the most common causes of water pollution.

• 1 litre of used cooking oil can pollute up to 1 million litres of drinking water.

Furthermore, sorting waste promotes sustainable consumption and production. It encourages us to think about the materials we use and the products we buy, and to consider the environmental impact of our actions. By sorting waste, we become more aware of the resources we consume, the waste we generate, and the impact of our actions on the environment. This awareness can lead to changes in our behaviour, such as choosing products made from recycled materials, reducing our consumption of single-use items, and adopting other sustainable practices.

In conclusion, sorting waste is an essential practice that can help to protect the environment, conserve natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable consumption and production. It is a simple but effective way to minimise the environmental impact of our activities and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. Governments, businesses, and individuals all have a role to play in promoting waste sorting and creating a more sustainable world.

UK STATISTICS ON WASTE

• Provisional figures for 2021 show that 63.2% of UK packaging waste was recycled, similar to 2020.

• It is estimated that the UK generated 43.9 million tonnes of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste in 2018, of which 37.2 million tonnes (85%) was generated in England. The latest estimates for England only, indicate that C&I waste generation was around 33.8 million tonnes in 2020.

• The UK generated 222.2 million tonnes of total waste in 2018, with England responsible for 84% of the UK total.

• UK biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) sent to landfill has fallen from approximately 6.6 million tonnes in 2019 to around 6.1 million tonnes in 2020.

HAZARDOUS WASTE: STATE OF EMERGENCY

Industrialised society continues to be plagued by the issue of hazardous waste. Activities such as manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals can, and do, create substantial amounts of hazardous waste. And it’s estimated that over 13 tons of it are produced every second – industrialised nations being the main culprits.

Managing and containing hazardous waste is a delicate balancing act

with absolutely no room for error. Only licensed and trained personnel can transport it, and the dangerous by-products must be stored in units meeting the required standards,

complete with clear and concise labels. If just one small thing goes wrong, then a chain reaction can occur, and its consequences can wreak havoc with the environment and local ecosystems.

An infamous example of this occurred in 2010 when the vessel Deepwater Horizon spilled over 210 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, destroying marine habitats and contaminating the water supply for hundreds of miles in the worst environmental disaster in modern history.

Exactly what constitutes hazardous waste can vary by country, but the general consensus is that waste that is flammable, corrosive, toxic, or reactive is hazardous and must be appropriately treated too, and disposed of. The more potential harm the waste can have on the public and the environment, the more important it is to manage correctly, necessitating increased care from trained waste management professionals.

The UK Government identifies four types of hazardous waste that must always be safely and suitably stored: universal waste (batteries and other items containing mercury), mixed waste (containing radioactive and/ or hazardous waste components), characteristic waste (toxic, reactive, or corrosive wastes), and listed waste (waste products originating from the industrial process).

Other examples of more familiar hazardous waste include items such as batteries, pesticides, and asbestos –things that either are currently, or used to be, common in general households. The market does, however, continue to generate products whose improper disposal can lead to dire environmental consequences. One such product, disposable vapes, have caused their fair share of environmental disruption despite

their relatively recent invention and introduction onto the marketplace.

The United Kingdom sees over 1.3 million disposable e-cigarettes being discarded in general waste every week. The fragile lithium-ion batteries found inside the vapes can serve as potential kindling for massive fires and uncontrolled explosions, several of which have occurred recently. Recycling plants saw a substantial increase in fires last year and a significant majority of them were attributed to the easily broken batteries found in the disposable vapes. Recycling plants are receiving so many e-cigarettes that finding space for them is becoming more and more of a challenge and insuring their plants in the advent of a blaze is becoming a mammoth struggle. Steps have been made to limit the sales of single use vapes, but the millions already in circulation are more than enough to cause problems for the environment.

“Globally, over 400 million tonnes of hazardous waste are produced every year”

Britain’s issue with hazardous waste isn’t just limited to disposable vapes and lithium-ion batteries, however, as solvents, aerosols, computer equipment, and car parts can all cause massive environmental damage. Globally, over 400 million tonnes of hazardous waste are produced every year, and that figure will only grow larger as the global population expands and new products are created. Though it’s never too late to act and fight back against hazardous waste, evidence suggests that permanent damage has already been done to certain ecosystems.

London’s River Colne was recently found to be polluted with chemicals that pose a serious health risk to humans and unborn children as decades worth of industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and human waste were dumped there. Twenty-five of these chemicals are known, or considered to be

carcinogenic, and seventeen of them are suspected to be harmful to unborn children. Affinity Water, the company who carried out the tests on the Colne, found that well over twohundred chemicals were permanent ones which do not break down in the environment. Considering how many people live on the banks of the Colne, the study is a cause for concern and should act as a cautionary tale for what can happen if hazardous waste is left untreated.

Most of us are well-aware of the dangers of hazardous waste. However, knowing how to take action is another matter in itself. To help reduce the strain on both the environment and those in the recycling sector, it’s vital that harmful waste is disposed of appropriately and things like phones, computers, printers, and tablets are recycled instead of being carelessly dumped in general waste bins or, even worse, on the side of the road.

Management of large amounts of hazardous waste, such as those from corporations or pharmacies, must be completed in compliance with strict rules and regulations to prevent the spread of chemicals and toxins. Common methods of disposal include incineration at high temperatures, burial in a secure landfill, or reusing the waste product via recycling. Prior to disposal, however, waste needs to be treated in order to nullify its harmful qualities. This can be achieved through a range of physical, biological, or chemical processes, all of which aim to neutralise or break down the harmful chemicals. Once the waste has been sufficiently treated, it becomes far safer to incinerate or bury.

Recycling an old phone, television, or computer monitor may seem like a small step, but such actions go a long way in helping the environment and ensuring that the batteries or electrical components inside them don’t end up in an unsuitable place. Other steps that can be taken include arranging authorised collection of separated hazardous waste and completing a hazardous waste consignment note. Once the waste has been separated and labelled, then it can be collected by trained professionals and treated at a relevant facility before being disposed of.

Minimising the impact of hazardous waste will be a tough, but important, uphill battle. Industrialised society will continue to depend upon devices constructed with environmentally harmful materials, and civilization must adapt to this by treating hazardous waste like the epidemic it is.

“Minimising the impact of hazardous waste will be a tough, but important, uphill battle”

Empowering business across the UK with a leading fuel delivery service:

The Oil Depot are specialists in supplying commercial fuels to businesses across the UK reliably and on a next-day delivery turnaround.

Why choose The Oil Depot for your fuel supply needs?

The Oil Depot offers a nationwide managed fuel delivery service. They have industryleading experience spanning four decades, meaning every customer, small or large, wherever they’re based, receives the support, expertise, and reassurance they need in procuring fuel without the headache.

They have the experience and ability to be your regular and chosen partner, managing and facilitating fuel for your business long-term, efficiently and effectively.

Simply put, The Oil Depot offer an unparalleled fuel delivery service that is built on their commitment to providing peace of mind and keeping their customers supplied with the fuel they need so they can focus on the job at hand. There’s a reason why they’re on The Times 100 list of Britain’s fastest-growing companies, and they’ll demonstrate why from the very first delivery.

Their services include offering an unrivalled next delivery service across the full UK Mainland, from 20-litre fuel boxes, barrels and IBCs to bulk deliveries from 500 litres to 36,000 litres of fuel and more.

How The Oil Depot can fuel your business’s success as fuel logistics specialists

The Oil Depot make the fuel purchasing process easy, accessible, and fast for your business, whether you’re commercial or public sector. All their partners have a dedicated point of contact and a single fuel account manager to make fuel procurement simple and reliable.

They know how stressful it is when you run out of fuel in the middle of a job or can’t find a reliable supplier to understand and fulfil your needs. So, they offer a leading service to fuel your business, and keep it running as best it can at all times.

From emergency supplies to regular deliveries, The Oil Depot is the fuel supply partner you can rely on. An industry expert in your corner, who comes through for your business, wherever you are and whatever your needs.

QUALITY

You can always trust The Oil Depot to deliver a gold-standard service and high-quality fuel products that keep your business running smoothly.

RESILIENCE

They take an innovative and versatile approach to the fuel industry based on knowing what their partners need. By operating a brokerage business model, they are flexible and proactive so they can constantly adapt to your evolving fuel requirements in an ever-changing market. This provides your business with market resilience.

PEACE OF MIND

Rest assured you’re safe from the risk (and cost) of downtime caused by fuel running out.

TIMESAVING

You don’t have to deal with multiple suppliers and accounts for many different locations.

SECURITY

You can feel confident your fuel needs are taken care of without it causing logistical issues, even in emergencies.

: There are five key benefits to working with The Oil Depot that they consistently deliver on:

Benefits of working with The Oil Depot:

THEY ARE KNOWLEDGEABLE

The Oil Depot are proud of the 40 years of stellar experience they have in operating a fuel logistics service. Their customers know they can turn to them in any situation, whether it’s a supply chain issue or the need for a more efficient and cost-effective fuel partner.

THEY ARE RELIABLE

They understand the true cost of downtime, so they offer a 100% reliable service to ensure businesses that require fuel to function stay operational and profitable. Their customers depend on them to make things happen, wherever they are and whatever situation they find themselves in. This could be a weekly top-up, emergency delivery or a switch to greener alternatives

THEY ARE FORWARD THINKING

As a proud Greenarc Ltd company, they embrace the opportunities for sustainability and a greener future and have a progressive mindset for their business and yours.

FUELLING THE FUTURE Renewable diesel supply

The Oil Depot can supply a range of renewable fuels such as HVO, a 100% renewable diesel alternative that reduces carbon emissions by up to 90%. They have the operational infrastructure to delivery large quantities of renewable diesel nationwide.

Carbon offsetting service

The Oil Depot offers a triple verified carbon offsetting service that allows fuel users across the UK to offset 100% of the carbon emissions produced from the fuel they use. They do this by purchasing carbon credits that support CO2e reduction projects across the world.

Supporting your clean energy journey

As a proud Greenarc company, they can provide commercial and public sector customers with a wide range of services in the green energy sectors such as electric vehicle supply, EV charging, renewable diesel and much more.

TOP SORTING PROCESSES FOR DIFFERENT

– such as commercial, construction, hazardous waste, household, smart waste sorting

The sorting of waste plays a crucial role in diverting waste from landfill and helping protect the environment. We can all make a difference, even in a small way, so it’s a role that everyone can play their part in.

There are many different categories in which waste can be sorted, with a wide range of sorting and separating technologies on the market today. But first, why is waste sorting a necessary process?

It is important that waste is sorted before it moves onto the next process of treatment or disposal as this will ensure that the correct disposal method is used, with less waste ending up in landfills. Separating the different elements found in waste is vital for allowing recyclable materials to be reused and repurposed for future use. Correctly sorted and separated waste also increases the quality of recycling due to reduced impurities in sorted waste.

BUSINESS/COMMERCIAL WASTE SORTING PROCESSES

As part of UK Waste Regulations, businesses are required to separate recyclable materials from other general waste produced. According to 2021 Eurostat data on total waste generation, over 90% of the waste generated in Europe comes from business activity.

Businesses may find it hard to sort their waste on site and so send it to a sorting facility in which manual picking lines primarily sort the waste before any mechanical processing begins. Equipment involved in manual separation usually includes a sorting belt, or table, to remove any unnecessary materials found.

Depending on the nature of the waste, there are a wide variety of sorting and processing activities that range from labour intensive hand picking operations to highly mechanised or technically complex processes.

THE UK’S LEADING FUEL DELIVERY

FUELLING THE FUTURE

As a proud Greenarc company, we embrace the opportunities for sustainability and a greener future. Speak to us about renewable diesel, carbon offsetting and clean energy alternatives.

GETTING IN TOUCH

Whether you’re running dangerously low or experiencing a logistical nightmare, talk to us about a scheduled, emergency or sameday delivery. We pride ourselves on delivering fuel anytime, anywhere.

MUNICIPAL WASTE SORTING PROCESSES

CONSTRUCTION WASTE SORTING PROCESSES

The general public make use of different bins for sorting their different types of household waste. Households in the UK sort waste for curb-side collections, separating a variety of general waste, including garden waste, food waste, cardboard, glass and more for collection by larger waste collection companies.

Muncipal waste can be hand sorted into:

• Brown waste – garden waste, dry leaves, branches

• Green waste - peelings, tea bags, eggshells, and coffee grounds for composting

• Paper Waste - Juice cartons, cardboard, newspaper,

• Plastic Waste – Plastic toys, Styrofoam, packing peanuts

• Glass Waste - Drinking glasses, bottles, mirrors

Construction waste is generally collected by skip and is transported to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) to sort before recycling. In construction waste, there is usually a large volume of materials to be disposed of. In this case, machinery is often used to make the process more efficient, such as a magnetic separator or a shredder. A magnetic separator consists of a powerful electromagnet placed above, or below, a conveyor belt of waste which will then attract any magnetic materials.

For some waste materials, like wood and plastic, a shredder can reduce large items into much smaller pieces. The sorted waste is then compressed into high-density bales and transported to manufacturers, who can reuse the raw materials to make new products.

HAZARDOUS WASTE SORTING PROCESSES

Hazardous waste that is improperly managed poses a serious threat to human health and the environment and therefore must be managed and sorted properly. Waste is considered ‘hazardous’ when it contains substances that might make it harmful to human health or the environment, a few examples of hazardous waste could include batteries, pesticides, paints or fridges.

Hazardous waste is sorted and categorised according to the severity of the chemical properties found in each substance. A few examples include waste that:

• Contains strongly oxidizing agents (eg. organic peroxide) or will produce violent reactions, the development of flammable gases or acid)

• Contains mercury (eg. mercury batteries or COD-fluids)

• Contains only inorganic substances (eg. hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, nitric acid, soda, cyanide baths, metal salts or fertilizer and fertilizer residues)

• Organic chemicals without halogen or sulphur (eg. water-based glue, varnish or paint) or mixed organic and inorganic substances

See more: www.sdu.dk/en/om_sdu/institutter_centre/i_ biologi/arbejdsmiljoe/kemikalier/affald/sortering

Plastic bags floating in leachate at the base of a hazardous landfill site

SMART WASTE SORTING PROCESSES

Smart waste sorting processes are becoming increasingly popular within the waste management market. Robotic recycling sorting processes use artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to sort plastics with the use of advanced cameras and technology programmed to recognise specific objects in waste. Sensors attached to the robotics can detect cans, glass, plastic containers, and any other recyclable items within the waste and place them in their respective bins. Sensoneo, a smart waste management company, provides end-to-end enterprise-grade smart waste management solutions that support the digital transformation of waste management to achieve efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.

Waste sorting and recycling are a key part of providing more sustainable solutions to help preserve our planet. Without waste sorting processes in place, large amounts of material end up in landfills. Improving your waste management procedures by implementing specific waste management processes is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and do your part for the environment.

WORKS FUTURE

SMT COMPANY PROFILE

SMT GB is the exclusive dealer of Volvo Construction Equipment and K-Tec Earthmover products in Great Britain. In addition to delivering industry-leading product support, SMT GB also provides a range of end-to-end solutions, which ensure customer investments are protected and profits are maximised.

With an emphasis being put on increasing sustainability in the construction machinery sector, SMT GB are proud to offer Volvo Construction Equipment Electric Machinery. These battery powered machines offer zero tailpipe emissions and are much quieter than fuel powered alternatives, making them the perfect candidates for environmentally driven companies or locations where emissions, noise and vibrations are a concern.

SMT GB’s fully electric machine range includes the 2.7t Volvo ECR25 Electric excavator and 3.5t L25 Electric wheeled loader, with the smaller Volvo ECR18 Electric and L20 Electric due to be added to the range soon. Equipped with a battery that provides up to 8 hours of operation, as well as providing breakout, tear out and lift forces equal to that of their diesel counterparts, the ECR25 Electric and L25 Electric are versatile and capable compact machines that greatly reduce pollution in every environment they are deployed in, ensuring they are the perfect working partners in agricultural, landscaping, protected group, subterranean, urban and utilities applications. SMT GB has also recently become an official distributor of Unicontrol in addition to the Volvo Dig Assist machine control platform which is also available. Created by Danish developers in

collaboration with Scandinavian contractors, Unicontrol’s system is designed with the operator in mind, and as a platform that grows with users through the adoption of machine control technology. Both Dig Assist and Unicontrol utilise advanced GPS and 2D/3D modelling technology to provide accurate information on required digging depths, grades and shapes. One of the main benefits of Unicontrol is that the system can be fitted to mixed brands, for compact equipment from 5t upwards, and is fully retrofittable for equipment already in the field.

Aside from physical products, SMT GB also provides a broad range of digital solutions to ensure customers are optimising the efficiency and productivity of their fleet.

The launch of the MySMT customer portal has provided customers with a single digital point of access for fleet data, servicing and parts ordering, as well as information from Volvo’s CareTrack system and SMT’s proactive monitoring service, ProCare. The new online portal consists of three main areas, each offering SMT customers easy access to all their machine and fleet information around the clock. By having constant access to this information, SMT GB hopes to help their customers use the invaluable data to make essential changes to their machine usage to reduce costs and emissions, and increase productivity by reducing unnecessary downtime.

SMT ProCare helps customers to use their machine data proactively, with a dedicated SMT analysts team monitoring and flagging any potential issues on machines before it causes a machine to become out of action. This proactive approach helps to reduce unplanned downtime for the customer, minimising potential repair costs and leaving more time for customers to focus on their core operations. SMT GB are technically trained to advise if a machine requires immediate action, or if the repair can be scheduled into your next service, thus streamlining tasks and reducing engineer visits.

Site Simulation and Drone Services enable site efficiency improvements by offering a unique service utilising the latest survey technology to create highly accurate 3D models of your site. Machine performance and telematics data is then incorporated into the 3D models, which is then combined with Volvo Construction Equipment’s simulation software to analyse and optimise hauling operations and site productivity, with minimal disruption to day-to-day operations. By creating these models, key areas for improvements can be found and in-depth reports can be created showing the best possible ways to improve onsite efficiency and productivity, whilst reducing costs and emissions. Once changes are identified guidance can be given for any specific actions or training that might be needed to optimise the site.

To ensure all aspects affecting Total Cost of Ownership and productivity are considered as well as a clear focus on the reduction of carbon emissions, SMT GB offers Volvo’s Advanced Operator Training programme alongside SMT’s Operator Familiarisation. These operator coaching programmes

enable operators to reflect on their daily practices, focusing on machine and environmentally sustainable habits. SMT GB also offer Volvo simulator training to boost operator performance without needing to take a machine out of production.

SMT GB has recently announced the launch of their latest data subscription and remote support service, Connected Support. Utilising the latest mobile data technology, Connected Support ensures that machines, fleets and their managers are kept in constant contact via the strongest available network. Improved connectivity removes the risk of losing insightful real time data, and improves the reliability of Volvo Co-Pilot apps by ensuring that the machine’s software is kept constantly up to date, helping customers get the most out of their machine at all times.

To ensure that customers’ investments are protected, SMT GB can provide extended warranty plus three levels of Customer Support Agreement which offer reduced cost of ownership, improved uptime and peace of mind, regardless of budget or fleet size.

Finally, SMT GB are committed to increasing the lifespan of Volvo Construction Equipment through their dedicated Used Equipment and Parts Team. This dedicated team at their Bruntingthorpe Depot strive to give every used component from machines a second life by professionally refurbishing and reconditioning them to a high standard. Saving these useful components from scrap helps to increase the lifespans of many other Volvo machines both in Great Britain and internationally, and represents a more environmentally responsible business practice for both SMT and our customers.

SMT ProCare helps customers to use their machine data proactively, with a dedicated SMT analysts team monitoring and flagging any potential issues on machines before it causes a machine to become out of action.

SITESIM

Using advanced drone technology, sophisticated 3D modeling and machine data, SiteSim helps boost site e ciency and productivity.

SiteSim combines digital 3D site simulations with machine telematics data to create a highly accurate and interactive picture of your site.

HAZARDOUS WASTE 101

Hazardous waste has many sources, and a long history of dangerous pollution. Here’s what you need to know.

The definition of hazardous waste varies by country, but generally, it is waste that is either explicitly listed as hazardous or meets certain characteristics such as being toxic, flammable, corrosive, or reactive. The classification of hazardous waste is important because it determines how it should be handled, transported, and disposed of.

Hazardous waste can be generated in various forms such as liquids, solids, gases, and sludges and contain chemicals, heavy metals, radiation, pathogens, or other materials. Even households generate hazardous waste, from items such as batteries or used computer equipment.

Some other common examples of hazardous waste include solvents, pesticides, batteries, aerosols and medical waste. These wastes can present a threat to human health and the environment if not managed properly.

Businesses that produce any type of hazardous waste need to ensure it’s stored and disposed of correctly, in line with the Hazardous Waste Regulations 2005, due to its potentially dangerous nature. Failing to do so could result in large fines, company closure, and even criminal charges.

Worldwide, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimated that more than 400 million tons of hazardous wastes are produced universally each year, mostly by industrialized countries.

Hazardous waste is a type of waste that poses a threat to human health and the environment. It can be generated by various activities such as manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. The proper management of hazardous waste is crucial to prevent adverse effects on human health and the environment.

The management of hazardous waste involves several steps, including generation, transportation, storage, treatment, and disposal. Hazardous waste generators have the responsibility to properly identify, store, and transport hazardous waste in accordance with regulations. Storage of hazardous waste must be done in containers that are compatible with the waste and are properly labelled. Hazardous waste must also be transported by licensed and trained personnel in vehicles that meet specific safety requirements.

We produce 400 million tons of hazardous waste each year - almost 13 tons a second.

Treatment of hazardous waste is necessary to reduce its hazardous characteristics and minimise its environmental impact. Treatment methods may include physical, chemical, or biological processes that aim to neutralise or break down the hazardous components. Once the waste is treated, it can be disposed of safely.

The disposal of hazardous waste must be done in compliance with regulations to prevent environmental contamination and harm to human health. Common methods of disposal include landfilling, incineration, and recycling. Landfilling involves burying the waste in a

secure landfill designed to prevent leaching of hazardous components into the environment. Incineration involves burning the waste at high temperatures to reduce its volume and toxicity. Recycling of hazardous waste involves reusing or reclaiming the waste materials to produce new products.

In conclusion, hazardous waste is a serious issue that requires proper management to prevent harm to human health and the environment. The proper classification, handling, treatment, and disposal of hazardous waste are critical to protect our planet and ensure a sustainable future.

Creating

Come and see us at RWM & Letsrecycle Live 2022 Stand R-N184, near to the Packaging Theatre.

a truly sustainable world by conserving finite resources.