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The plastic, nicotine, and lithium-based batteries present in nearly all disposable vapes present environmental problems, as the batteries have been found to start fires in waste disposal centres and pollute the environment. Vapes, also known as e-cigarettes or electronic cigarettes, can be dangerous when improperly disposed of as waste due to several factors: Battery Hazards: Vapes are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which can be hazardous if not disposed of properly. When disposed of in regular waste, these batteries can leak, overheat, or catch fire, leading to environmental pollution and potential harm to waste workers. Toxic Chemicals: Vape liquids and cartridges contain various chemicals, including nicotine, propylene glycol, and flavourings. Improper disposal can result in these chemicals leaching into the soil and water, posing a threat to the environment and wildlife. Recycling Challenges: Vapes and their components are often made from a mix of materials like plastic, metal, and glass. Properly recycling these devices can be challenging and may not be available in all areas, leading to them ending up in landfills or being incinerated. Environmental Impact: Electronic waste (e-waste), which includes vapes, contributes significantly to the growing global waste problem. The improper disposal of vapes adds to electronic waste, which can be challenging to manage and has adverse environmental effects. To mitigate these dangers, it is crucial to dispose of vapes and other electronic devices correctly. If possible, consider recycling them at designated e-waste recycling facilities, where they can be safely dismantled, and their components can be properly reused or disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner. Additionally, some manufacturers or retailers may offer take-back programs for used vapes, making it easier for consumers to dispose of them responsibly. Always check with local recycling programs or waste disposal facilities for guidance on proper disposal methods. Are you looking to get waste cleared and feeling unsure of how to dispose of it? The team at Creative Waste Solutions LTD are here to help. With over 50 years of waste experience combined, there's very little we haven't seen and dealt with and we'd love to hear from you. Please contact us to get your waste clearance started and bring a new lease of life into your business saving you both money and time!

Both the environmental groups and the plastics industry groups have hailed the results of talks in Paris on work towards a global treaty on plastics pollution. Representatives of 169 governments led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) have decided that a first draft of what is intended to become an international legally binding treaty on plastic pollution - including in the marine environment - will be presented to a meeting in Nairobi, Kenya, in November. “Plastic has been the default option in design for too long. It is time to redesign products to use less plastic, particularly unnecessary and problematic plastics, to redesign product packaging and shipping to use less plastic, to redesign systems and products for reuse and recyclability and to redesign the broader system for justice.” UNEP is intended to complete work on the treaty by the end of 2024. Trade body Plastics Europe’s managing director Virginia Janssens said: “Finding a way to end plastic pollution by 2040 requires urgent and ambitious action." The Team at Creative Waste Solutions completely agree that it's a very ambitious project but totally necessary given the impact plastic has had on our oceans let alone the rest of our planet. “To accelerate circularity, we need to create market pull for circular plastics, the rapid global expansion of collection, sorting and recycling, and to create a financing system to support the massive investments required.” Janssens said it would be difficult to negotiate such an ambitious agreement but welcomed “the positive spirit in which the discussions have been held, and the collective desire to establish a common vision for the transformation of the plastics system”. She urged UNEP to avoid “rushed negotiations and decisions that grab headlines through politically attractive but scientifically and economically counterproductive measures”. We couldn't agree more. If we are going to commit to it we need to do it properly and together. Plastics Europe supports what it called a holistic approach built on sustainable plastic production, diversification of feedstock and reduction of dependence on fossil feeds. This is great to see! It said the final agreement should tackle “problematic and unnecessary plastic applications locally through a science-based methodology” but avoid a one-size-fits-all approach when local solutions would be needed. Environment group WWF said it “strongly welcomes the tangible progress made in the talks” and noted the vast majority of governments had actively called for an ambitious global treaty with specific and comprehensive binding rules across the plastic life cycle. It said this should include global bans on high-risk plastic products and polymers, reducing production and consumption, promotion of reuse and recycling and the responsible management of plastic waste. Marco Lambertini, WWF special envoy, said: “After a week of negotiations, the world is one step closer to the unmissable opportunity of a global treaty to end the plastic pollution crisis. Recycling Association chief executive Paul Sanderson said: “We have to recognise that plastics play a valuable role in our society, but we also need to increase their recyclability. I’m encouraged that UN Environment Programme executive director Inger Andersen recognised this when she said that we need to redesign systems and products for reuse and recyclability. Creative Waste Solutions are looking forward to seeing the treaty and especially how others in and out of the waste industry react to it. It's great to see things moving forward and we hope it will further highlight the importance of ensuring plastics are recycled as efficiently as possible for the future.

The Wood Recyclers Association has welcomed the Environment Agency’s decision to withdraw the regulatory position statement (RPS) relating to hazardous waste wood from the construction and demolition industry later this year. The Environment Agency is set to remove regulatory position statement (RPS) 250 on 1st September, meaning producers will need to identify ‘amber’ waste wood items before sending them on to recyclers. The decision was confirmed at the WRA’s spring meeting by the EA’s senior advisor for site-based regulation Howard Leberman, who the association said had lauded its work on the issue. Julia Turner, WRA executive director, said: “We are delighted that the work we carried out has provided clarity that the majority of waste wood is non-hazardous.” So, what is hazardous waste wood? Hazardous or treated waste wood is defined as any wood that has been preserved, varnished, coated, painted or exposed to chemicals detrimental to the environment. Less than 1% of C&D wood in the UK is hazardous The move will mean recyclers avoid the cost and potential stigma of becoming hazardous waste sites due to a small number of items, which the association described as a “huge fear for the market” and could have caused some firms to cease trading. The WRA has partnered with regulators during the past five years to narrow down the list of hazardous wood as part of its Waste Wood Classification Project. After September, only a small number of items from pre-2007 buildings will automatically be classified as hazardous. The Wood Recyclers' Association has more than 100 members and we are pleased to announce that Creative Waste Solutions have joined them! The WRA was formed in 2001 by a small group of wood recyclers who wanted to raise standards in the industry and ensure its needs continued to be recognised and met by those in power. The members represent over 90% of UK wood recyclers. The WRA act on behalf of the members to provide a voice for the sector at the highest levels, working closely with the Environment Agency, DEFRA and other trade associations and recycling bodies to advise on issues affecting our industry, including legislation. The members include wood recyclers and reprocessors, panel board mills, renewable energy suppliers, technology manufacturers, consultancies and specialist insurance and health & safety companies. “While we still have a number of items to test, end-user testing of C&D material has indicated a hazardous content of less than 1%, representing a tiny proportion (0.08%) of UK total waste wood arisings, at around 4,000 tonnes,” We are proud to have recently become a member of the WRA and in partnership and cooperation we want to offer support and aid in: - Influence environmental legislation - Promote the sector to policymakers - Assist members to understand changing market conditions and regulation - Raise industry standards - Develop wood sector bespoke and flexible solutions - Provide a forum for the exchange of non-competitive information - Proactively engage with other trade associations in the UK and Europe We experience numerous benefits to membership both socially and professionally. The regular meeting forums will provide great networking opportunities and enable us to interact with colleagues within the industry to share learning and build stronger working relationships. If you would like to know more about the WRA, check out their members and learn more about wood recycling take a look at their website here

The Local Government Association has published its response to Defra’s discussion on potential changes to the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) regulations. The LGA has warned that it wants more 'reassurance' that the amendments will not hit textiles. Between 2 March and 27 April 2023 discussions were had and this came on the back of recent additions to the UN’s Stockholm Convention on POPs which the UK, as a party to the Convention, must implement nationally. “Textiles and carpets could fall under POPs rules” Defra asked about amending its regulations to add or update various POPs limits and adding new chemicals. This includes perfluorohexane sulfonate, often used in stain-resistant fabrics and Perfluorooctanoic acid, used in textiles and non-stick kitchen items. While Defra said the recycling of textiles waste “should not be disrupted”, the LGA warned that it would like more reassurance on this, warning of “significant consequences for councils”. The association said: “Defra’s consultation paper sets out a conveyor belt of additions and restrictions to the list of chemicals classed as POPs. Everyday items such as carpets, non-stick pans, paints and textiles will come into the scope of the POPs regulations. This will have significant consequences for councils in their capacity as collection and disposal authorities for household waste.” Funding The LGA also warned that the amendments to the POPs regulations will have cost implications for councils. Sending material containing POPs to specialised disposal routes will cost more than standard routes for household wastes. “Councils need clarity on how these costs will be met. Any addition or change to the list of POPs should be treated as an additional burden on councils and properly funded,” - LGA The LGA also said that given the growing number of chemicals registered as POPs and the “scale of the challenge” in finding safe disposal routes, Defra and the Environment Agency must involve the LGA “at an early stage” and work with local government on a structured implementation plan. This should be based on a “realistic view of costs and capacity”. The LGA then called for a new relationship with Defra and the Environment Agency on the management of POPs in household waste. This could end up taking the form of a jointly developed long-term strategy for managing POPs in household waste. POPs The Environment Agency first announced in August 2022 that soft furnishings potentially contaminated with POPs, including any mixed loads containing these items, must be incinerated (see our page on everything POPs here). If you have any questions or queries about a solution for your waste or anything you've read today please give us a call and chat with us Mon-Fri at 01908 733226 or email our experienced and dedicated team using enquiries@cwsltd.com

The introduction of the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP’s) legislation on 1st January 2023 has been met with frustration from most of the industry. From what we've seen and heard at CWS, the updated guidance has not been met with much enthusiasm from the waste management sector. Waste carriers are required to put in place separation and pre-treatment systems for POPs contaminated wastes by no later than December 2024. How has this affected the industry? Whilst the legislation appears to be straightforward, and most people agree that legislation is needed to control pollution, it feels like the UK waste industry has not been given adequate time to prepare for the operational and process changes required to be compliant. Recycling waste containing POPs You must not recycle or reuse any waste that contains POPs. The POPs must be destroyed. This means you cannot: turn the waste into a product for reuse remove materials or components containing POPs for reuse Sorting and storing POPs waste safely and securely You must take all reasonable steps to avoid mixing POPs waste with other waste during storage, collection and treatment. If you do mix, you must manage the whole load as POPs waste. You must destroy the POPs even if the mixing has diluted the POPs to below the concentration limit. Recovering waste containing POPs You can recover waste containing POPs where the recovery process destroys the POP. For example, incineration with energy recovery. The costs involved One of the challenges is around costs and gate fee pricing in the UK, prices are varying from £170-£350 per tonne (lower for processed to higher for un-processed) and we believe that the higher costs are unsustainable. Prices are being driven by incinerators leading to a regional fluctuation and it could take several months before we see a levelling out/consistency in pricing. A survey of Larac members found that two-thirds expected compliance to increase costs, while 55% felt they would be unable to comply by the deadline. Before such waste can be treated at EFW facilities it requires shredding for operational and compliance reasons. The shredders already in operation across the UK are unlikely to comply with the new regulations set out by the EA, as it is difficult to guarantee that contaminated POPs waste and non-contaminated waste would be able to be kept separate. This would result in the requirement for additional shredding facilities – which of course need additional investment and development. The shredders alone cost around £500,000, not cheap. How can CWS assist and help out? The Creative Waste Solutions team have procured trusted POPs disposal sites that offer a cost-effective and economical solution throughout the UK. We are also developing a HUB and spoke model for unprocessed POPs waste. We have sourced temporary storage for both processed and unprocessed POPs that are ready for incineration. If you'd like to know more or you're looking for help with your POPs waste please give us a call or contact us using the link below and our team will be more than happy to help! https://www.cwsltd.com/contact