Veolia launches rapid waste clearance service for illegal dump sites. Veolia has launched a rapid waste clearance service for local authorities and private landowners dealing with illegal waste dumps. The service provides an initial action plan within 24 hours, covering site assessment, waste testing, removal and disposal.
An estimated 38 million tonnes of waste are illegally dumped across the UK each year, according to the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee. Local authorities spend up to £150 million annually on clearance, and the UK has at least 8,000 illegal waste sites containing roughly 13 million tonnes of rubbish. Many contain hazardous materials and persistent organic pollutants requiring specialist treatment.
Veolia said it is the only company able to handle all elements of the clearance process in-house, from site assessment to collection and treatment. The company is also calling for increased Environment Agency enforcement funding, with specific targets and performance indicators attached.
Packaging firm Pact Group has invested in Plan B Circular, the UK textile-to-textile polyester recycler behind Project Re:claim, its joint venture with the Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL). The deal aims to scale polyester recycling ahead of EU legislation expected in 2028.
Sixteen international partners led by Danish Technological Institute have launched InFACT, a project to turn household flexible plastic waste such as crisp packets, coffee bags and meat films into new packaging, including food packaging. Less than 15 per cent of this material is currently recycled.