The European IPPC Bureau publishes a range of reference documents on Best Available Techniques (commonly known as Bref Documents or Brefs). A review of the reference document on Best Available Techniques for waste treatments (WT Bref) has commenced. The Bureau will be assisted by a technical working group (TWG) comprising representatives from the EU member...

The environmental impacts caused by the generation and treatment of waste are raising serious concerns. As waste generation also represents an inefficient use of valuable resources, prevention and better management of waste is one of the top priorities of the EU’s sustainable development strategy. Although the magnitude of the different waste streams varies across European...

This book offers a comprehensive snapshot of key environmental trends in OECD member countries since the early 1990s. It is organised by issues such as: climate change air pollution biodiversity and water resources waste water wastewater The report reveals big differences in environmental trends in different countries. It confirms that much more needs to be...

The EU Waste Framework Directive provides the legislative framework for the collection, transport, recovery and disposal of waste, and includes a common definition of waste. The directive requires all member states to take the necessary measures to ensure waste is recovered or disposed of without endangering human health or causing harm to the environment and includes permitting, registration...

Does anybody know of a business in the current economic climate which is not conscious of cost.  Many businesses are unaware of how significantly waste can impact on their bottom line. Whereas, all businesses should always strive to get the best possible contract from their suppliers, they should also be aware of legal liabilities which...

The EU-funded project EUCERTPLAST (‘European certification of plastics recyclers’) has developed a common certification scheme for post-consumer plastics recycling in Europe. Such a scheme helps recyclers and waste collectors, who would be able to guarantee that the plastic waste they collect is actually being recycled (rather than traded) and that this is done in a...

Members of the public throughout Limerick are being encouraged to adopt a Stop Food Waste Resolution to help reduce the estimated €700 worth of food that is thrown away by Irish families each year. The Environment Department of Limerick City & County Council issued the call to coincide with the beginning of European Year against Food Waste....

The EU-funded project EUCERTPLAST (‘European certification of plastics recyclers’) has developed a common certification scheme for post-consumer plastics recycling in Europe. Such a scheme helps recyclers and waste collectors, who would be able to guarantee that the plastic waste they collect is actually being recycled (rather than traded) and that this is done in a sustainable manner....

Why waste time learning, when ignorance is instantaneous? – Bill Watterson Dealing with complexity is an inefficient and unnecessary waste of time, attention and mental energy.  There is never any justification for things being complex when they could be simple. – Edward de Bono Waste is worse than loss.  The time is coming when every person who...

BSI has launched a new standard that can help reduce waste in the early stages of building or refurbishment projects. BS 8895-1 Designing for material efficiency in building projects – Part 1: Code of Practice, is part 1 of 3 documents that will enable designers, architectural teams, contractors and clients to make their building projects more...