Future Waste Jan 2023

ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP: WASHRACK

CIWM: EDI SURVEY RESULTS PROVIDE USEFUL INSIGHTS ON VIEWS

ADVETEC: HOW TECHNOLOGY IS TURNING UNRECYCLABLE WASTE IN TO A COAL REPLACEMENT PRODUCT

BIFFA: 16000 NEW JOBS IN 18BN UK WASTE NET-ZERO TRANSFORMATION

Avery Happy New Year to all our readers! 2023 has arrived, and with it a sense of optimism for a brighter year ahead. From the technology trends set to dominate the industry this year, to simplifying waste management with software, this issue highlights the technological side of the waste industry and what we can expect to see as the year unfolds.

This issue takes a look inside the CIWM’s Festival of Circular Economy that took place virtually from 28 November to 1 December last year. The event welcomed circular economy innovators from around the world to communicate knowledge and experience at every level. In this issue we also delve into the results of CIWM’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) survey.

Be sure to check out ODS Environmental Group as our cover story. On page 45, ODS delve into their new heavy duty wash rack for plant and machinery, as well as their Freshfilter system, fog cannons and atomisers.

Also in this technological edition of Future Waste, Advetec delve into How Technology is Turning Unrecyclable Waste into a Coal Replacement Product on page 53.

Be sure to also check out Matthew Crockett, Managing Director of The Oil Depot, a national fuel company, who explains more about HVO fuel and carbon offsetting.

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

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CONTENTS

In this January issue...

LATEST NEWS

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

CIWM COMMENTARY

CIWM presents their findings from their recently published Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Survey as they provide some insights that could be useful for the wider sector.

WHY RECYCLE IT EQUIPMENT

Martina Tonelli guides us through why you should recycle your old computers and IT equipment.

SMART WASTE MANAGEMENT TRENDS

Future Waste takes a look into the smart waste management trends and technologies set to take the waste industry by storm in 2023.

CIWM FESTIVAL OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Martina Tonelli summarises the CIWM’s Festival of Circular Economy that welcomed circular economy innovators from around the world to communicate knowledge and experience at every level.

ODS ENVIRONMENTAL GROUP

ODS Environmental Group delve into their new wash rack for plant and machinery, as well as their Freshfilter system, fog cannons and atomisers.

ADVETEC

How Technology is Turning Unrecyclable Waste into a Coal Replacement Product

In the face of mounting global pressure, punitive legislative change, rising costs and rapidly depleting natural resources, Advetec discusses why the UK must re-educate itself about residual or unrecyclable waste.

BIFFA

Biffa shares their new report that reveals a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the UK to make an £18 billion investment in dozens of new onshore recycling and energy facilities that will deliver the country’s ambitions for a net zero, circular economy.

CRAGGS ENERGY

In Discussion: HVO Fuel and Carbon Offsetting Matthew Crockett, Managing Director of The Oil Depot, a national fuel company explains more about HVO fuel and carbon offsetting.

SIMPLIFYING WASTE MANAGEMENT WITH SOFTWARE

Kate Hutchison takes a look into the top types of waste management software and how they can provide a range of services to help you stay on top of your waste.

Guy Wakeley

APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF RECONOMY GROUP

Reconomy Group, the technology-led provider of services for the circular economy, announces that Guy Wakeley has been appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective 1 January 2023. Guy succeeds Paul Cox, who has transitioned to the role of Founder Director on the Group Board.

Guy is a veteran CEO with deep experience successfully delivering transformation and growth in the financial, business services, and housebuilding industries. Most recently, Guy served as Chief Executive of Services at IWG plc in Switzerland, where he was responsible for business strategy, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, and financial planning. Prior to joining IWG, Guy served as Chief Executive of Equiniti Group plc from 2014 to 2021, where he oversaw significant growth in North America and led the group through its initial public offering and admission to trading on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in October 2015.

From 2008 to 2013, Guy served as Chief Executive of Morrison Facilities Services, where he delivered strong organic growth through product development and technology enablement.

Guy started his career at RollsRoyce Holdings plc and has held positions at General Electric, AES Corporation, Berkeley Group and the Amey group.

Guy is a non-executive director of HgCapital Trust plc. He has a MA in engineering science from the University of Cambridge and a PhD in applications of artificial intelligence from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Guy will continue to build Reconomy Group’s leading market positions globally in the recycle, comply and reuse segments of the sustainability sector. The Group will continue its successful strategy of focusing on innovation and bringing strategic technology, dynamic and accurate data and dedicated service propositions to even more customers.

Bob Ellis, Chairman of Reconomy Group, commented: “Guy’s experience delivering top line growth and sustainability strategies for global businesses makes him well-suited to lead Reconomy Group. Following a

thorough search, the Board of Directors is confident that Guy is the right person to lead the Group in the next phase of its growth. With him at the helm, Reconomy Group will further strengthen its market lead and continue to contribute to a truly sustainable world.”

Paul Cox, Founder Director, Reconomy Group, commented: “Guy is a world-class executive with a wealth of experience. I look forward to working with him to develop the company in new markets and drive value for stakeholders through technologyenabled sustainability solutions.”

Guy Wakeley commented: “Reconomy Group’s sustainability solutions play a crucial role in addressing some of the biggest challenges facing our world. The Group’s strong relationships with blue-chip brands mean it is wellpositioned to support businesses which are increasingly focused on their environmental impact and ESG objectives. Thank you to Paul and Bob for their warm welcome. I am thrilled to be leading such a talented and dedicated team, and I believe that together, we can capitalize on the significant opportunity to help customers grow, sustainably.” n

A hirer’s guide to misting equipmentdust and odour control

Looking for air quality solutions but unsure which will be most effective? Air Spectrum explains the benefits of the most commonly cåused misting equipment on-site.

Dust Cannons:

Used for large areas with a heavier water consumption rate, not suitable for indoor use. Cannons are mobile pieces of equipment, used to soak areas to prevent dust clouding and bring large amounts of dust out of the air. Our Cannons projection offerings are from 30m up to 100m.

Atomisers:

Atomisers produce much finer mist and are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and can treat both dust and odour. Atomisers are effective at treating odour when used in conjunction with a liquid odour-neutralising additive. Atomisers can be mobile/ self-contained or fixed in place and connected to mains. Our Atomiser range offers projection from 15m up to 25m.

Boundary Systems:

Boundary systems are designed to surround the concern at hand, whether that be dust clouding or offensive odours leaving the area. They can be used both indoors and outdoors and can be attached to a mobile water bowser

or connected to mains and in a fixed position. Boundary systems consist of a flexible high-pressure hose with an option to choose your desired spacing of misting nozzles, they are typically spaced every 2 metres.

At-source Suppression:

Sometimes the most effective way of controlling dust or odour is to target the output very specifically. To do this, a fixed system is installed with very targeted, larger nozzles using pressurised air to create a powerful stream of mist to stop the dust/odour at source. These are usually used for long-term hire solutions. Mobile at-source suppression is also available with a range of attachments.

Air Spectrum Environmental are a UK manufacturer of dust and odour control equipment. They also provide expert air quality advice. Offering a ‘full circle’ approach, Air Spectrum can offer a full air quality assessment and provide a cost-effective solution for your site, as well as excellent after care and support.

Environmental impact is key for Air Spectrum Environmental, and they are the first to offer nondiesel, battery-operated misting equipment. The range – ‘ecotech’, currently includes Atomisers and ensures zero emissions, as well as much quieter operation. Offering both short and longterm hire, Air Spectrum can provide a solution for your air quality needs. n

Air Spectrum Environmental are a UK manufacturer of dust and odour control equipment.

They also provide expert air quality advice. Offering a ‘full circle’ approach, Air Spectrum can offer a full air quality assessment and provide a cost-effective solution for your site, as well as excellent after care and support.

For further information please visit:

www.airspectrum.com

Global resource management company Veolia has exceeded the target savings for Dublin’s Mater Misericordiae University Hospital following the first year of operations. The results, including an additional €44k of savings, were achieved after the extensive energy efficiency upgrades completed under the first Carbon Energy Fund, CEF, contract for a hospital in Ireland.

The 15 year Energy Infrastructure Project Agreement will reduce the hospital’s carbon footprint by approximately 72,000 tonnes, cut imported electricity from the national grid by 77%, and deliver €26 million in guaranteed energy and operational savings. At the end of Year 1, the data indicates savings of €1,565,759 have been achieved against planned guaranteed savings of €1,521,868, resulting in additional savings of €43,891. By 2025, the Mater Hospital is aiming to have moved energy efficiency gains from the current 37.2%, ahead of the 33% target set by the Government, to over 50%.

A secure and cost efficient energy supply is essential to maintain a modern patient care environment for the Hospital which has more than 600 beds and treats over 360,000 patients each year. To meet the energy

demand and achieve carbon savings of 35% Veolia’s specialist energy teams managed a wide range of energy efficiency projects covering the design, delivery, installation, commissioning of a range of energy upgrades. These included installation of 2,600m2 of double-glazed windows, fitting 3,800 new energy efficient light fittings and a new 2MWe Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant to generate around 13.8 GWh of electricity a year. Supporting these measures is an upgraded Building Management System (BMS) covering the energy installations on the site, and managing the heat distribution through the 1.7km of installed district heating network that delivers heat to nine existing boiler houses across the campus.

To ensure patient care could be maintained during the lighting and window upgrade projects, the renovation of each ward was delivered with a 5-6 week turnaround per ward, and a decant or “floating” ward was created to enable patients to be transferred during the upgrades. While the energy infrastructure was being upgraded the hospital also took the opportunity to carry out other work including replacing floors and ceilings as well as redesigning wards to provide, for example, new nursing stations and improved bathrooms. This gave the hospital

a unique opportunity to fully renovate a 40 year old building, and once the renovation work was completed the wards were cleaned and sterilised to infection control standards and patients returned back to the refurbished wards.

Alan Sharp, CEO Mater Hospital said: “The energy project has delivered more than the savings we expected based on its current performance. We’re extremely thankful we took the decision to start this project, especially with concerns over energy supply and the increasing cost of energy.”

Fergus Elebert, Regional Director, Veolia Ireland added: “This project highlights the success of this approach for decarbonising the healthcare sector. A major element that contributed to the success of the infrastructure upgrades was the high level of teamwork between the Hospital’s facilities team, the medical teams, Veolia and the contractors and suppliers. We look forward to extending this success at the Mater as we move towards achieving a net zero goal.”

With a track record spanning 84 years in delivering energy management to healthcare, Veolia currently provides the energy services for around 110 hospitals across Ireland and the UK that support the care for nearly 10 million inpatients each year. n

Results from first full year of operation of the energy efficiency measures yield an additional €44k of savings

RECYCLE YOUR ELECTRICALS CAMPAIGN TURNS NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS INTO NEW YEAR’S ‘ECO-LUTIONS’

Lots of us start the new year with grand plans for the year ahead.

Some of us make New Year’s resolutions, ranging from getting fitter, eating healthier to taking up new hobbies. This year, why not consider making recycling your electricals part of your resolutions?

Recycle Your Electricals has provided some top tips for making your New Year’s resolutions

greener by turning them into ‘New Year’s Eco-lutions’. From saving money to giving back to those in need, these ‘eco-lutions’ show us just how easy it is to recycle our electricals by turning traditional resolutions into green ones!

“We are calling on UK householders to recycle their electricals as part of their New Year resolutions. Some of the best New Year resolutions are ones that are easy to achieve, and recycling electricals is one simple step all householders can make to do their bit for the planet. My New Year’s resolution is to declutter my house

– so I’m going to finally clear out my cupboard and recycle the old cables and printer I have in there,” said Scott Butler, Executive Director of Material Focus.

E-waste is the fastest growing source of waste in the UK and in the world – with over 155,000 tonnes of household electrical waste thrown away every year and 527 million electrical items hoarded in UK homes. 80% of us already think recycling e-waste is the right thing – therefore, it seems fitting that recycling your old and unwanted electricals is one of your new year’s resolutions.

Cash strapped January?

If one of your resolutions is to save a bit of money, especially after Christmas and during the current cost of living crisis, then why not gather up your old working electricals and sell them? Recycle Your Electricals’ research found that you could make up to £620 per household by selling your old electricals. On average, the UK has one unused laptop and one unused tablet per household. The average price that could be achieved by selling a secondhand laptop is £165 while a tablet could fetch an average price of £110. Mobile phones can command an average of £110 and games consoles £125. Find out how to make money from selling your old tech here: recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/sell-second-

New you, new skill?

2023 could be your year for learning new things. Learning to repair your old electricals that seem a bit tattered is a great way to learn a new skill. There are Repair Cafes across the UK where you can meet and learn all about repairing things. In each one you’ll find tools and materials to help you make

Recycle while running!

Getting fit is one of UK householders’ top New Year’s resolutions, with research showing that 43% of people chose this as their top commitment. Try incorporating doing good in your gym activities by including recycling into your fitness frenzy by collecting up your old cables, headphones or phone, popping them in a bag, and heading to Recycle Your Electricals’ postcode locator to find your nearest, or farthest recycling drop-off point. Remember, the more electricals you carry the more calories

Giving back to those in need – Give Back January.

You may want to consider donating your old and unwanted electricals as one of your New Year’s resolutions. Especially in the digital age we’re in, this is a wonderful way to give back to those less fortunate – after all, that’s what the festive season is all about. Last Christmas 40% of UK adults bought nearly 40 million items of household tech from Black Friday to Christmas, resulting in 4.2 million unwanted electricals being abandoned. Some 2.2 million of these abandoned electricals are hoarded away, with 2 million of them thrown in the bin. If we donate these items to those in need, the value would be £136 million. Find more information on donating your old electricals.

Being more eco-conscious 5

The environment is at the forefront of a lot of people’s minds right now, and recycling your electricals is a simple way of fulfilling your environmental New Year’s resolutions. If we recycled all our old electricals we would cut as much CO2 as taking 1.3 million cars off the road. Recycling electricals would also create hundreds of new jobs in electrical reuse and recycling – and save valuable raw materials from being lost forever like gold, copper and steel.

Recycling your electricals has never been easier –simply head to Recycle Your Electricals’ website and pop in your postcode to find your nearest drop-off point.

Become an eco-advocate 6

Spreading the message of recycling electricals is just as important as recycling them. Do this by telling your friends and family that ‘anything with a plug, battery or cable can be recycled’ and letting them know about the Recycle Your Electricals’ Locator. A great way to start 2023 would be working together to stop the e-waste problem.

For more information on how to prepare your old electricals for recycling, selling or donating please visit www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk

British Metals Recycling Association News

New rules urgently needed to help safely deal with mountain of unwanted electrical waste

NEW rules are “urgently required” to prevent households throwing unwanted electrical equipment out with the general waste over Christmas, a leading recycling association has said.

The call comes as experts say waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) can now be linked to three times more fires inside bin lorries and at household waste recycling centres than initially thought.

WEEE generally covers products that have a plug or need a battery, such as fridges, vacuum cleaners, cookers, mobile phones and computer equipment.

Discarded items may contain batteries which can cause fires if they are damaged, and they need to be treated differently to general

household waste.

And with councils set to collect two million unwanted WEEE items, the British Metal Recycling Association (BMRA) say local authorities should carry out kerbside collections.

James Kelly, the CEO of the BMRA, said: “Councils need to introduce kerbside collections for discarded WEEE items. That is because we are seeing increased fires happening in bin lorries and at household waste recycling centres as well as metal recycling sites like those of our members where these items can end up in the incorrect waste stream. People’s lives are at risk.”

The BMRA says the fires are often caused by damaged lithium and lithium-ion batteries inside the discarded electrical items. There have long been fears that they cause fires, but research by the Recycle Your Electricals campaign led by Material Focus say they can now be linked to 700 fires in the past 12 months.

And Mr. Kelly, whose trade association represents the £7 billion UK metal recycling sector, said the

➜ BMRA says local authorities must introduce kerbside collections to ensure public safety

➜ 2 million items discarded between Black Friday and Christmas

problem is particularly bad at this time of year.

“Almost two fires a day across the country can now be linked to these batteries, according to new research,” Mr. Kelly said. “In the space of 10 weeks, thanks to Black Friday deals, Christmas gifts, Boxing Day sales and January sales, we are likely to see millions of electrical items discarded.

“If there is not an easy option, such as kerbside collection, it is likely that much of this will be disposed of incorrectly. This massively increases the risk of fires across the waste sector. That is why we need to see kerbside collections introduced right away.”

According to the results of the recent survey by Material Focus, fires caused by batteries are potentially a far bigger issue than previously reported in waste sector reports. The survey shows that nearly 90% of the 60 local authorities surveyed said fires caused by batteries are “an increasing problem”.

Earlier this month London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, said he had “serious

safety concerns” about some lithium-ion batteries used in privately owned e-scooters and in online conversion kits.

His warning came after the London Fire Brigade reported there had been 130 fires this year involving the batteries, 65 used by e-bikes, 24 used by e-scooters and the remainder involving those used in e-cigarettes. Some are known to overheat when being charged.

The scale of unwanted electrical waste in the UK is vast.

Last year UK households bought nearly 40 million electrical items in the period between Black Friday and Christmas.

This resulted in 4.2 million unwanted electrical items being “abandoned”, with the hoarding of 2.2 million items and the other two million thrown away.

Research has found that 33 per cent of households have at least one electrical device in their home that does not work that could be recycled. That includes almost 21 million desktop computers, 18.5 million

games consoles; 11.7 million laptops and 9.17 million tablets and printers which are working but no longer used by the household.

Research by Currys claims that more than £850 million worth of precious metals could be salvaged from these electrical products each year - including enough gold to make more than 850,000 rings.

Mr. Kelly added: “Aside from the safety issues regarding fires, hoarding e-waste also prevents a great many raw materials being made available again from recycling. These include metals such as copper, cobalt, and tungsten.”

According to a report released by the House of Commons Environmental Audit Select Committee, the U.K. generates 23.9 kilograms of e-waste per person each year, second only to Norway. This far exceeds the world average of 7.3 kilograms per capita and the European average. n

➜ Electrical items thrown away in household bins now linked to 700 fires

RECOUP 2022 HIGHLIGHTS

RECOUP reflects on its 2022 accomplishments

Plastic resource efficiency and recycling charity, RECOUP, is delighted to share the 2022 highlights and accomplishments it has delivered over the past year, thanks to member contributions, grant funding and collaborations, with the guidance of the RECOUP

Board of Trustees and Advisors. As a not-for-profit and charitable organisation, RECOUP ensures all financial support received is used in the most effective ways possible to deliver core, project and research activities to meet its aims and objectives.

Detailed below are just some of the activities and highlights for RECOUP in 2022:

RECOUP reports, updated, researched and launched in 2022 include:

➜ The UK Plastic Packaging Sorting & Reprocessing Infrastructure Report, exploring household and commercial capacities for plastics recycling

➜ UK Household Plastic Packaging Collection Survey, which provides a comprehensive review of the collection of household plastic packaging for recycling in the UK

➜ Recyclability by Design, the essential guide for all those involved in the development and design of plastic packaging

➜ Recyclability Case Studies, on Bacon & Meat Packaging, Recyclability by Design; Back to Basics and Material Substitution

➜ Citizen Plastics Recycling Behaviours Insights Study,

analysing consumer recycling behaviours

➜ Best Practice Guide to UK Plastic Recycling Communications, output of the SSPP funded Kent Understand Plastics ‘Live Lab’ project sharing knowledge on how to communicate plastics recycling to individuals and communities

➜ ESA Quality Standard for Recycled Plastics with support from RECOUP, the BPF and the Recycling Association, to define a set of quality standards for post-consumer recycling

➜ Recycled Content Verification Systems report, updated guidance and developments in recycled content verification schemes and technologies in collaboration with the BPF

2022 collaborative ongoing projects include:

➜ Flexible Plastic Fund (FPF) FlexCollect project, piloting household collection and recycling of flexible plastic packaging

➜ Compostable Coalition, multistakeholder SSPP funded initiative to ensure compostable packaging is effectively collected and recycled

➜ The SSPP funded TRACE (Technologyenabled Reusable Assets for Circular Economy) project, researching reusable packaging design incorporating RFID technology

➜ Collaboration with PECT on a Hubbub and Starbucks funded ‘Bring it Back’ project looking at local community barriers to the uptake of reuse systems

➜ Plastic Packaging Portal, supported by Innovate, to create a new open standard for plastic packaging data

➜ Completion of the SSPP funded Kent Understanding Plastics ‘Live Lab’ project looking at how communications delivery can influence recycling rates

Alongside the launch of reports and projects, throughout 2022 RECOUP continued to monitor, respond and advise members on policy and legislation including Extended Producer Responsibility, Deposit Return Schemes, consistent recycling collections, the plastic packaging tax, single use plastics and international legislation. Member support for recyclability advice and testing was boosted by the set up of internal laboratory resources. Other topics under development over the year with a number of outputs to be shared in 2023 include life cycle assessment, bioplastics and reuse.

Value chain education, engagement and networking continued in 2022 including attendance at a number of public events under the Pledge2Recycle Plastics brand to promote plastics recycling, delivering school assemblies, exhibiting and speaking at RWM & Letsrecycle Live, organising an outstanding annual RECOUP conference

combined with the launch of the inaugural RECOUP awards to celebrate excellence in plastics, recycling and resource efficiency, culminating the year with a successful series of webinars with fantastic attendance and feedback.

Stuart Foster, CEO, of RECOUP comments:

“I would like to thank all our members and the wider plastics value chain for their continued support in 2022. The plastic and packaging industries are facing more challenges and questions around sustainability and resources than ever before. With strong support from cross-sector members RECOUP can address and overcome these challenges through increased supply and recycling chain collaboration, impartial debate and delivery of practical and effective plastics recycling initiatives”.

Stuart continued “I am delighted to report that our membership in 2022 continued to grow. Wherever you are on your journey we are here to work with you in 2023 to maximise efficient plastics recycling and look forward to more progress and achievements in the year ahead”.

For more information about RECOUP, the work they do and how to become a member, please email enquiry@recoup.org visit www.recoup.org or call 01733 390021

Dr Stephen Wise, Chief Strategic Development Officer at biotechnology business Advetec, which turns residual waste into Solid Recovered Fuel said:

The Alternative Residual Waste Treatment – Biostabilisation report commissioned by Zero Waste Scotland, provides a stark warning that Scotland does not have adequate infrastructure to achieve its target of banning all biodegradable waste from landfill by 2025, unless it achieves the incoming AT4 limit.

“The recent COP27 as well as national Governments have called for greater innovation in tackling the climate crisis, plus more locally, the recent Scottish Resources Conference made it clear that this market requires significant help and change to meet the pending deadline and tackle the climate emergency.

“The report’s focus on longestablished large scale waste treatment technologies, rather than the more innovative solutions which are quickly coming to market, would appear to be a missed opportunity. It is these newer technologies and the capacity they create, that could help The Scottish Government and Local Authorities deliver on their biodegradable landfill ban requirements now, despite challenging economic circumstances and limited time to implement infrastructure. A country full of rural locations and remote communities needs local,

flexible, scalable, and innovative waste treatment solutions to deliver change quickly.

“Innovative new technologies have the power to stabilise Scotland’s biodegradable waste, reduce the reliance on landfill altogether, and turn it into a useful commodity.

“As a business driven by sustainability and innovation, we talk to waste operators, legislators and regulators every day. We can see the gap that could be bridged quickly by adopting new technologies and retrofitting old ones, to support circularity, bring green jobs into local communities and boost the local economy at the same time.

“Faced with a global climate emergency, we need greater cooperation from legislators, policy makers and stakeholders to get innovative waste solutions over the line. A lack of experienced resources is leading to delays within the planning and permitting process, which can hinder the adoption of new technology across the UK. Scotland urgently requires a more innovative approach and for barriers to innovation and delivery to be removed.”

EDI SURVEY RESULTS PROVIDE USEFUL INSIGHTS ON VIEWS OF EDI IN THE SECTOR

CIWM has recently published the results of its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) survey. The primary purpose of the survey, undertaken in Autumn 2021, was to gather insights for the CIWM EDI strategy, launched in April 2022, but the results are now being shared as they provide some insights that could be useful for the wider sector.

The EDI survey was circulated to a wide group to obtain a broad insight into the experiences of those working in the UK waste, recycling and resource management sector. Although the survey response rate was too low for CIWM to gather sufficient data to provide a baseline for the sector, the information collected provides interesting insights and opinions that will further CIWM’s work in EDI.

In discussing the findings with other professional bodies and others working to address EDI, CIWM is aware that often it is those who feel most impacted by challenges related to EDI that respond to surveys on the topic and this should be taken into account when considering the demographics of those who responded. As a result, CIWM is looking at how to ensure engagement with a much broader range of people in its EDI work going forwards.

Personal experiences

As part of the comprehensive survey, respondents were given the opportunity to express their personal experiences in relation to EDI. These experiences have influenced CIWM’s EDI strategy and have shown that the benefits of addressing EDI in the sector go beyond those areas many would expect.

Of those surveyed, some responses included:

➜ 60% (of which 15% strongly agree) believe the sector provides an environment that encourages the free and open expression of ideas, opinions and beliefs.

➜ 77% believe that there are policies and procedures to promote diversity and inclusion in their own organisations but only 38% agree that these exist across the sector.

➜ 40% indicated they had seen, heard or witnessed comments or behaviour that has made them uncomfortable within their own organisations in the last 12 months.

OPERATOR COMPETENCE SCHEME UPDATED FOR 2023

With CIWM’s Operator Competence Scheme subject to a continuous revision process, the 2023 updates will see the most significant changes for six years.

The adjustments, many of which are based on feedback from the sector, will make sure the programmes continue to be fit-for-purpose and equip learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to work safely on site. They will also prioritise environmental protection and compliance with their environmental permits.

For the primary competence qualifications, indicative content has been added to help learners and qualification centre staff better interpret the learning outcomes and assessment criteria. For continuing competence, work has been undertaken with sector specialists to update the syllabi and develop an accessible question bank that challenges learners and gives them the opportunity to demonstrate they’ve kept their knowledge and competence up to date.

More information on the updates to primary and continuing competence –as well as the updated revision guides – will be available in the coming weeks. u

Representation

A high level of total respondents – 73% – agreed that they have a strong sense of belonging to the sector but only 16% of respondents felt that there is a good level of diverse representation at senior management level.

These scores influenced the inclusion of activity in the EDI strategy designed to attract more diversity in senior roles at CIWM.

Improving EDI in the sector

When asked what areas CIWM should prioritise to improve EDI in the sector overall, the most common suggestions were:

➜ better education on the issue for all

Full survey results

➜ more diverse role models (e.g., speakers at events) organisational culture outreach programmes to schools and colleges recruitment and induction processes.

These responses were in line with feedback collated from the CIWM focus groups and EDI working group.

The future of the EDI in the sector

Poor EDI practices have a negative impact on the whole of the sector. They make the industry less attractive and make it less successful as a sector in general.

76% of respondents agreed that the waste and resources sector is one in which there are good opportunities and so

CIWM is committed to making these opportunities available to a diverse workforce. CIWM will continue to work towards its wider goals of improving the pool of talent and attracting new skills into the sector through the EDI strategy and related initiatives.

Although the sample size of the survey was small, addressing the issues and concerns that were shared by the respondents will be of high importance of CIWM to support the move to a world beyond waste.

Much more needs to be done to reach out to the whole sector. The journey has only just begun.

Please visit www.ciwm.co.uk/edi to download the full survey results and read more about CIWM’s EDI work and strategy.

REASONS FOR CHOOSING AN H-SERIES

THERE ARE YOU ONLY NEED ONE

lead, mercury, and coolants which are dangerous to people and the environment.

➜ You reduce your landfill costs Sending items to landfill is expensive with Landfill tax and gate fees to consider. So, anything which reduces the overall volume of waste you send to landfill helps reduce your overall business costs.

Toughness is the reason why we’ve already sold over 500,000 wheel loaders world-wide and when it comes to toughness, our H-Series is as tough as it gets. The H-Series has genuine heavyweight credibility delivering the power, control, comfort and durability required to make light work of the heaviest jobs. Whatever your reason, discover the H-Series for yourself.

See us online or talk to us today to find out more.

on hard drives is destroyed so that it cannot fall into the wrong hands and cause a data breach.

Shredding the drive, then mixing the metals with other shredded drives and sending that off for recycling is the best way to protect your business.

It also ensures your business is following the data protection rules in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Failure to do so can result in a large fine. u

Why should you recycle IT equipment?

Did you know that 98% of your old PC can be recycled and re-used? Did you also know that your business mobile phone has valuable metals which can be recovered?

As we all try to live more sustainably, it’s increasingly important that all businesses should be recycling IT equipment wherever possible.

➜ Your business becomes more sustainable

Businesses must follow strict WEEE waste rules

➜

The disposal of old IT equipment is covered by the Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment legislation. This WEEE waste must not be sent to landfill as it can have PCBs, lead, mercury, and coolants which are dangerous to people and the environment.

➜ You reduce your landfill costs

Sending items to landfill is expensive with Landfill tax and gate fees to consider. So, anything which reduces the overall volume of waste you send to landfill helps reduce your overall business costs.

Customers now look at how ecofriendly businesses are before they decide to make a purchase.

Businesses need to operate in this environment and be able to prove their credentials on sustainability. Recycling your old IT equipment helps you do that. Some recycled equipment can also help charities here in the UK or projects in the developing world. You will be showing your commitment to your community or supporting communities abroad.

➜ You can protect your data

Recycling IT equipment also gives you the chance to ensure the data stored on hard drives is destroyed so that it cannot fall into the wrong hands and cause a data breach.

Shredding the drive, then mixing the metals with other shredded drives and sending that off for recycling is the best way to protect your business. It also ensures your business is following the data protection rules in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Failure to do so can result in a large fine. u

u Most people wrongly believe that deleting files from your desktop or laptop computers will mean they cannot be retrieved. That isn’t the case. The files are still on those devices somewhere. They’re just hidden from view. All you’ve done by deleting these items is removing the site map to find them. Data recovery software can find them, and the information contained in them. This information could fall into the hands of unscrupulous people who could use it to defraud or steal from your customers and employees or they could be out to ruin the reputation of your business. The financial cost could be large.

➜ What’s the difference when I erase a file?

This is when a special program permanently wipes or erases a file. For one file, you’d tend to shred it –using a program which overwrites the contents with binary code. When you wipe an entire whole hard drive, that means you erase everything on it and anything you have removed previously. Don’t be fooled into thinking a factory reset or reformatting will do the trick. They tend to be the equivalent of removing files, rather than erasing them.

➜ How can I wipe the hard drive securely?

There are products like Safe Erase and Dban which will wipe your PC hard drive with one action. Anyone using the computer afterwards will have to install all their own software as a result.

On Macs with mechanical hard drives, you can put it into Recovery Mode then use Disk Utility – an application on all Macs – to wipe the hard drive. It can be trickier to wipe the hard drive on smartphones. A factory reset won’t wipe the drives on Android phones and tablets unless you encrypt the storage first, then erase it and restore the factory settings.

➜ Should I call in the experts to recycle IT equipment?

Yes – if you want your sensitive information to be dealt with securely, hire a company like Inspire Waste Management, with a long record of accomplishment in dealing with top companies and their confidential waste. Our expert staff understand our clients’ needs to be legally compliant and to deal with sensitive information in a secure way. n

“It’s recommended that sensitive information is dealt with securely”

TOP 8 WASTE MANAGEMENT TRENDS

Emerging waste management trends meet the industry’s growing demand for autonomous operations, digitalisation, and sustainability.

The industry is increasingly automating processes like waste sorting, collection, and disposal. Drones monitor landfills to measure air quality and detect radiation. Other waste management trends include innovative composting and advanced recycling.

Businesses are exploring ways to incorporate sustainable materials, circular product design, biodegradable packaging, and more to enable a closedloop supply chain. Blockchainpowered solutions track material lifecycle to improve recycling efficiency and divert waste away from landfills.

The focus is to not only improve the overall efficiency of waste management operations but also to reach the goal of sustainability with minimum pollution. u

1 Artificial Intelligence

Managing waste is a multistep process that involves scheduling pickup, trucking, and sorting. Dealing with enormous quantities of waste makes the process cumbersome. Integrating AI into workflows automates waste management and

2 Robotics

improves operational efficiency. AI-driven autonomous garbage trucks reduce the risk of occupational injuries to drivers. Computer vision and machine learning algorithms also facilitate smart sorting by distinguishing between different types and

sizes of waste materials. This increases the accuracy and speed of sorting, especially for plastic recycling companies. AI-based platforms maintain safe operations by constantly monitoring operating conditions in hazardous waste facilities.

Manual waste sorting is a time-consuming process and human inefficiencies increase the amount of trash ending up in landfills. That is why waste management facilities are using robotics to overcome this challenge. Industrial robots, along with sensors, computer vision, and AI, are automating waste segregation practices, ensuring material-specific

3 Internet of Things

Conventional waste collection methods have predefined routes and schedules. As a result, garbage collecting trucks often empty the waste bins either when they are still empty or start overflowing before they are emptied. IoTbased waste management facilitates waste bin tracking in real-time. This enables timely waste collection and disposal without overflowing

dumpsters. IoT-based temperature sensors monitor the temperatures of dumpsters to prevent explosions and fire. Moreover, RFID tags used in garbage trucks allow tracking of the location of these vehicles. This provides companies with highly relevant data that enables better decision-making and plan optimisation.

disposal. Robotic arms work faster and lift heavier objects compared to their human counterparts as well as pick plastics from beaches and oceans. Further, drones monitor the landfills to detect any toxin or radiation leakage. They also monitor carbon emissions and pollution levels around landfills to enable proactive litter management.

4

Circular Economy

The circular economy ensures minimum waste by reusing and repurposing existing products into new raw materials or products. This allows optimal utilisation of materials instead of discarding them before end-

of-life. Now companies design products that have multiple lifecycles instead of the takemake-dispose approach. They reuse their production waste to create new products. Further, waste-to-energy plants process

solid waste to produce steam for electricity generation. Brands also implement sustainable packaging by sourcing eco-friendly materials for a minimal environmental impact.

5 Advanced Recycling

Waste management facilities are integrating advanced recycling solutions like material scanners, autonomous waste picking systems, and more to improve operational efficiency. Such solutions increase waste stream quality and allow recyclers to recover more materials through mechanical recycling. Further, innovations in chemical recycling enable them to

recycle materials without losing quality. This eliminates the need for virgin materials, advances the circular economy, and offers higher economic value to recovered materials. Lastly, many waste management companies use end-to-end automation process automation to streamline waste processing, increasing profits.

6 Big Data & Analytics

Waste management is a multifarious process where the implementation of big data and analytics advances operational efficiencies. The data from the smart bin sensors provides insights into the frequency of bin emptying based on the location. This allows

waste collecting companies to identify the type of waste based on specific locations and ensure timely waste collection. Further, big data allows companies to calculate and manage their carbon emissions from their existing waste management practices.

7 Decomposition Technologies

Decomposition technologies utilise natural mechanisms to break down organic materials into useful products. Controlled decomposition or composting breaks down organic waste into simpler forms using bacteria or fungi. The resulting compost enriches the soil with beneficial nutrients and prevents soil erosion. There is also a shift to compostable bio-based plastics to reduce plastic pollution.

8 Blockchain

Blockchain enables responsible waste management by bringing transparency and traceability to the value chain. Waste tracking also enables compatibility with environmental regulations. This allows waste management facilities to divert more waste away from landfills. n

BETWEEN 28TH NOVEMBER AND 1ST DECEMBER, FUTURE WASTE HAD THE HONOUR OF TAKING PART IN THE CIWM FESTIVAL OF CIRCULAR ECONOMY.

The event comprised four days of online seminar with around 60 guest speakers who discussed everything about the circular economy.

Around 23 countries participated in the event, over the four days to help reshape the world, celebrate circularity while also bringing it to life. Mark Shayler opened the first day of the Festival giving the participant some inspirational quotes:

➜ “Design is the single most powerful environmental tool that there is.”

➜ “The rise of the purpose driven consumer is showing no decline”

➜

“Waste is a design flaw and what we throw away says lots about who we are as a society”

Liz Parkes followed his discussion, talking about moving the world beyond waste, discussing how we can tackle climate change going back to the basics and keeping the resources in use for a longer period. She explained” Our consumption habits do not make us happy or healthy. We must keep the resources spinning.”

Mark Hoek took over the conference highlighting two major challenges. He said that problems tie into marketing opportunities and that the biggest opportunity is a positive impact. Businesses need to be motivated to enter the world of circular economy and enter the world of new growth. They need to realise how big of an opportunity that is.

Mark Shayler concluded day 1 of #FOCE22 with his 4 key takeaways from the day’s sessions:

➜ “Systems and materials need to work in tandem.”

➜ “Start with the user; how do we make it easier for the user to make environmentally-conscious choices?”

➜ “The sector should focus on circular but must focus on the economy as well to showcase how circularity can grow businesses.”

➜ “Government need to catch up on the will of the people and the ability of businesses to make a massive change.”

During the second day more speakers joined in the conference. Charlie Luxton, architectural designer and television presenter was talking about his business area. He stated that there is a lot of sustainability architecture, but he thinks more action is needed. 40% of the waste comes from the construction sector, affirming that the material should be reused and refurbished. It is also important the architects nowadays create designs that have greater life for the buildings. u

WE CAN SOLVE MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH ONE SOLUTION BY THINKING LATERALLY

The conversation then moved to discussing how the world’s leading brands are moving to a circular economy. Philip Mossop opened his discussion highlighting that the total volume of the waste produce is rising. Everyone has a critical role in recycling, and the government should influence everyone to be more sustainable.

An interesting question was made which was : how do we move from ideas to action?

Mossop delved into several case studies from Pentatonic’s portfolio.The first was the #Meltdown campaign the company created for Burger King following their commitment to end giving away single-use plastic toys. The campaign was part of a takeback system for any single-use toys, not just toys produced by Burger King. Consumers were incentivised to return single-use toys with a free meal offer. Once Burger King had the toys, the mission was then to turn the toys into something more meaningful that can have a longer lifecycle. The result was a food tray that children could also play with before it was recycled again at its end of life. The next case study was a reusable dining kit which was rolled out at a festival organised by Pharrell Williams. The cutlery could be scanned on-site to secure discounts on food, as well as access to specific events.

CIRCULAR TRAILBLAZER’S PANEL: “HOW CAN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY MOVE YOUR BUSINESS FORWARD?”

Pranshu Singhal started by explaining that he sees circularity as when a product can be transformed at the end of its life into something different , such as recycling a plastic printer once it breaks and turning it into a bench.

Designer Lucy Hughes, the founder and CEO of Marinatex, then picked up the discussion and said that her company is working on creating an alternative to single-use plastic films from seafood waste and red algae.

The third day was based on Sustainability and Circularity, ReLondon’s Wayne Hubbard talked about the five circular business models which can be replicated in different businesses.

➜ USING STUFF WISELY

➜ USING STUFF AGAIN ➜ MAKING THINGS WELL

RENTING, NOT BUYING

SHARING

He shared that to tackle the climate crisis, globally, we must reduce the consumption of CO2 emission by 80% by 2050.

Environmentalist, Sustainability Advisor & Author, Tony Juniper addressed delegates with the pre-recorded message that you can’t go circular on your own and that we need a common cause with other actors in the chain.

THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IS THERE FOR THE TAKING

It was stressed that the linear economy needs to change if we’re going to have a chance to reverse these environmental issues and if we don’t change there will be disastrous effects.

The last session of Day 3, The Great Debate – Can we recycle our way out of plastics?

Helen Jordan, Senior Recycling Expert, British Plastics Federation, said that plastic does not have a place in the environment and that recycling alone can’t solve the plastic pollution issue. The sector has come a long way and there’s opportunity to develop the recycling sector even further but there needs to be investment in facilities. “We need more UK facilities, and we need investment in UK recycling. We need money from the UK plastics packaging tax and form extended producer responsibility.” Helen said plastic gets a bad press, but she said we need to consider the potential environmental consequence of simply materials swapping. u

On the last day, Claire Shrewsbury, Director of Insights and Innovation at WRAP welcomed everyone to the final day with a message that circular economy and consumption needs to be brought more into the climate change conversation. WRAP was disappointed that COP26 had a lack of focus in the food system, the circular economy and consumption. We can recycle our way out of these problems and decarbonise the energy sector, but we need to be careful in what and how we consume it.

The morning continued with the question: “ Why should you invest in the circular economy?” Lord Robin Teverson stated that investing in the circular economy is fundamental to tackling the climate and nature crisis, but also there has been a rising need for security within supply chains.

HEY FASHION!

Pentatonic’s Lauren Greenwood took delegates through the Hey Fashion! The initiative is dedicated to elevating the issue of textile waste in the fashion industry. She said that there is currently an emphasis on upstream interventions,

such as designing for circularity; however, if downstream processes don’t keep up, the industry won’t be able to close the loop.

Lauren explained that the initiative’s message is to push textile waste higher up the agenda. She went on to warn that there are currently little to no systems in place to handle the present amount of textile waste, and the waste stream is only going to increase. Polyester use is expected to double by 2030 and less than 0.5% of textiles are recycled into new clothing. “Textile recycling could create a 10–20-billiondollar profit pool by 2030. There is a huge opportunity, but it needs funding and attention.”

Mark Shayler and Professor David Greenfield made up the final panel of the 4 days, bringing the FoCE to a conclusion. Greenfield explained that, “the sector must understand consumer desire in order to learn how they can nudge this desire towards circularity.”

He added: “We need to find a more effective way of capturing materials before they become waste.” n

“We are not there yet but FoCE has shown we are travelling on the right path”.

ODOUR & DUST SOLUTIONS

Designed and built in the UK. The ODS wash bay system is modular and can be used in many industries. A closed loop wash system, designed to save water, whilst being kind to the environment and offering operator safety.

s equipment is washed off, the system will start to recycle the water whilst leaving heavier suspended solids in the lift out strainer; this prevents larger debris from entering the pump system.

AThe recycle system comprises of a coalescing media to capture the miniscule droplets of oil that can be found when washing plant and equipment. The coalesced material is then collected by replaceable oil and hydrocarbon filters before going through a final clean water filter, then through a UV filter to kill off any potential bacteria. u

Key features:

➜ Modular design to allow for different configurations.

➜ Hot dipped galvanised bases, ramps and corner supports to resist corrosion.

➜ GRP grating on wash bay floor giving superior slip resistance.

➜ Lift out strainer to remove larger suspended solids to extend pump life.

➜ 2, 3 or 4 stage corrosion resistant plastic recycle tank, size options depending on size and type of equipment being washed off.

➜ Fully protected electrical control panel.

➜ Thermostatically controlled pump cabinets with all pumps and controllers protected from frost.

➜ UV water filter to kill bacteria.

Standard sizes are:

➜ 1.5m x 3m

➜ 3m x 3m

➜ 3m x 4.5

➜ 4.5m x 3m

➜ 3m x 6m

➜ 6m x 6m

ODS Washbay

ODS are introducing a 60 ton unit wash rack for heavy plant and machinery.

ODS wash rack is a British designed and manufactured wash bay for the hire companies based in Stewarton, and for engineers in strategic areas we offer full breakdown, planned maintenance and new units.

Already working alongside several of the leading tool hire companies, we offer full design of system to suit the facility size and machinery that is on site. We always work in a safe measure giving RAMS for each job to ensure our employers and your employees are our first concern. u

Freshfilter

ODS are UK agents for Freshfilter. com and we are the leading overpressure system suppliers to protect the cab operators from dust, asbestos and dangerous gases. We supply state of the art controllers for the cabs as warning and operating system as well as supply of spare filters for Freshfilter and many other makes of units.

ODS supply for purchase or rental their range of atomiser spray systems and fog cannons, ranging from fine 0.1 litres per min to 3 litres per minute mobile atomiser, intended for odour control outdoors or indoors due to the very fine controlled atomised droplet. The fully selfcontained unit with correctly sized diesel generator for long running and long service times also has an adjustable mast upto 4 metres for better dispersion.

We are the UK cannon agent for Idrotech cannons. These range from 3 litres per minute up to 70 litres per minute. The systems are mostly high pressure to assist in giving a finer droplet size to allow it to perform better; droplet size should match dust particle size. Our unit can be trailer mounted for fixed based, some units have built on generators and a 2000 litre water tank.

Cab air quality systems

Cab air quality systems of Freshfilter are used on haul trucks and mobile machinery to protect the operator against polluted substances and gasses which are released with remediation, sorting halls or compost processing. To prevent the outside air from entering the cabin, an artificial (but relatively small) pressure difference is created in the cabin so all air flows can go outside through the remaining gaps. The required air for this pressure difference always goes through the filter system, so that it is untainted by polluted and harmful substances in order to protect the operator.

Freshfilter supplies in conformity with legal provisions that are included in the NEN4444, cab air quality systems and filters and the harmonised European standards EN779, EN1822 and EN12941. Our innovative products that we exclusively produce and

develop in-house, guarantee a high quality but particularly safe work climate for you and your personnel. With our quick filter supply, patented systems and extensive dealer network Freshfilter is the best choice for all your cab air quality material. Since 2010 the NEN4444 is applicable in the Netherlands. It concerns a guideline that is specifically aimed at the use of cab air quality systems in practice and has requirements on installation, signalling and filters. u

Signalling

➜ A green indication is present so it can be seen from the work place if the cab air quality installation is in use and if the filters are installed.

➜ If hydrocarbon detection equipment is available (compulsory with the use of carbon filters) it will give an alarm signal above the 5PPM limit value.

➜ There is a provision available that shows the actual pressure difference and that will give an optical and acoustical signal if it exceeds the limit values.

Installation:

➜ The position where the cab air quality installation is installed does not cause a hindrance for the normal work activities in the cabin.

➜ The inlet opening of the cab air quality installation is placed in such a way that suction of exhaust fumes is avoided.

➜ The outlet opening of the cab air quality installation in the cabin is placed in such a way that this does not provide an annoying air flow.

➜ The security equipment is installed in such a way that the values given by the equipment can be read on the work place.

➜ The climate control system can only suck air through the cab air quality unit. If installed with direct transit, the system is equipped with a recirculation position. Air conditioning is not applicable as long as the work temperature in the cabin remains under the applicable arbo standards. u

Our innovative products that we exclusively produce and develop in-house, guarantee a high quality but particularly safe work climate for you and your personnel.

Filters and use:

➜ P1 and P2 dust filters conform EN779.

➜ P3 dust filters conform EN1822, individually tested on leakages

➜ Carbon dust filters conform the test method EN12941 (classification ABEK), performance requirement applicable. In practice this always means at least 10 kg filters with the given air flow.

➜ The security equipment is installedin such a way that the values given by the equipment can be read on the work place.

➜ A log book should be maintained with the operational hours of the filters and unit, filter maintenance, etc.

ODOUR & DUST SOLUTIONS

Mobile Atomisers

Mobile atomiser systems are the perfect way to deal with odour and dust problems indoors and out. The mobile atomiser is produced as a self-contained unit and fitted with parts including pressure pump, atomiser, fan casings and electrical controls all sourced in the UK.

Our trailers are fitted with quality diesel generators, allowing the unit to be moved to remote areas while still being fully functional. The mobile atomiser tank holds 1100 litres allowing the machine to run from 8-24 hours spraying without refill.

Fog Cannon Systems

The Rino is a new Fog maker machine from Idrotech, designed to produce maximum droplets through increased water flow. Used in the quarry, demolition and mining industries, it has proven a great success in helping to fight dust problems.

The Rino is one of several models, including the Elefante and Giraffe, designed to be used in larger areas. All units come with low or high pressure settings, automatic running and oscillation feature. Electric controls are fitted in stainless steel cabinets, which are aesthetically pleasing and supplied at below market prices. n

ODS also supply a range of other products such as:

HOW TECHNOLOGY IS TURNING UNRECYCLABLE WASTE INTO A COAL REPLACEMENT PRODUCT

In the face of mounting global pressure, punitive legislative change, rising costs and rapidly depleting natural resources –we must eliminate waste and keep all materials and products in use for as long as possible.

Making this change relies on fresh thinking and a collective ability to see waste as a valuable resource, rather than merely a costly biproduct of our behaviour. It’s a process that can be achieved with technology, says Dr Stephen Wise, Chief Strategic Development officer at biotechnology business Advetec.

Now open for entries:

Did

you know that 98% of your old PC can be recycled and re-used? Did you also know that your business mobile phone has valuable metals which can be recovered?

s we all try to live more sustainably, it’s increasingly important tahat all businesses should be recycling IT equipment wherever possible.

➜ Businesses must follow strict WEEE waste rules

The disposal of old IT equipment is covered by the Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment legislation. This WEEE waste must not be sent to landfill as it can have PCBs, lead, mercury, and coolants which are dangerous to people and the environment.

➜ You reduce your landfill costs

Sending items to landfill is expensive with Landfill tax and gate fees to consider. So, anything which reduces the overall volume of waste you send to landfill helps reduce your overall business costs.

What is Stars of the Future?

A➜ Your business becomes more sustainable

Customers now look at how ecofriendly businesses are before they decide to make a purchase.

Businesses need to operate in this environment and be able to prove their credentials on sustainability. Recycling your old IT equipment helps you do that. Some recycled equipment can also help charities here in the UK or projects in the developing world. You will be showing your commitment to your community or supporting communities abroad.

Stars of the Future is an awards scheme for apprentices and trainees in the construction plant sector, first set up by the CPA over 10 years ago. It’s a great way to reward and recognise apprentices who you see as being the industry’s future leaders. Winners receive national recognition and have the chance of receiving some fantastic prizes, such as overseas trips to Germany.

➜ You can protect your data

Recycling IT equipment also gives you the chance to ensure the data stored on hard drives is destroyed so that it cannot fall into the wrong hands and cause a data breach.

Shredding the drive, then mixing the metals with other shredded drives and sending that off for recycling is the best way to protect your business.

It also ensures your business is following the data protection rules in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Failure to do so can result in a large fine. u

Challenging the status quo

To meet the UK’s pledge to be carbon neutral by 2050, the UK must re-educate itself about residual or unrecyclable waste – an often untapped, misunderstood and sometimes even forgotten, waste stream.

Unrecyclable waste is the waste that can’t be recycled due to the presence of organic matter. Typically, this accounts for 50% of the waste recycling plants receive and so it’s sent on to landfill or for incineration instead.

Sending waste to landfill is, of course, the least desirable option. It releases vast quantities of greenhouse gas such as methane, produces leachate which requires treatment and omits offensive odours which are harmful to the environment and public health.

Sending waste to incineration recovers energy, but as the process combusts everything, it increases carbon emissions. Unlike mainland

Europe, most UK conventional mass burn EfW plants are not connected to a heat offtake, which means they’re much less efficient than you’d expect, at only 40-50%. Tolvik Consulting’s 2022 report ‘Response to Call for Evidence on Inclusion of EfW in the UK Emissions Trading Scheme’, estimates that with fossil content accounting for 30-60% of residual waste, the impact on EfW gate fees is likely to increase between £13 and £51 per tonne. As Mixed Residual Waste typically contains 60% carbon – gate fee increases could be expected to reach the top of this range.

A better way

Currently, only 9% of the country’s waste is used to benefit the circular economy. However, unrecyclable waste certainly does not have to add to the carbon problem. It is an untapped commodity.

By passing unrecyclable waste through a unique aerobic digestion process, the organic fraction is stabilised and reduced. –This means if it must go to landfill, it will not break down further and release greenhouse gases, odour and leachate. The process also typically halves the mass of the waste, which means there’s less to dispose of, so fewer diesel miles. These are significant gains for waste handlers,

but its most exciting potential is that aerobic digestion turns this waste into Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF). SRF produced from this unrecyclable waste stream has greater value than SRF produced from recyclate because it moves waste once considered without value back into the circular economy. Because the digestion process increases the waste’s thermal value, it has a higher calorific value and a biogenic carbon fraction, so is optimally suited to replace carbonemitting coal in energy intensive applications, such as powering kilns for cement production. As cement production is one of the most energy intensive industries in the world, responsible for 6 to 7 percent of global CO₂ emissions, there is strong demand for a carbon friendly alternative to fossil fuels to help reduce GHG emissions and support greener cement production. The cement industry example gives an indication of the scale of demand for lower carbon alternative fuels, but there are wider financial incentives, too. The cost to send waste to conventional mass burn EfW can vary significantly regionally, and is due to increase, whereas sending it as an SRF for either blending with other materials or for direct use, reduces offtake costs by 40%.

“The UK must re-educate itself about residual or unrecyclable waste”

Entering the SRF market

The SRF market is growing year on year. A reliable UK offtake network and strong EU export market should give waste handlers reassurance that biotechnology will not only create new waste handling capacity, deliver cost certainty and reduce carbon, but also return a once ‘value-less’ waste stream to the circular economy.

Despite this, many waste handlers struggle to see the potential of their waste.

Consequently, entering the SRF market can be perceived as difficult, especially when it comes to proving the quality and consistency of waste derived fuel as required by offtakers. There are strict control parameters to ensure that the composition of the SRF meets customer compliance obligations. Moisture, caloric value, ash, and chlorine content all make a difference in the chosen offtake route. However, guaranteeing SRF has the same characteristics every time needn’t be difficult. Biotechnology and the aerobic digestion process offers the control and consistency required to make the offtake route reliable and sustainable. u

How biotechnology works?

Advetec has developed a pioneering way of digesting waste using unique blends of bacteria inside enclosed aerobic digesters which are installed on-site.

Their proprietary XO system reduces residual waste mass by 50% turning it into high-grade Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF). The floc is AT4 compliant which is relevant for Scottish and Irish waste handlers.

The ground-breaking XO technology operate almost autonomously and require little interaction or maintenance, thanks to clever engineering and remote management.

These automated machines have a small physical footprint, integrate seamlessly with existing operational set-up and are energy efficient to run.

Building certainty into operations

For waste handlers keen to explore the growing SRF market, there are two initial steps to take. The first is to take a holistic view of how technology could help to decarbonise operations and deliver cost certainty. The second step is to establish whether your unrecyclable waste is suited to SRF and which offtakers are most compatible, with the help of a specialist partner. So, with rising gate fees, a waste handling capacity gap, rising exports despite a planned ban, potential complexity surrounding the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) and EfW, as well as growing demand for improved accountability and carbon reduction – it is time for change. We must stop viewing unrecyclable waste as something at the end of its useful life, and recognise it as an alternative fuel source. It is time to harness innovative waste technologies in the pursuit of a truly circular economy. n

BIFFA REPORT:

➜ VISION INCLUDES NEW UK RECYCLING AND ENERGY FACILITIES

➜ CALL TO PHASE OUT WASTE EXPORTS AND INCREASE FOOD REDISTRIBUTION

Anew report by leading sustainable waste and recycling firm Biffa reveals a once-ina-generation opportunity for the UK to make an £18 billion investment in dozens of new onshore recycling and energy facilities that will deliver the country’s ambitions for a net zero, circular economy.

Improving the recyclability of household packaging, banning plastic waste exports and increasing surplus food redistribution would also play key roles.

The move would unlock 43 million tonnes of circular raw materials annually to support sustainable manufacturing and consumption in the UK, creating 16,000 high-quality jobs, reducing carbon emissions by up to 7.1 million tonnes a year, and improving domestic energy security.

The report, called ‘From Waste Hierarchy to Carbon Hierarchy: Biffa’s Blueprint for Waste Net Zero’ says the UK’s waste sector has transformed from a landfill-dependent model to one prioritising recycling and energy recovery. u

The report recognises the huge progress made, with UK household waste to landfill falling by 50% from 2010 to 2020, and carbon emissions reducing by 69% from 1990, making the UK’s waste sector a stand-out contributor to carbon reduction.

In the report, Michael Topham, Biffa’s Chief Executive Officer, says: “Nonetheless, whilst this transition is to be celebrated, the task is nowhere near complete. The UK still produces too much waste and doesn’t recycle enough of it.

“After nearly two decades of success, recycling levels in the UK have plateaued at around 44 per cent. Too many materials are not designed for recyclability, and collections systems are often inconsistent and unclear. And where we do recycle, we remain too dependent on export markets as an end destination for materials.”

Topham says the transformation can be achieved using “existing, proven technologies and processes, and that there is a vibrant, competitive, skilled sector with the access to the capital to make this happen”.

He added: “Society supports this drive and the UK’s governments are committed to implementing policies to help make this happen. All that is needed now is for sensible policies that provide long-term certainty to be implemented without delay.

“At Biffa we have the skills, capital, and ambition to play a leading role in delivering this vision for a net zero, circular economy.”

Jacob Hayler, Executive Director of the Environmental Services Association, said: “ESA members, including Biffa, have played a key role in delivering the vital jobs and infrastructure that have moved the UK away from a landfilldependent society to one where half of everything we throw away is recycled – saving vast quantities of carbon emissions in the process.

“But the job is far from done and our members stand poised to invest billions more to help the UK reach its ambitious recycling and net-zero targets, provided that the UK policy and regulatory landscape supports and protects this next generation of circular economy investment.” n

“The UK still produces too much waste and doesn’t recycle enough of it.”

Remove DIRT & WATER in the same mobile application

Affordable and easy to change out replacement cartridges

Kind to the planet - as a natural, sustainable product

Save waste costs, replacement value and labour

Simple ‘plug and play’ application Site permantely on a problematic machine or on a rotational cleanse across your fleet.

Whether it be to tackle one off contamination issues, or as a permanent fix to heavy use equipment to protect pumps, valves & cylinders etc.. or as a rotational cleanse on off-hire equipment.

KLEENOIL offer a completely free trial at your site ; with before and after independent oil analysis.

IN DISCUSSION: HVO FUEL AND CARBON OFFSETTING

Make the switch to HVO Fuel

HVO is a 100% renewable fuel that cuts carbon emissions by up to 90%. It can be used as a drop-in replacement for the red or white diesel businesses currently use. There is no requirement to make any modifications to existing fuel infrastructure.

What is HVO Fuel?

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO)

Fuel EN 15940 is a paraffinic diesel fuel, it’s FAME free, has a higher cetane number (70+), reduces AdBlue consumption and has excellent cold weather performance. Several Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have approved HVO for use in heavy duty road vehicles, passenger cars and non-road vehicles. u

The energy landscape is continuously changing and with the government’s target of achieving Net Zero by 2050, it’s now more important than ever that businesses investigate ways in which they can reduce their carbon footprint. Matthew Crockett, Managing Director of The Oil Depot, a national fuel company explains more about HVO fuel and carbon offsetting below.

➜ Businesses must follow strict WEEE waste rules

The disposal of old IT equipment is covered by the Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment legislation. This WEEE waste must not be sent to landfill as it can have PCBs, lead, mercury, and coolants which are dangerous to people and the environment.

➜ You reduce your landfill costs

Sending items to landfill is expensive with Landfill tax and gate fees to consider. So, anything which reduces the overall volume of waste you send to landfill helps reduce your overall business costs.

or projects in the developing world. You will be showing your commitment to your community or supporting communities abroad.

➜ You can protect your data Recycling IT equipment also gives you the chance to ensure the data stored on hard drives is destroyed so that it cannot fall into the wrong hands and cause a data breach.

Shredding the drive, then mixing the metals with other shredded drives and sending that off for recycling is the best way to protect your business.

It also ensures your business is following the data protection rules in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Failure to do so can result in a large fine. u

Gd+ HVO – the cleanest alternative fuel on the market

The Oil Depot has the operational capacity to supply Gd+ HVO Fuel nationwide. This is the cleanest alternative fuel on the market that has been supercharged with an enhanced organic additive.

Gd+ HVO is certified under the UK Renewable Fuel Assurance Scheme and has proof of sustainability from the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC).

The Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme is an initiative designed and managed by Zemo Partnership that aims to give fleet operators independent assurance of purchasing sustainable, low-carbon fuels which have been approved under the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO).

Reduce your carbon footprint by offsetting your fossil fuels carbon emissions

For those businesses that are not quite ready to make the switch to HVO carbon offsetting could be another option.

What is carbon offsetting?

Carbon Offsetting is the process in which a business offsets its carbon emissions by funding CO2e reduction projects. These projects can include forestry schemes, hydroelectric power stations, wind farms, and other green initiatives that help reduce carbon emissions worldwide.

The Carbon Offset is achieved by purchasing Voluntary Carbon Units (VCUs) via experienced Carbon Project Developers that are all verified by external and leading global Carbon Offset verification organisations. The Oil Depot’s Carbon Offsetting scheme has been triple verified by Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard and Climate Action Reserve. u

“The Oil Depot’s Carbon Offsetting scheme has been triple verified by Gold Standard, Verified Carbon Standard and Climate Action Reserve.”

Enhanced brand image and reputation

Investing in reducing your carbon footprint could give you the competitive edge when it comes to standing out in a crowded marketplace. Going green can do wonders for your public image and profile when tendering for contracts.

Knowing that you are conducting business in an ecofriendly manner allows you to introduce a green angle to your marketing strategy and attract new ethically focused consumers.

Better financial and investment opportunities

Green-focused businesses often take advantage of a far wider range of grants, loans and funding than a traditional business might.

Increased readiness for future legislation

Going green now could save you a significant amount further down the line, should the government or your industry enforce specific green provisions or regulations.

Green credentials for tenders

Most large organisations and public bodies now have a rigorous sustainability policy, meaning they seek out and favour green partner companies over less sustainable competitors.

It’s important to show your green credentials in every part of the supply chain and if your business is competing for a piece of work, demonstrating your green credentials can help set you apart.

Increased morale and attracting new talent

Going green doesn’t only foster positive feelings from customers. Employees feel safer working for green businesses. Involving workers in company-wide green initiatives can boost the morale of your team. This is also a good way to reduce turnover, because employees don’t want to leave a place that makes them feel as if they are a part of a work community that cares.

According to recruitment website Totaljobs, more than a quarter of UK employees would consider taking a substantial pay cut to work at a more environmentally responsible organisation. For Millennials alone, this figure leaps up to 50%. More than 7 out of every 10 applicants in the Millennial age bracket investigate their potential employer’s environmental impact. n

Benefits of using Waste Management Software

MANAGEMENT

aste management is a crucial, yet often underutilised, way to help manage climate change for a greener world. Waste management software can provide a range of services to help you stay on top of your waste by monitoring when and how much waste is disposed of as well as other services, such as waste management, logistics, and invoicing. Waste management platforms have actually been around for decades but recently, as the waste industry moves towards a more digital and net zero approach, their adoption has grown rapidly in waste companies. Having the right waste management platform could save your business time and money.

WHAT IS A WASTE MANAGEMENT PLATFORM?

Waste management platforms come in a variety of different forms with a variety of uses, which can be specified to a particular area of the industry. Waste management platforms are software that assist organisations manage day-to-day waste management activities such as compliance, invoicing and quoting, job and fleet management, customer relationships as well as any supply chain operations. u

WHaving the right waste management platform could save your business time and money.

Did you know that 98% of your old PC can be recycled and re-used? Did you also know that your business mobile phone has valuable metals which can be recovered?

As we all try to live more sustainably, it’s

recycling IT equipment wherever possible.

Businesses must follow strict WEEE waste rules

The disposal of old IT equipment is covered by the Waste Electric and Electronic Equipment legislation. This WEEE waste must not be sent to landfill as it can have PCBs, lead, mercury, and coolants which are dangerous to people and the environment.

You reduce your landfill costs

Sending items to landfill is expensive with Landfill tax and gate fees to consider. So, anything which reduces the overall volume of waste you send

➜

Your business becomes more sustainable

Customers now look at how ecofriendly businesses are before they decide to make a purchase.

Businesses need to operate in this environment and be able to prove their credentials on sustainability. Recycling your old IT equipment helps you do that. Some recycled equipment can also help charities here in the UK or projects in the developing world. You will be showing your commitment to your community or supporting

You can protect your data

Recycling IT equipment also gives you the chance to ensure the data stored on hard drives is destroyed so that it cannot fall into the wrong hands and

Shredding the drive, then mixing the metals with other shredded drives and sending that off for recycling is the best way to protect your business.

It also ensures your business is following the data protection rules in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Failure to do so can result in a large fine.

THE MOST COMMON USES OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

Cost control – For many businesses, collection, transportation, and disposal costs of waste can rack up large amounts with many who may fall prey to things such as landfill tax, skip hires or waste carrier service fees. Waste management software aids in identifying and then selecting the most cost-effective services such as collection, transportation, treatments and disposers. Keeping track of waste production will also help to determine the minimum number of waste collection and disposal services required, meaning you won’t be paying for more than what is needed.

Further to identifying services, waste management software can then manage invoicing and any estimated cost for future waste disposals, ensuring you always have your costs under control.

Improved compliance – Waste management software includes all regulations and standards applicable to disposal processes carried out by your chosen firm. Not only does this allow you to oversee any work to completion, but also provides a better understanding of what waste amounts are being generated, ensuring you can make the most informed decision and utilise the correct systems for waste management and recycling programs.

Data gathering / Monitoring

– For many waste management businesses it is crucial that all the waste activity is documented properly. Waste management software produces detailed reports for users. Users can easily monitor their fleet as well as check on tasks that are complete or pending by monitoring the metrics on the system. Users also have the ability to add and edit information when required.

Scheduling – It’s highly likely that your business will be juggling multiple projects all at once and sometimes it’s hard to stay on top of all their progress simultaneously. With data analytics of a waste management system, you can gain visibility of everything that’s happening in your business, in every department! This allows you and your team to keep track and schedule what needs to be done and when.

Simplicity – As your business grows, you will have multiple projects which may have previously required several databases or folders of paperwork. Waste management platforms bring the team and your data and project processes together, as all can work from one system and accessed anywhere by anyone in your business! Accessing the waste management platform through the cloud-based system ensures efficiency in your team as you are all working with the same data and having a consistent workflow across the business.

How can this software help your business?

“Using software tools to manage waste can provide a range of benefits.”

TYPES OF WASTE MANAGEMENT

SOFTWARE INCLUDE:

Cloud Based Software – Cloud based platforms are hosted in an Internet-based data centre. It allows software and hardware products to co-exist remotely instead of inside a company’s’ server room. This also allows for software to be implemented and maintained consistently and instantly. Previous spreadsheets and paperwork can be automated, and it’s not just for the office based. It can also be accessed by those on the road and across the business and can be readily available to every appropriate employee on their mobile devices, including smartphones and tablets whenever they need it on the go.

SaaS – SaaS refers to Software-as-aService. SaaS is a component of cloud computing installed on the software provider’s computers and is available online for the users to collaborate on, such as a shared CRM application or calendar. SaaS provides already developed software, through a monthly or annual subscription, without any responsibility to maintain the software.

Apps – The possibilities with Apps are endless and can be used to provide information, or connect to a smart system such as smart bins. More and more apps are being developed to help consumers manage their waste. For example, apps like RecycleNation and iRecycle provide users with information on recycling rates and centre locations and help to inform those on items can be recycled.

Using software tools to manage waste can provide a range of benefits, and make things simpler and more efficient for everyone. However, the real reward is a contribution to a better environment.

It’s time to embrace the waste technologies that look to hasten the process of change to a greener future.