Carry on recycling despite the waste crunch.
The world of waste is not immune to the bite of the economic slowdown, with local authorities reporting lower prices and less demand for recycled materials. As industry around the world takes a dip, so the need for raw materials falls - denting prices for waste resources and causing problems for waste management plans which previously seemed robust and well thought through.
WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), the Government’s waste advisor, has recently launched a new advice forum for local authorities to help them deal with lower prices and weaker demand for recyclable materials. Responding to the current difficult market, WRAP says they are providing a clear message to consumers, supported by local council advice, that they should continue to recycle.
Despite weaker markets for some products, WRAP research shows there is still strong demand for many high quality recyclable materials. Over the last few weeks WRAP’s economists have been working with local authorities and the recycling industry to combine understanding of price movements with market supply and demand across the industry. This insight enables WRAP to act as a unique information broker between local authorities with specific issues, and share this knowledge with the widest possible audience via its website.
Although it has become clear from the information coming from local authorities that commodity prices are under pressure, WRAP’s online market knowledge portal and tailor-made advice forum, available from Friday 5 December, will help local authorities through the downturn.
While demand for some lower quality recycled materials, such as those which are mixed with other materials like plastic trays, tubs, pots and film, has dropped; there is still capacity and demand for other high quality recyclables such as plastic bottles and glass.
The Environment Agency has recently set out new guidance for operators to help them to minimise the impacts of this downturn, should they need to store waste in the short to medium term until markets recover. Closed Loop London, a plastic bottle recycling facility in Dagenham is just one example. The facility only uses bottles collected in the UK, and processes 875 million bottles (35,000 tonnes) every year– turning them straight back into new plastic bottles bought by major UK brands.
Liz Goodwin, chief executive at WRAP said: "In these uncertain markets with low demand for some recycled products, the message to householders is clear: there are markets for most materials and we should continue to recycle. Of course, it is important to check locally which materials can be recycled in your area. Many local authorities have told us that they are continuing to find markets for recovered materials, particularly high quality materials such as plastic bottles and glass. The vast majority of materials that are being put out for recycling are still being recycled. Let us be clear, material that is not put out for recycling will definitely end up in landfill, which has the worst possible environmental consequences. Recycling is now a way of life in this country - more than two-thirds of the population consider themselves 'committed recyclers', so it is imperative that we do not lose this momentum. Our advice, which local authorities support, is that we should all do what we can to continue to recycle."
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Pilot Tidal Energy Scheme for North Wales Coast
Conwy County Borough Council has backed plans for a pilot tidal energy scheme off the North Wales Coast.
The £150 million scheme at Llanddulas in North Wales would provide a testing facility for turbine designers and manufacturers, and assess the environmental impact of turbines.
The project was given approval by the council as part of a strategic regeneration strategy for the Conwy coast, prepared by consultant Capita Symonds.
Paul Terry, Capita Symonds, said: "Tidal power will play a key role in providing a sustainable energy source for future generations. The North Wales coast is an ideal place for such a scheme as it’s blessed with a good tidal range and suitable ocean depth." He added that the project could also help protect the coast from rising sea levels, storm surges and coastal erosion.
The regeneration strategy also calls for seven new visitor centres costing £30m should be built at key locations stretching from Conwy to Rhuddlan. But North Wales Tourism chairman Chris Jackson raised doubts over whether the proposals could realistically be funded in the current economic climate. The council’s approval now means that Capita Symonds will seek funding for feasibility studies and investigations to develop a business case for the scheme.
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Micro-generation forms key part of Government's vision.
Climate Change Minister, Greg Barker, has launched a consultation on the Government's strategy to boost energy self-sufficiency in communities.
The public debate about microgeneration will look at ways to ensure the quality of generating technology and its installation, how to improve available products, and how to develop the microgeneration supply chain while providing more accessible advice.
The consultation follows last week's news that the Government is to overturn a ban on councils selling "green" electricity back to the national grid by the end of the year.
Mr Barker said“I want to see more homes, communities and businesses generating their own energy. We can literally bring power back to the people.Microgeneration is a key part of this vision.
“By becoming more self sufficient we can create sustainable local energy economies. People and communities can save money on their fuel bills at the same time as generating an income and cutting carbon. I want to work with industry to overcome the challenges it is facing. Together we will create a marketplace for jobs and prosperity alongside products and advice which people trust.”
More information can be found on the Microgeneration Strategy consultation web page
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Green policies could hit UK manufacturing hardest.
A report from the think-tank Civitas warns that the increasing cost of energy, which has been driven up as a result of green policies could hit the UK's manufacturing sector - just as the country needs industry to help boost the economy.
The report said efforts to tackle climate change through cutting greenhouse gas emissions and increasing renewable energy generation could significantly push up energy bills for business.Extra costs are put on energy from policies including the EU's emission trading scheme, the renewables obligation to boost investment in technology such as wind power, and the climate change levy which taxes energy use in businesses and the public sector. Also, the Labour Government's climate change strategy had already added an extra 14% on homeowners' electricity bills and 21% on business bills.
Last year's renewable energy strategy could have created "surcharges" of up to 70% for businesses, and 33% for domestic customers by 2020, the report from Civitas claimed. The study warns the new coalition Government's energy policy could be as damaging to manufacturing industry as the previous administration.
The review by economist Ruth Lea and Jeremy Nicholson, director of lobbyists the Energy Intensive Users Group, said the UK was badly placed to meet its commitments to boost renewables as it was starting from such a low base. Even without the extra costs imposed to pay for climate change policies, Britain has high industrial electricity prices, which threaten its competitiveness.
Ms Lea said: "The economy desperately needs a competitive and thriving manufacturing sector if it is to prosper. Competitive energy prices are vital to the success of manufacturers, especially energy intensive users.Government energy policies are, however, remorselessly driving up energy costs thus risking the 'migration' of manufacturing plants to economies where the costs are lower."
