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Plant and equipment

Why C&D recycling targets are an obstacle to growth

In 2012 62% of construction, demolition and excavation waste in Europe was recycled according to a recent report from Frost & Sullivan. Peter Craven at CDE Global argues that rather than demonstrating success these targets are masking wider problems in the CD&E waste recycling sector across Europe.

Waste collection in Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is in Macedonia in Northern Greece. Located on the coast, it is the second largest city in Greece and boasts a busy commercial port. The temperature in the Summer reaches 40° and attracts many overseas tourists who stay at seaside towns along the coast of Thessaloniki, as well as day trippers from Halkidiki, a resort near Thessaloniki. With its cosmopolitan nature, it also draws business people who hold meetings at its many venues. The HELEXPO Centre holds exhibitions and conferences all year round, which encourages more visitors to the city and adds to its waste production. Tim Byrne, specialist in waste collection in Mediterranean countries, reports.

Beyond the glitz and the glamour in Monaco

Monaco is the second smallest and most densely populated country in the world. Its warm Mediterranean climate attracts tourists and the annual Formula One Grand Prix also adds to visitor numbers with consequent increases in waste production. Tim Byrne, specialist in waste collection in Mediterranean countries, reports on how waste is collected in the principality.

What did the waste sector achieve in 2014?

This year ended much like the last: in disappointment. But despite the lack of interest shown in waste policy across Whitehall and, perhaps even Europe, the sector has carried on regardless. Freelance writer, David Burrows looks at the highs and lows of the UK waste management industry over the last 12 months.

Waste collection in the Gulf of Cádiz

Waste collection specialist in Mediterranean countries, Tim Byrne examines the waste management system of the Spanish coastal resorts of Lepe, Islantilla and La Antilla on the Gulf of Cádiz and looks at how the municipalities deal with the pressures of high numbers of visitors at the height of the tourist season.

Collecting underground waste in Nicosia

Nicosia is the capital of Cyprus and home to a population of 250,000 residents swelled by cosmopolitan business visitors as well as holidaymakers during the tourist season. The latter tend to stay in the beach resorts but visit Nicosia to see the ancient parts of the city. Waste collection is, therefore, a very important task to maintain the city's cleanliness for citizens, business people and tourists. Specialist in waste collection in Mediterranean countries, Tim Byrne reports on an underground waste container system that helps reduce odours and increases efficiency.

Scotland: Standing on the cusp of change

There was an energised feel in the air at Glasgow last month, as industry leaders North of the border mapped out their future intentions for waste and resources policy at the annual Scottish Resources conference. Freelance writer Maxine Perella reports.

Hoovering up road dust, dirt and debris

With Autumn in full swing, local authority road sweepers are being kept busy with trees shedding their leaves along with the usual collection of debris on the roads. Freelance writer Claire Col takes a look at the road sweeping options available on the market and the recycling opportunities they offer.

Looking back at the history of waste trucks

The development of mobile compaction vehicles for the collection of commercial and industrial waste goes back to the 1970s. Tim Byrne turns back the clock and takes a look at the evolution of RCVs along with the waste management companies that have used them through the decades.

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Kiggen plays its part in Spanish Waste

Geesinknorba Spain is celebrating 25 years of manufacturing Kiggen compactors this year. Its production centre in Seville is reported to have the capacity to manufacture 600 Kiggen compactors a year. Tim Byrne looks at two case studies where Kiggen compactors are playing their part in managing waste in Spain.

Compacting waste in the Canary Islands

Tias is home to Puerto Del Carmen, the largest tourist resort on the island of Lanzarote, so the collection of waste is an important task because of the hot climate all year round. Tim Byrne, specialist in waste collection in Mediterranean countries, reports on the recent delivery of a fleet of portable compactors.

Optimising production and increasing profits

With the recycling sector estimated to be worth around nine billion pounds, high quality recyclable materials are now commodities with baling technologies sitting at the heart of this growing industry. Claire Col reports.

Hot off the Spanish market: A buena vista of new vehicles

Geesinknorba Spain has launched a range of waste collection, street cleansing and waste transfer equipment on to the Spanish market which can also be considered for use in the UK. Specialist in waste collection in Mediterranean countries Tim Byrne casts his eye over the new vehicles.

When systems need to be versatile and robust

With Sita’s boss predicting the UK is on course for an annual fine of more than €200m p.a., the UK’s waste management sector is under pressure to raise the ante when it comes to increasing recycling rates. What is the materials handling industry offering to help maximise productivity? Freelance journalist Claire Col investigates.

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The software specialist with the grand vision

AMCS provides private and public sector clients with the tools to gather evidence-based data that will be used to inform local authorities about their residents’ waste and recycling habits and, where necessary, encourage change. Geraldine Faulkner catches up with Jimmy Martin, CEO of AMCS, to find out more.

Is it the end for refuse derived fuel? Discuss

The UK’s commercial and industrial recycling industry was quick to jump on the bandwagon of refuse derived fuel. On paper, RDF appeared to offer C&I MRFs a fail-safe route to bypass expensive landfill costs. In practice, however, this hasn’t been the case, says Stephen Almond who explores the issue.

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Weight data collection: How it's key to waste

Monitoring weights and profitability of waste has never been more essential and weight data collection is key to operational efficiency. Weighbridge management systems play a pivotal role in providing this, acting as critical control points for vehicles delivering and collecting materials from sites. Claire Col, freelance writer, reports.

PAWRS for thought: Plant and networking in Devon

Held in Paignton, the Plant and Waste Recycling Show (PAWRS) is one of Europe's largest outdoor events in the recycling and waste management sector and prides itself on attracting exhibitors from as far afield as Canada, Pakistan and Europe. Richard Hunt, chairman, PAWRS, reports on some of the exhibitors you can expect to see at this year's show.

Easier collection of recyclables in the Costa del Sol and Malaga

Geesinknorba Spain has recently delivered six GPM III waste collection vehicles for the collection of paper, cardboard and plastic recyclables to the provinces of Costa del Sol and Malaga. Tim Byrne, specialist in waste collection in Mediterranean countries, explains what makes these vehicles unique in Spain.

Demolition's changing status to waste handler

Demolition operators should no longer be regarded as part of the deconstruction sector, but more as waste handlers, says Howard Button of the National Federation of Demotion Contractors. The chief executive office explains how the industry is moving from being perceived as dirty and dangerous to modern and high tech.

Business options for aircraft recycling

About 25% of the current civilian aircraft fleet will be decommissioned in the next 15 years, creating a potential of approximately half a million tonnes of valuable materials and a multi-million Euro business. Professor Joerg Woidasky, Peter Saile and Sebastian Jeanvré report on a unique recycling challenge.

IFAT: Innovation, resources and solutions

IFAT, the trade show for environmental technology, takes place on 5-9 May in Munich and, once again, intends to be a showcase for innovations designed to meet the environmental challenges in countries around the world. Silvia Fritscher reports.