Council rewards the recycling pioneers
The RecycleBank scheme will see 3,750 households in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead earn rewards for money off at shops such as Marks and Spencer.
Recycling will become much simpler and more rewarding for residents as the separate boxes will be replaced by one large blue bin in which they can place their mixed recyclable waste. RecycleBank Points will be awarded based on the amount of waste recycled, and then redeemed for money off goods and services at local shops, restaurants and attractions or donated to charities.
As an added incentive, residents who activate their account before 31st December will benefit from a 300 Point bonus and then triple earnings on any Points earned.
Paul Levett, Deputy Chief Executive, Veolia Environmental Services commented; “The gap between national recycling levels and that of our European neighbours is closing. With increased pressure on local authorities to meet stringent environmental targets, mixed recycling schemes are the best way forward to increase greater resident participation and the collection of good quality materials at the kerbside. The technology is proven, robust and fit for purpose, so there really are no barriers to improved recycling rates.”
Run in partnership between the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, RecycleBank and Veolia Environmental Services, this ground breaking scheme uses the carrot rather than the stick to encourage residents to recycle. Leading sponsor and reward partner, Marks and Spencer, has been involved in the UK scheme from the outset as part of its Plan A, 100 point eco-plan.
More than 50% of the 2,800 households invited to participate in the first phase of the RecycleBank programme in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead back in June, had activated their accounts in just two months. These residents have redeemed on average £20 of rewards since the scheme began on green waste only.
Cllr Liam Maxwell, Royal Borough’s Lead Cabinet Member for Sustainability, said; “We are making recycling much easier and rewarding for our residents to maximise participation and reduce landfill. The appetite to recycle more is clearly there and using the carrot, not the stick, is our way of energising the community and bringing meaningful benefits to households and local businesses. The RecycleBank scheme is a pioneering step forward. We are proud to be the first in the UK and hope that other local authorities will follow our approach across the country.”
There is no change to the normal waste collection routine for Windsor and Maidenhead residents. Households in the mixed recycling pilot scheme will just need to empty their recyclable materials into the blue bin and put it out for collection. There is no charge to householders for the RecycleBank scheme.
Matthew Tucker, President of RecycleBank said; “Everyone can participate in recycling and have a positive effect on the environment. By working with such an innovative council as the Royal Borough, we have been able to produce a successful and adaptable scheme which can be rolled out by most other councils as the first step towards meeting the UK targets for landfill reduction. It is a scheme that is easy and rewarding for councils, waste management providers and residents.”
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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."
