The Scottish Government has delayed its deposit return scheme (DRS) until July 2022 amid concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic.

Local authority waste services would likely be stripped back in the event of mass illness amongst waste collection staff caused by coronavirus, but services are well prepared for eventual disruption, says Lee Marshall, CEO of LARAC.

Today (18 March) marks the third annual Global Recycling Day – an international initiative aiming to promote the value of recycling in the development of the circular economy.

As the coronavirus outbreak causes huge disruption, Robbie Staniforth, Head of Policy at Ecosurety, explores what this might mean for producer responsibility requirements in the coming year.

Biffa has published a new strategy, entitled ‘Resourceful, Responsible’, outlining the waste management company’s long-term sustainability plans.

European container glass federation FEVE has announced an industry-wide project to build the first large-scale hybrid electric furnace that will run on 80 per cent renewable energy.

The Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) has re-launched its inquiry into waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and the circular economy.

The trade union Unite is to ballot Wirral Council refuse workers over strike action in a pay dispute with Biffa.

The waste sector has largely welcomed the government’s Budget 2020, though stakeholders have called for further clarity on the forthcoming Plastics Packaging Tax.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak has confirmed today (11 March) that a new Plastic Packaging Tax will be introduced from April 2022 to encourage producers to increase their use of recycled material.