ODOUR & DUST SOLUTIONS

ODS also supply a range of other products such as:

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.

To www.odswashrack.co.uk or www.odourdust.com visit:

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.

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 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.

➜ Your business becomes more sustainable

Stars of the 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.

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

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%.

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

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

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

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

For the full report, please visit Publications | Biffa

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

➜ Businesses must follow strict WEEE waste rules or projects in the developing world. You will be showing your commitment to your community or supporting communities abroad.

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.

➜ 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

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