Category Archives: News stories

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Waste Stories 12/10/2015

20150615_1233241.Carbon Trust public sector event

Carbon Trust’s 2016 Public Sector Conference. The conference will contain practical masterclasses, workshops and lectures focusing on the public sector’s role in promoting sustainability. These will be delivered by a range of Carbon Trust experts. The guest speaker this year is The Rt Hon Dame Tessa Jowell.

Conference Themes, include Procuring low carbon technology,Water and waste and transport.

The event is only open to those working for a public sector organisation including central and local government, the NHS, the emergency services, schools, further education establishments and universities, and housing associations.

Book for the event here: Carbon Trust event

2.Consultation on the implementation of amendments to the environmental permitting guidance on waste incineration

On 16 July 2015 the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Environment and Rural Affairs Rory Stewart announced that as part of the commitment to cleaner air the Government would amend the current Environmental Permitting Guidance – the Waste Incineration Directive document to state clearly that all waste incineration plants and waste co-incineration plants burning waste oils in England and Wales fall under the scope of Chapter IV of the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).

See the consultation documents here

3. Joint Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group and ISWA International conference (sponsored by Grundon Waste Management)

In conjunction with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Group will be hosting an international conference on April 14 and 15, 2016. It will be held at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Topics to be covered will include current and emerging technologies, sustainability and preparing for emergencies.

The programme can be found here: Programme – Oct 2015

Sponsors include: Daniels Sharpsmart, Econix, GV Health, Frontier Medical Group and ISS Ltd. (Please contact Terry Tudor: terry.tudor@northampton.ac.uk, if you wish to sponsor)

Booking details for early bird registration can be found here: healthcare waste 2016 conference

4. Better thermal technologies for existing buildings

On the 9th July 2015 the Knowledge Transfer Network hosted a invite only workshop to gather feedback from industry, academia and local government on the challenges associated with integrating thermal technologies into existing buildings. The technical, economic and social challenges identified by the delegates relating to water and space heating in domestic and commercial buildings were consolidated into a summary report, which can be viewed here

5.Rushlight awards

The Rushlight Awards are designed specifically to support and promote all the latest clean technologies, innovations and initiatives for businesses and other organisations throughout UK, Ireland and internationally. There are separate categories for each of the renewable energies, clean fuels, transport, energy efficiency, power generation and storage, resource, water, sustainable manufacturing and products, clean environment and deployment initiatives.

View details here

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Waste Stories 5/10/2015

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1.European Commission guidance on best practice in the waste management sector

The European Commission is in the process of developing a sector reference document on ‘Best Environmental Management Practice’ for the Waste Management sector in the EU. It is being framed within the general context of the principles of EMAS. Included, will be a section on healthcare waste.
There was an initial working group meeting on September 30 and October 1, in Leuven Belgium. The document should be ready by late 2016.

The link to the project can be found here

2. Joint Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group and ISWA International conference (sponsored by Grundon Waste Management)

In conjunction with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Group will be hosting an international conference on April 14 and 15, 2016. It will be held at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Topics to be covered will include current and emerging technologies, sustainability and preparing for emergencies.

The draft programme can be found here: Draft schedule (Sept 2015)

Sponsors include: Daniels Sharpsmart, Econix, GV Health, Frontier Medical Group and ISS Ltd. (Please contact Terry Tudor: terry.tudor@northampton.ac.uk, if you wish to sponsor)

Booking details for early bird registration can be found here: healthcare waste 2016 conference

 

3. Horizon 2020 Funding for Resource Efficient Bio-Based Value Chains (13 Oct: Manchester)

View details of the event here

4.CIWM Awards short list

CIWM’s Sustainability and Resource Awards 2015 shortlist has been announced. These awards recognise and reward innovation, achievement and best practice in the sustainable management of waste and resources, both within the waste sector and across a range of sectors.

See the shortlist here: CIWM awards short list

5.Biffa takes over the PHS Group

Biffa has announced the boost of its hazardous waste division with the acquisition of the chemical treatment business of PHS Group.

The acquisition will significantly enhance Biffa’s competitive position in the high growth area of the collection and disposal of hazardous waste, increasing the company’s waste transfer station network and creating a platform for further growth.

Read the story here: PHS Group

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Waste Stories 28/9/2015

Maesteg unlocked bin1.HMRC consultation on Excise Notice LFT1: a general guide to landfill Tax

The main revisions include: Detailed guidance on the liability of mixed loads – which includes section 7.3 having the force of law. This section clarifies HMRC’s position on the liability of hazardous waste. Clarification of ‘naturally occurring’ for landfill tax at section 4.3 and detailed guidance on evidential requirements at section 5. The document can be found here

Comments should be emailed to environmentaltransporttaxes.contact@hmrc.gsi.gov.uk  by 6 October, 2015.

2. Joint Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group and ISWA International conference (sponsored by Grundon Waste Management)

In conjunction with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Group will be hosting an international conference on April 14 and 15, 2016. It will be held at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Topics to be covered will include current and emerging technologies, sustainability and preparing for emergencies.

The draft programme can be found here: Draft schedule (Sept 2015)

Sponsors include: Daniels Sharpsmart, Econix, GV Health, Frontier Medical Group and ISS Ltd. (Please contact Terry Tudor: terry.tudor@northampton.ac.uk, if you wish to sponsor)

Booking details for early bird registration can be found here: healthcare waste 2016 conference

3.SEPA and Zero Waste Scotland guidance for public bodies on procuring waste services

New guidance for public bodies and their contractors on procuring waste services has been published by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Zero Waste Scotland.

Read the document here

4.Concerns about ruling on the EU Working Time Directive

The European Court of Justice has dismissed, for lack of evidence, the case brought by the European Commission against Ireland for alleged failure to comply with the Working Time Directive for non-consultant hospital doctors. This judgement came as a surprise as it is in contrast to the Advocate General’s opinion on the case, issued in March, finding that Ireland had failed to fulfil its obligations under certain Articles of the Directive.

Read the full story here: EU Working Time Directive

5.Free KTN event on reducing energy demand with smart buildings

On October 12 and 13, attendees will explore, debate and influence how smarter buildings and systems can accelerate the transformation of energy use in buildings. The KTN will showcase the state-of-the-art of the present day and identify the strategic priorities for the next five years.
The event will take place at Level 39 in Canary Wharf London, with a networking drinks reception on 12th.

Click here for booking details: KTN reducing energy demand event

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Waste Stories 22/9/2015

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1. EU-Vietnam Business Network mission

The EU-Vietnam Business Network (EVBN) is proud to announce its upcoming Green Technologies Trade Mission to Vietnam on November 24 – 27, 2015. This event is organised with dedication to all European companies, in particular Small and Medium Enterprises, interested in the Vietnamese market to meet new potential business partners.

Read more here: green technologies seminar

2. Knowaste submits plans for new London facility

Knowaste has submitted plans to develop the UK’s largest nappy recycling facility in Hayes, West London.  The plans involve investing £14m in the development of a state-of-the-art Absorbent Hygiene Product (AHP) recycling facility, on an industrial site in Uxbridge Road. The site is named Hayes 180 and is planned for launch in early 2017.

 

Read the full story here: Knowaste new facility

3. Joint Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group and ISWA International conference (sponsored by Grundon Waste Management)

In conjunction with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Group will be hosting an international conference on April 14 and 15, 2016. It will be held at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Topics to be covered will include current and emerging technologies, sustainability and preparing for emergencies.

The draft programme can be found here: Draft schedule (Sept 2015)

Sponsors include: Daniels Sharpsmart, Econix, GV Health, Frontier Medical Group and ISS Ltd. (Please contact Terry Tudor: terry.tudor@northampton.ac.uk, if you wish to sponsor)

Booking details for early bird registration can be found here: healthcare waste 2016 conference

4. DECC consultation on Feed-in-Taffs

Read the consultation here: DECC FiT consultation

5. Funding for WEEE recycling schemes

Local councils are being urged to bid for support from a new scheme to help increase the collection, re-use and recycling of unwanted electrical items.

Up to £775,000 has been made available by retailers, suppliers and manufacturers of electrical equipment as part of the Distributor Take-back Scheme and the WEEE Compliance Fee.

Details can be found here: WEEE improvement projects funding

 

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Waste Stories 14/9/2015

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1.American Public Health Association annual meeting and exposition (Oct 31 – Nov 4)

APHA’s Annual Meeting & Exposition is where public health professionals convene, learn, network and engage with peers. With the Annual Meeting, we strengthen the profession of public health, share the latest research and information, promote best practices and advocate for public health issues and policies grounded in research.

See details here: APHA 2015 meeting and exposition

2. Municipal waste incinerators and ambient air quality

This study aimed to fingerprint emissions from six municipal waste incinerators (MWIs) and then test if these fingerprint ratios could be found in ambient air samples. Stack emissions tests from MWIs comprised As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, V and Hg. The six UK MWIs studied contributed little to ambient PM10 concentrations.

Read the article here: incinerators and air quality

3. Joint Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group and ISWA International conference (sponsored by Grundon Waste Management)

In conjunction with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Group will be hosting an international conference on April 14 and 15, 2016. It will be held at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Topics to be covered will include current and emerging technologies, sustainability and preparing for emergencies.

The draft programme can be found here: Draft schedule (Sept 2015)

Sponsors include: Daniels Sharpsmart, Econix, GV Health, Frontier Medical Group and ISS Ltd. (Please contact Terry Tudor: terry.tudor@northampton.ac.uk, if you wish to sponsor)

Booking details for early bird registration can be found here: healthcare waste 2016 conference

4. Defra summary paper on reducing barriers in the reuse and repair sectors

Last November Defra issued a discussion paper seeking information on where the definition of waste may have acted as a barrier to re-use, and suggestions for changes related to this which might support growth in the re-use and repair sectors. A summary of the main issues raised in those responses is now available.

As the paper explains, a working group has been established bringing together relevant government departments, UK regulators, WRAP, and representatives from a range of key sectors. The group is looking at ways to encourage re-use and repair activities while maintaining effective regulation of waste. The paper includes contact details for anyone interested in receiving updates on the group’s activities or feeding into proposals emerging from the group and can be found here: Definition of Waste discussion paper_Summary of Responses

Lewis Baker: Resource Efficiency team – Defra

5. Smart interventions crucial to drive circular approach, says CIWM

Smart interventions at the production, consumption and disposal stages are essential to drive a more circular approach says CIWM.

Read the CIWM response here: CIWM response to circular economy

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Waste Stories 7/9/2015

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1. ISWA World Congress 2015, Antwerp

The city of Antwerp and Interafval look forward to welcoming you at the ISWA World Congress 2015 in Flanders/Belgium!

ISWA aims to make this congress in Antwerp a memorable success. ISWA 2015 Antwerp will guarantee a balanced mix of internationally renowned keynote speakers, representatives of institutions and agencies worldwide that determine waste and materials policy, interesting insights into the latest scientific and technological developments in the sector, and above all, a lot of opportunities for networking and exchange of experience.

See details here: ISWA World Congress

2.Free access to Waste Management and Research articles until September 30

Read the articles here: WM&R

3. Joint Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group and ISWA International conference (sponsored by Grundon Waste Management)

In conjunction with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Group will be hosting an international conference on April 14 and 15, 2016. It will be held at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Topics to be covered will include current and emerging technologies, sustainability and preparing for emergencies.

The draft programme can be found here: Draft schedule (Aug 2015)

Sponsors include: Daniels Sharpsmart, Econix, GV Health, Frontier Medical Group and ISS Ltd. (Please contact Terry Tudor: terry.tudor@northampton.ac.uk, if you wish to sponsor)

Booking details for early bird registration can be found here: healthcare waste 2016 conference

4. Short course on healthcare waste management

This short course provides an introduction to the effective management of Healthcare Wastes.

Learning Outcomes:

• To become aware of, and how to comply with, the relevant policies and legislation governing the management of healthcare waste

• To understand the issues surrounding the consignment and transport of healthcare waste

• To become aware of the key thermal and alternative treatment technologies employed in managing healthcare waste

Book to do the course here: healthcare waste short course

5. CIWM Sustainability and Resource Awards

Get recognised as one of our industry’s highest achievers and innovators and enter this year’s Sustainability and Resource Awards. The host will be Nick Hewer, host of Countdown and Alan Sugar’s right-hand man on The Apprentice. Showcase your project, innovation or resource management venture.

Click here for further details

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Waste Stories 2/9/2015

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1. Open Consultation – Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2010: updating the regulations

Defra and the Welsh Government are seeking views on the accuracy of the draft Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016. This consultation closes on 27 October 2015

See the consultation documents here: EPR consultation

2. Joint Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group and ISWA International conference (sponsored by Grundon Waste Management)

In conjunction with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Group will be hosting an international conference on April 14 and 15, 2016. It will be held at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Topics to be covered will include current and emerging technologies, sustainability and preparing for emergencies.

The draft programme can be found here: Draft schedule (Sept 2015)

Sponsors include: Daniels Sharpsmart, Econix, GV Health, Frontier Medical Group and ISS Ltd. (Please contact Terry Tudor: terry.tudor@northampton.ac.uk, if you wish to sponsor)

Booking details for early bird registration can be found here: healthcare waste 2016 conference

3. Short course on healthcare waste management

This short course provides an introduction to the effective management of Healthcare Wastes.

Learning Outcomes:

• To become aware of, and how to comply with, the relevant policies and legislation governing the management of healthcare waste

• To understand the issues surrounding the consignment and transport of healthcare waste

• To become aware of the key thermal and alternative treatment technologies employed in managing healthcare waste

Book to do the course here: healthcare waste short course

4. The uptake of low-carbon technologies within the NHS

Read the full article here: uptake of low-carbon technologies

5. Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

The latest text of the EU-US Transaltantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) proposal, published on 31 July, contains strong safeguards enabling Member States to retain full control over how they provide health services. Negotiations will continue during the autumn.

Read the lastest version of the proposal here: TTIP

 

 

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Waste Stories 17/8/2015

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1. Free GGHH webinars on August 19 and 20

The Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH) will be hosting two free one hour webinars on healthcare waste management strategies on August 19 and 20.

For details and booking, click GGHH webinars

2. Joint Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group and ISWA International conference (sponsored by Grundon Waste Management)

In conjunction with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Group will be hosting an international conference on April 14 and 15, 2016. It will be held at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Topics to be covered will include current and emerging technologies, sustainability and preparing for emergencies.

The draft programme can be found here: Draft schedule (Aug 2015)

Sponsors include: Daniels Sharpsmart, Econix, GV Health, Frontier Medical Group and ISS Ltd. (Please contact Terry Tudor: terry.tudor@northampton.ac.uk, if you wish to sponsor)

Booking details for early bird registration can be found here: healthcare waste 2016 conference

3. Short course on healthcare waste management

This short course provides an introduction to the effective management of Healthcare Wastes.

Learning Outcomes:

• To become aware of, and how to comply with, the relevant policies and legislation governing the management of healthcare waste

• To understand the issues surrounding the consignment and transport of healthcare waste

• To become aware of the key thermal and alternative treatment technologies employed in managing healthcare waste

Book to do the course here: healthcare waste short course

4. CIWM public contracts regulations’ master class

Whether you’re a waste or procurement officer working for a local authority, it’s vital that you are aware of the recent changes that have come into effect following The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (SI 2015). This half-day masterclass will provide you with the very latest information on these changes as well as a practical understanding of how the regulations will apply to the procurement of public waste contracts.

To reserve your place please contact kent@ciwm.co.uk or click here: CIWM master class

5. NHS Trusts told to financial plans ‘unaffordable’

Hospitals and health trusts in England have been told by regulators to look again at their financial plans as current ones are “simply unaffordable”. Monitor has written to the 46 foundation trusts with the biggest deficits “challenging” their plans. It urged money-saving measures such as filling only essential staff vacancies.

Read the full story NHS trusts

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Waste Stories 27/7/2015

Symp2

1. Joint Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group and ISWA International conference (sponsored by Grundon Waste Management)

In conjunction with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Group will be hosting an international conference on April 14 and 15, 2016. It will be held at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Topics to be covered will include current and emerging technologies, sustainability and preparing for emergencies.

The draft programme can be found here: Draft programmeJuly2015

Sponsors include: Daniels Sharpsmart, Econix, GV Health, Frontier Medical Group and ISS Ltd. (Please contact Terry Tudor: terry.tudor@northampton.ac.uk, if you wish to sponsor)

Booking details for early bird registration can be found here: healthcare waste 2016 conference

2. Link between reusable sharps containers and C. diff

Read the story here: C diff and reusable containers

3. Short course on healthcare waste management

This short course provides an introduction to the effective management of Healthcare Wastes.

Learning Outcomes:

• To become aware of, and how to comply with, the relevant policies and legislation governing the management of healthcare waste

• To understand the issues surrounding the consignment and transport of healthcare waste

• To become aware of the key thermal and alternative treatment technologies employed in managing healthcare waste

Book to do the course here: healthcare waste short course

4. Municipal waste incinerators and air pollution

This study aimed to fingerprint emissions from six municipal waste incinerators (MWIs) and then test if these fingerprint ratios could be found in ambient air samples. Stack emissions tests from MWIs comprised As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, V and Hg.

Read the article here: incinerators and air pollution

5. Environment Agency survey

The Environmental Protection Agency’s Waste Statistics Team has prepared a survey on waste in order to get feedback from the general public and our key stakeholders. The main purpose is to find out if we are providing the information you want, and whether or not we are presenting it in a format that suits you. In order to retrieve such data, we hope that you can take the time to fill in the survey. There are 20 questions in total and it should take you no more than 5 minutes to fill out. None of the questions posed are mandatory and you can leave the survey at any time. While individual responses are anonymous, the findings will be shared in a summary format.

Complete the survey here: Environment Agency survey

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Waste Stories 20/7/2015

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1. Joint Healthcare Waste and Resources Research Group and ISWA International conference

In conjunction with the International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the Group will be hosting an international conference on April 14 and 15, 2016. It will be held at St Thomas’ Hospital in London. Topics to be covered will include current and emerging technologies, sustainability and preparing for emergencies.

The draft programme can be found here: Draft programmeJuly2015

Sponsors include: Daniels Sharpsmart, Econix, GV Health and ISS Ltd. (Please contact Terry Tudor: terry.tudor@northampton.ac.uk, if you wish to sponsor)

Booking details for early bird registration can be found here: healthcare waste 2016 conference

2. ISWA 2015 technical visits (7 – 9 September)

ISWA 2015 will provide delegates with the opportunity for seven technical visits. Interested visitors will have the opportunity to visit: Umicore Precious Metals Refining, the ISVAG waste-to-energy plant, the IOK waste management company, Stora Enso – the largest paper recycling plant in Europe, the Hooge Maey Landfill site, Indaver – safe treatment of all types of hazardous and industrial waste, and the Port of Antwerp.

Learn more here: ISWA 2015

3. UN sustainable procurement in healthcare documents

The UN Informal Interagency Task Team on Sustainable Procurement in the Health Sector (SPHS) is pleased to announce the availability of the SPHS Annual Report 2014, as well as the “SPHS in Brief” document. Both documents summarize the activities of the SPHS Task Team during the period January 2014 through December 2014 towards introducing sustainable procurement practices in the health sector. Documenting the main SPHS achievements in 2014, the report also high points the main venues used for establishing partnerships and promoting the SPHS, as well as important SPHS internal developments.

Download the annual report and ‘SPHS in brief’ documents.

4. Hope Exchange Programme 2016

Every year the European Hospital and Healthcare Federation (HOPE) runs an exchange programme to promote the sharing of knowledge and expertise within the European Union and to provide training and experience for hospital and healthcare professionals.

This Exchange Programme covers a four-week training period and is open to anyone with a minimum of three years experience working in hospitals and/or healthcare facilities and since 2004, the NHS has welcomed 135 EU visitors and seen over 65 UK participants experience other healthcare systems.

Registration for the European HOPE 2016 Exchange Programme will open soon. The programme, hosted in the UK by the NHS Leadership Academy, consists of a four-week placement abroad for healthcare professionals in managerial roles to learn about a different healthcare system and to compare practices and approaches there.

Read more about the programme here: HOPE Exchange Programme