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Researchers in the US have apparently found an easier and more eco-friendly way to deal with plastic waste disposal. Scientists from IBM and Stanford University published their results in the American Chemical Society’s Macromolecules journal, explaining how they have started to develop what is known as green organic catalysts, which could make it easier to recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic materials commonly found in drinks bottles. With their latest eco-friendly waste disposal initiative, Hertsmere Borough Council have proven that you can recycle just about anything. The council managed to collect nearly 18,000 bras in the first year if their new recycling initiative, which aims to help both the Breast Cancer Campaign charity and women in disadvantaged countries. A new primetime BBC show, entitled ‘Inside Out’, aired this week exposed and investigated the illegal export of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) from the UK to some of the world’s poorest countries. The key focus of the show was how broken or defective WEEE is illegally traded with Third World countries, where it is then passed off as a fully functional item fit for sale. Nottingham is one of the most successful areas in Britain when it comes to cutting down on waste sent to landfill and increasing recycling efforts. However, due to ever-increasing landfill taxes, residents in the area are apparently still paying as much in taxes even though they’ve cut right down on waste. New recycling targets for the packaging industry are currently under scrutiny by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), who aim to improve and clarify the Producer Responsibility Obligations (PRO) regulations launched back in 2007. Waste management company environCom have officially opened a new recycling facility for Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Replacing a similar facility that was destroyed by fire three years ago, the new facility is the largest of its kind in the UK and is capable of processing around 100,000 tonnes of WEEE waste annually. At present, a heated debate over phone directories is taking place throughout the UK. On one side is the Local Government Association (LGA), who believes that the free distribution of phone books such as Yellow Pages is ‘needless’ and is costing taxpayers approximately £7.5 million every year in waste disposal expenses. Arguing against the LGA are the producers of the phone books in question, the Data Publisher’s Association (DPA), who claim that phone directories are fully recyclable and sustainable, and that they provide an essential service for residents. According to the National Audit Office (NAO), businesses are still failing to recycle, even after continuing government campaigns and spending to promote eco-friendly waste management. Bristol City Council have recently unveiled plans to operate a recycling incentive scheme, making it the first local authority in the country to do so. The council has met with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to discuss a six month trial of such a scheme, which will see residents earning cash rewards for cutting down on household rubbish left for general waste collection services. Residents in Perth and Kinross in Scotland will now have access to more recycling options, after a new recycling facility has been opened in the locality.
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