LabCare goes hyper with link to new services

29th November 2008

Fisher Scientific, part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world's largest supplier of lab equipment and consumables to the scientific community, has teamed up with WasteCare to develop its national waste service.
Entitled LabCare, the enhanced service takes advantage of WasteCare's Integrated Waste Programme to ensure that all their customers enjoy a low-cost service for all types of waste.
Additional features of the service include free packaging collection, a free Carbon Saving Report, free technical support and online access via a new Waste Compliance hyperlink.
Scott Marsden, product manager for chemicals with Fisher Scientific, explains:?
"We are delighted that we've been able to expand our services as well as reduce costs for our customers. The Waste Compliance hyperlink is a great bonus, giving up-to-date advice and enabling customers to arrange collections and track waste as and when needed."
Peter Hunt, Chief Executive of WasteCare, comments: "We are very excited by this new scheme. It demonstrates our comprehensive, onestop-shop approach to waste collection and recycling."
If you would like to use the new Waste Compliance hyperlink, shown above, on your website, email: sarah.whittaker@wastecare.co.uk

Major new contracts for WEEECare

25th November 2008

WeeeCare, which is already the UK's most popular WEEE compliance scheme, has gained a number of major new customers, including supermarket giant Morrisons.
Morrisons is dedicated to the reduction of waste and an increase in recycling, but realises it can achieve this only by introducing an holistic approach and working with specialist companies.
Morrisons' decision to choose WeeeCare for WEEE compliance is the latest development in the company's relationship with the WasteCare Group. This began in 2005, following the acquisition of Safeway, when initially WasteCare collected and recycled photographic and dry cleaning residues.
The relationship has steadily developed since and now WasteCare collects and recycles more than 4,000 tonnes a year of 'difficult' waste from fluorescent tubes to chicken fat. The latest contract means that WeeeCare's electrical recycling capacity will significantly increase the volume of waste that Morrisons recycles, as well as reducing cost.
Charlie Crowther, Morrisons' Waste Management and Recycling Buyer, explains: "Our aim is to minimise the impact on landfill and increase recycling wherever possible. WasteCare helps us to achieve this, whilst reducing our carbon footprint".
Morrisons also intends to be ahead of the Battery Recycling Regulations and has been trialing BatteryBack, WasteCare's free recycling service for portable batteries. If the trials are successful, the company hopes to introduce a national collection service in due course.
Peter Hunt, the Chief Executive of WasteCare, said: "We are delighted that Morrisons has chosen to join WeeeCare. This further validates our policy of providing a transparent, quality service at minimum cost."

1000 BatteryBack collection points by Christmas

24th November 2008

Despite the fact the Government has yet to publish the draft Battery Recycling Regulations which were promised last July, BatteryBack is on track to have more than 1,000 free collection points throughout the UK by Christmas. In addition, a number of major retailers are aiming to launch BatteryBack in the New Year.
Government delays may mean that the implementation of the Regulations is delayed until late in 2009 and could result in Britain being fined by the European Commission. Nevertheless, WeeeCare is committed to helping to fund customers to promote battery recycling.
Simon Perfect, Commercial Director of WeeeCare Pic, explains: "We want to do this to ensure that Britain is best placed to meet its legal commitments, as set out in the EU's Battery Directive.
"As we already have the lowest cost model in Europe and we are ready to go, it seems odd that the Government is risking being fined. Further delays will cost producers, retailers and, eventually, users more."

PackCare compliance gets green light

22nd November 2008

PackCare Compliance, a new packaging compliance scheme, has been launched by the WasteCare Group, following the receipt of Government approval.
The scheme aims not only to increase the amount of packaging that is recycled but also to substantially reduce the cost of compliance for members.
PackCare Chief Executive Bob Taylor says: "PackCare Compliance will build on the success of the group's WeeeCare compliance scheme, launched in 2007. We intend to eliminate the mystique surrounding compliance and bring immediate savings to our members. All too often in the past registered packaging producers have complained at the lack of transparency and horrendous costs associated with compliance."
With the sudden close of the Chinese market for recyclables, our entry into this sector has come at an important time for this industry.

Significant changes expected to WEEE regulations

18th November 2008

Major changes to the WEEE Regulations are likely next year as a result of their clear failure to deal with the bulk of non-domestic (828) electrical and electronic waste.
Although Government ministers have patted themselves on the back and announced that the WEEE Regulations have been a great success, the fact is that, after 18 months, less than 30% of expected producers have registered.
However, recycling volumes are up. Ignoring the fact that scrap prices trebled over the past two years, it is fair to say that, from the point of view of domestic waste (B2C), the system has worked roughly to plan. But, with regard to B2B, the regulations have been hopeless. Less than 5% of B2B waste has been properly handled, costing end-users and confusing everyone else.
The reason for this failure is due partly to the Government not helping to promote the benefits of the regu lations but mainly to their excessive complexity. If a company tries to get rid of its old photocopier, the challenge to follow the rules requires patience and tenacity. This was why WasteCare offered all producers a free national service.
The take-up of our service has been impressive, but we are only scratching the surface. So it is no coincidence that the Government has decided to act. We expect changes in the regulations to remove the complicated rules for obligated and non-obligated WEEE, as well as the uniquely British complication of B2B WEEE. In effect, all WEEE will be obligated and the cost will be spread across all producers.
The implications are complicated but, basically, existing B2C producers can expect a small reduction in their compliance costs, while B2B producers can expect to pay a great deal more. The good news for WeeeCare members is that they are immune from sudden changes as our scheme is designed to minimise cost and underwrite cost exposure.
Once the Government has finalised its plans, we will write to everyone affected to advise them on the likely impact of the changes.

BatteryPack for councils

13th November 2008

BatteryBack, the new national free battery collection service, is sending sample BatteryPacks to councils to encourage them to install the BatteryCan collection canisters at key locations in their areas.
The packs include desktop collection boxes and posters as well as an information pack. To claim your complimentary BatteryPack, click on www.batteryback.org.uk

AATF Commendation

3rd November 2008

WeeeCare's IT and weee treatment and recycling facility in Leeds was accredited by the Environment Agency as an Approved Accredited Treatment Facilities last year. As part of a national programme the EA have just completed their audit of our Leeds facility and commended the procedures and systems installed. With regular news items about the destination of exported waste and data protection it is essential you know where your waste is going. With WasteCare you are able to track all waste through to final destruction and destination. WasteCare's policy is not to export waste. Only recovered materials are exported for reuse and handled by EA approved facilities.

Trade bodies offer WEEE deals

1st November 2008

Government says all businesses must comply with directives, as new initiatives emerge to help.
The UK's trade associations acted last month to help their members get the best deal when the deadline for reregistration for the WEEE producer compliance scheme (PCS) arrived.
Both the PCA and ITACS have teamed up with PCS WEEEcare to offer their members deals on their 2009 compliance quotes. Both deals offered their members cheaper registration deals and higher income per tonne of reclaimed WEEE.
"We promoted the WEEEcare deal to our members because it was a good deal for our smaller reseller and retail members," explained the PCA's chief executive Keith Warburton. "The main function of the promotion was to let them know that the deadline for changing PCS was coming up and that we felt this deal represented the best value for our members."
One of the retailers we spoke to was NASCR's Geoff Carr, who told PC Retail: "The ITACS deal is definitely one of the best I've come across. Granted, there was more that I wanted to find out before I took up the offer, but it does signal a change in the fundamentals of WEEE.
Only three months ago, the Government told PC Retail that it was preparing a crackdown on retailers, resellers and producers not signed up to the scheme. Many retailers and resellers we spoke to who had not signed up, said that costs and an apparent bias towards large producers put them off.
However, Carr believes that many of the things that those dodging registrations were protesting about, no longer exist. "It has changed from being a liability into an asset; it's entirely possible to make a good profit from collection schemes." PC Retail

BatteryBack - power to the people

31st October 2008

Despite the fact the Government have yet to publish the draft Battery Recycling Regulations which were promised last July, BatteryBack are on track to have over 1,000 free collection points throughout the UK by Christmas. In addition, a number of major retailers are aiming to launch BatteyBack in the New Year. Government delays may mean the implementation of the Regulations may be delayed until late in 2009, WasteCare are committed to help fund customers to promote battery recycling to ensure Britain is best placed to meet its legal commitments as set out in the Battery Directive. Further delays may result in Britain being fined by the European Commission. “As we already have the lowest cost model in Europe and we are ready to go, it seems odd that the Government are to risk being fined. Further delays will cost producers, retailers and eventually users more”. Explains Simon Perfect, Commercial Director of WeeeCare Plc.

Government approves PackCare Compliance

24th October 2008

Building on the success of the WeeeCare Compliance scheme launched last year the WasteCare Group have now received Government approval to launch a packaging compliance scheme. Ready for 2009 PackCare are targeting existing customers of the Group to help not only improve recycling but to substantially reduce the cost of compliance. In the past many registered packaging producers have complain at the lack of transparency and the horrendous costs of compliance. The arrival of PackCare Compliance will eliminate the black art of compliance and bring immediate savings. To find out more please visit www.PackCare.co.uk

B2B or not 2B, that is the question

22nd October 2008

The Government have patted themselves on the back and announced the WEEE Regulations have been a great success. Despite after 18 months, less than 30% of the expected producers have registered, recycling volumes are up. Ignoring the fact that scrap prices trebled over the last two years it is fair to say from the point of view of domestic waste (B2C), the system has worked roughly to plan. However, concerning non-domestic weee (B2B), the Regulations have been hopeless. Less than 5% of B2B waste has been properly handled, costing end users and confusing everyone else. The reason for this failure is in part due to the fact the Government have not helped promote the benefits of the Regulations but mainly because they are so complicated. If you are a company trying to get rid of your old photocopier the challenge to follow the rules is takes patience and tenacity. It was for this reason WasteCare offered all producers a free national service. Whilst the take up of the service has been impressive we are only scratching the surface. It is no coincidence that the Government have decided to act. We are expecting a major revision to the Regulations next year, This will remove the complicated rules for obligated and non-obligated weee, it will also remove the uniquely British complication of B2B weee. In effect all weee will be obligated and the cost will be spread across all producers. The implications are complicated but basically existing B2C producers can expect a small reduction in their compliance costs B2B producers can expect to pay a great deal more. The good news for WeeeCare members is that they are immune from sudden changes as the scheme is designed to minimise cost and underwrite cost exposure. Once the Government have finalised their plans we will be writing to everyone effected to advise of the impact.

The current turmoil effects us all. In times like these we need to know what we can rely on. When we see Sterling drop 20% in just a few weeks, the stock market drop over 25% and key commodities drop by up to 60% in the same period we know we are in interesting times. We all need to focus on the core activities whilst at the same time ensure we are conserving cost. WasteCare was established in 1980 in the depth of a recession, we have experienced 2 other recessions since. Whilst it would be going too far to say we enjoy recessions, we believe we offer our customers the greatest benefit when things are tough. In good times we talk of the environmental benefits of recycling, in difficult times we talk about reducing cost, improving the bottom line. PackCare is helping companies save thousands in re-conditioning containers and eliminating landfill, WeeeCare has reduced the burden on electrical producers by several million over the last year alone by introducing a unique compliance scheme. WasteCare has continued offering over 25,000 businesses low cost solutions to recovery and recycling. It is now time to launch EcoCare. Forget carbon trading and carbon offset, EcoCare is down to earth cost reduction. No waffle, no gimmicks just simple advice and help to reduce cost. What you need to do to make savings and improve efficiency is already known. All we need to do is connect your business to the solutions. To show we mean business, our only cost is a small portion of your actual savings. Can you afford not to contact us. We are here waiting to help. www.ecocare.org.uk

Bucking the trend

21st October 2008

In October alone the WasteCare Group has recruited 40 new staff. As demand for low cost solutions has never been greater and the unique business model has seen many costs frozen for over 4 years , WasteCare has seen increasing demand across almost all sectors. WeeeCare has had another excellent increase in membership this year with the addition of Morrisons supermarket and Fujitsu. PackCare has doubled the workforce in the last 6 months as chemical companies are attracted to the benefits of reconditioned containers over new. WasteCare have expanded the collection fleet as demand for low cost recycling has continued.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Fiona Rickeard as Commercial Manager of WeeeCare Plc. Fiona is an experienced administrator who has the rare ability to see things from the customer's perspective. We are sure she is going to make a great addition to the team and can only help to strengthen the service we provide our customers.

Barking mad!

17th October 2008

For nearly 20 years our London facility has been in Bow. Always struggling to hear Bow bells, it was sometime ago we outgrew the site. It has taken us over 7 years to find a new location and be able to secure a deal. In 2006, Britain winning the Olympic bid resulted in us being gazumped twice. At long last we have found the perfect site. Some 8 times bigger than our current premises we will be now be able to expand our business in the South East. Targetting security shredding, weee recycling and chemical recovery we are planning to go on the offensive early next year.
"The London team can't wait" explained John Treweeke, the Bow Facility Manager." No one believes how much material we handle on our existing site, so with the move to Barking, I really can see things taking off".

Surviving the Crash

13th October 2008

The last 10 years, as commodity and property prices have spiralled upwards, has been like being on a crowded elevator without doors: The higher things have got, the more scary it has become. The elevator is now plummeting to the ground and the first imperative is to ensure that we survive the bump at the bottom. Then we have to get back to work, regardless of our injuries. Individually or as a nation, there is no point in looking back at how we could have prepared ourselves better. We are where we are. We are not alone.
The current banking crisis is now beginning its second phase, ie. the collapse in asset and commodity values. Whilst Governments are borrowing vast amounts of money from rich nations to shore up our over inflated economies in the West, we are being mortgaged to China and the Gulf states to a level never seen before.
There are no certainties in all of this, but it is reasonable to assume that house prices in the UK will drop by perhaps as much as 70% from their peak last year. More concerning is that GDP will shrink. This in itself is not the problem; the problem is that Government policy over the past 10 years has created a public sector in the UK that has not only increased to more than 40% of GDP but has unsustainably high expectations in terms of salaries and benefits, forcing a greater burden on the rest of the economy. Add in unemployment, that will now dramatically increase, and I cannot see how we avoid years of underperformance and hardship.
The other problem is the impact on commodity prices, which is already being reflected in recycling costs. It is probably realistic to assume that over 15% of businesses will cease and, overall, business will decline significantly. Of course, many companies will prosper from the downturn but we must consider the overall impact.
What can we do? In times of plenty, recycling is associated with good environmental practice. For some, it has been an “optional” activity, requiring government regulation to encourage recovery. Before the 90s or in poorer countries, recycling has had an economic imperative. If we plan for the worst, we will be best placed to come out of the current cycle stronger. How can we reduce energy or commodity consumption? how can what we waste be recycled or recovered? Contact www.ecocare.co.uk now for the silver lining.

WasteCare wraps it up

1st October 2008

As of the 1st October 2008 Scott Bader has appointed WasteCare as a partner in the recycling of packaging. Norbert Dentresangle our logistics partner will continue to collect the 205lt steel drums but we will now utilise PackCare Ltd (A division of WasteCare) for the collection and recycling of all IBC’s. As part of this new initiative with PackCare, we will also handle returns of other Scott Bader containers i.e. 25lt
PackCare will be carrying out the collections from your site utilising their own specialist vehicles and offering a wider range of services including the collection of different waste streams.

WasteCare carves into new niche

29th September 2008

When WasteCare say " a one-stop shop for waste", it is clear they mean it. With the simple aim, to increase recycling and reduce landfill, the company is always seeking to fine new streams to recover, that up to now have often been discarded as general waste. The plastic banners, that supermarkets adorn their buildings, are one instance of a good clean recoverable stream that has more than often in the past ended up in the skip. The ubiquitous wax coffee cups have in the past been difficult to recover and worse have been mixed with otherwise recoverable paper and plastics to render the lot fit only for landfill. WasteCare have solved the problem. Both plastic and waxed paper is collected as part of WasteCare's integrated waste management service. Just to illustrate that WasteCare really does carve a unique path in recycling, this week the company has launched a new service to Morrisons, collecting and recycling butchers knives. Of course this has the added benefit of ensuring large bladed knives now have a controlled outlet all the way to recovery, not to mention the financial benefit of reduced landfill. Put us to the test; have you got a waste you would like us to recycle?

Remploy powers into new battery recovery scheme

26th September 2008

Remploy e-cycle – part of Remploy, the UK's leading provider of sustainable employment services for disabled people – is to play a significant role in the UK’s first-ever free national battery recovery service.

Launched on 1 July, the scheme enables batteries of any type and size to be disposed of in specially-designed ‘BatteryCans’ collection canisters which are to be stationed at more than 30,000 local authority civic amenity sites, schools and supermarkets in the UK.

Created by WeeeCare plc ahead of new Battery Recycling Regulations which are expected to be introduced after the European Battery Directive comes into force on September 26, the service is being operated by not-for-profit company BatteryBack.

The directive states that 25 per cent of all portable batteries must be recycled by 2012, rising to 45 per cent by 2016. Currently the UK recycles less than three per cent of portable batteries, with more than 30,000 tonnes of batteries being discarded every year.

For the launch of the service, WeeeCare – which manages the UK’s largest compliance scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) – is combining their existing national collection network of over 28,000 sites with Remploy e-cycle and battery recycler Revatech to ensure the lowest battery compliance costs anywhere in Europe.

E-cycle’s involvement in the scheme will be the provision of a full and secure battery sorting service as well as pre-treating the collected batteries before recovery.

Tony Stroud, general manager of Remploy e-cycle, said: “The growth of mobile communications and the use of power equipment has led to an increase in dependence on battery-powered equipment. E-cycle is delighted to be making a significant contribution to the ever-expanding battery recycling market.

“Items such as battery waste that were usually disposed of with all other waste now need to be handled individually and recycled where possible. WeeeCare Plc’s recovery scheme will enable manufacturers and importers of batteries to dispose of them responsibly and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill. In addition, the association with e-cycle enables stakeholders to meet their corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives as they are helping to provide sustainable jobs for disabled people.”

E-cycle, which employs more than 230 people across four sites in England, specialises in taking IT equipment that has reached the end of its working life and refurbishing it to a standard that allows it to be re-deployed, sold or responsibly disposed of in accordance with data and waste legislation. This includes the EU’s recently introduced Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive, which aims to minimise the environmental impact of electrical and electronic equipment by increasing re-use and recycling, and reducing the amount going to landfill.

Peter Hunt, chief executive of WasteCare, WeeeCare’s parent company, said: “The supply agreement with Remploy e-cycle to sort and pre-treat the batteries will be part funded by the value of recovered metals. We have the lowest collection cost structure in Europe, so the cost to retailers will be zero, whilst we expect the cost to producers to be no more than 1p per battery produced. This is less than a third of the cost being charged in most other EU countries.”

Tony Stroud added: “Batteries contain hazardous material which, if consigned to landfill, can have an adverse effect on soil. Recycling batteries is a much more environmentally friendly and responsible approach.

“Businesses, including battery manufacturers, importers and retailers are also being increasingly dictated to by their customers, who see CSR as a priority. By working with e-cycle, that responsibility comes in the form of helping to provide sustainable jobs for the 230 disabled people it employs.”

Time is running out

21st September 2008

Time is running out for WEEE producers who may want to reduce substantially the cost of compliance in 2009 or who may simply be unhappy with their existing compliance scheme. The deadline for membership renewal for 2009 is October 15.
So producers who do not want to be locked into their existing schemes for another 12 months need to act now. Many have already switched to WeeeCare, thereby saving both membership and compliance costs. With compliance costs from as little as £1.75 per tonne, it is not surprising that WeeeCare looks set to remain Britain's most popular WEEE compliance scheme. With only a few weeks to go for members of other schemes to decide their fate, existing WeeeCare members can enjoy a relaxing autumn, winter and spring as they remain signed-up members until next April. And underwritten members also have the pleasure of knowing that they have four months' cover entirely free.

New service gives added security

19th September 2008

Data security (or lack of it) has been grabbing the headlines in recent months and so have increases in the theft of scrap and other types of waste. These days, even fast food outlets are being raided for waste cooking fat!
To do its bit to improve security and reduce theft, WasteCare has launched a unique new service. As each collection request is allocated to one of our field operators, our system automatically sends an email to the customer, confirming who will be making the collection and giving the vehicle's registration number. We will also soon be rolling out our barcoding system across the country so that all material can be tracked online from the customer through to final destruction or recovery.

£1.75 per tonne could be too expensive!

17th September 2008

When WeeeCare launched low-cost compliance last year from as little as £6 per tonne, many critics said it was impossible. Bradford extends WeeeCare contract Fred Tewiddy, SMOC Environmental Manager "WeeeCare has delivered exceptional service levels to all our civic amenity sites. " As well as collecting WEEE from amenity sites and households across the UK's fourth largest municipality with some 500,000 residents, WeeeCare has also been awarded the Bradford Metropolitan District Council has extended its contract with WeeeCare for WEEE services throughout the district. Fred Tewiddy, BM DC's contract to collect WEEE from all Environmental Manager, explained: council premises in the district. This "Since the introduction of WEEE includes all town halls, schools and Regulations in 2006, WeeeCare recreational centres. The development has delivered exceptional service follows the recent announcement of levels to all our civic amenity sites. the launch of a free BatteryBack The contract has now been recycling service by Bradford MDC, expanded to include doorstep Morrisons and WeeeCare. collections and WEEE disposal services throughout Bradford." Our scheme has now been enhanced with further cost reductions across almost all categories. The lowest cost for 2009 is now only £1.75 per tonne. However, Simon Perfect, WeeeCare's Commercial Director, is about to upset the critics again. He explains: "many - if not most - of our members could be compliant with the regulations and incur no net costs with just a little effort." The current high values of scrap metals and the relatively low eee-to-weee ratios, mean that, in some waste categories, a small amount of customer returns or retailer take-back will not only satisfy the evidence requirement but also be financially self-financing.

PackCare compliance scheme launched

10th September 2008

Following the tremendous success of WeeeCare Compliance and the purchase earlier this year of leading packaging recycling company E Pease & Son of Leeds (renamed PackCare), it was only a matter of time before we established our own packaging compliance scheme. Simplicity and low cost are the common themes but, as many of our current customers will attest, PackCare brings together the benefits of being, firstly, a recycling company, a nationwide collection network, and now an approved PRN producer and accredited compliance scheme. Again, as with WeeeCare, PackCare aims to keep members costs to a minimum. With a fixed membership fee of only £350 per year and a transparent and guaranteed price for evidence, there will be no surprises, no shocks, just simple transparency. "We only apologise for not offering this scheme to the market years ago," explains Bob Taylor, PackCare's managing director PackCare will focus on reducing costs and increasing recycling rates for WasteCare and WeeeCare customers.

A breath of fresh air

10th September 2008

The Climate Change Bill is soon to become law. Although initially it will impact only large energy users (ie those spending more than £500,000 pa on electricity), all businesses will soon be affected. The Bill aims to reduce the carbon footprint of large energy users by 12.5% by 2010 and by 26-32% by 2020. The legislation currently does not require companies to consider the carbon footprint of goods and services supplied to them, but businesses such as Tesco and Walmart are already setting up voluntary schemes, such as the Carbon Disclosure Project, which set new standards for corporate behaviour. In simple terms, they aggregate the total carbon footprint throughout the supply chain for all products andservices. At the same time, a system of carbon budgets is being established for each industry sector and allowances granted to each business by sector. We are waiting to see how these standards will be formalised within the legislation. At the moment, companies have no way of knowing how well they are performing in relation to their peers, but it is fair to say life is going to get tougher for the vast majority of firms. As Kevin Bray, Technical Advisor to EcoCare, explains: "We need to remove the mystique from this whole process. No company wants to use or waste more energy than it needs to operate efficiently. Reducing carbon footprint equals reducing cost. "A few small changes can have surprising results. EcoCare offers all sizes of organisation an appraisal of their operations so they can see how well they compare within their own industry. We also offer practical advice on how to save money." Clients can pay a fixed fee of just £900 for a site audit and full Carbon Saving Report or go for the 'No Gain - No Fee' offer. If they opt for the latter, EcoCare will charge a fee of 25% of the first two years' saving. Meanwhile, WasteCare is practising what it preaches. From October, all waste collected and treated by WasteCare will carry a report of the combined carbon footprint. The calculation will take account of all stages of the process and even allocate credits for carbon savings achieved by recycling energy-rich waste and recovering valuable raw materials.

Innovative waste packaging service launched

5th September 2008

Scott Bader, the manufacturer of speciality polymers, has launched a new waste packaging service in conjunction with WasteCare and its subsidiary, PackCare.
In common with almost all manufacturing companies, Scott Bader has been keen to minimise environmental impact, reduce landfill and increase production efficiency. Over recent years, as new regulations have been imposed and waste management costs have spiralled, the company has made good progress in fulfilling its environmental objectives. This work has culminated in the launch this October of the new service operated by WasteCare and PackCare.
The service comprises three elements:
- From 1 October, WasteCare will collect all Scott Bader IBCs and containers free of charge directly from its customers. These will be 100% recycled or recovered, reducing the companies' carbon footprint by more than 70% and virtually eliminating landfill.
- At the same time, WasteCare will provide a waste management service exclusively for Scott Bader customers at preferential rates. The service will take care of all types of industrial and commercial waste, no matter the type or the volume.
- Scott Bader customers will also be offered a full carbon survey and waste management audit free of charge. support as well as a dedicated helpline to its customers. Advice on the latest regulations, plus full access to a wide range of waste management services, will be provided to ensure all Scott Bader customers are not only environmentally compliant but are able to maximise recycling whilst minimising the cost of best practice. Mark Lorentzen of Scott Bader explains: "reducing environmental impact whilst _ at the same time - reducing costs is the Holy Grail in our sector. By working closely with our customers and a specialist in recycling, in a three-way partnership, we are convinced we can now achieve this objective."

BatteryBack goes positive

1st September 2008

While there may be no such thing as a free lunch, there is such a thing as a free battery collection service.
Since its launch on July 1, BatteryBack now has more than 600 free battery collection points listed on its online site location map. Despite limiting trials to a maximum of ten sites for each organisation, we are registering at least 10 new sites every day. As the scheme is currently open to all free service providers, we are also displaying non-WasteCare sites. To check out the locations of the sites nearest to you, simply go to www.batteryback.org and click on collections, enter your postcode and you will be offered ten of the nearest sites to you. Whilst we prepare for the introduction of the Battery Recycling Regulations next year, we are providing a free treatment and recovery service to anyone willing to promote battery recycling. Roll up for free BatteryCan From now until the end of the year, WeeeCare will send two free 10kg BatteryCans to every WasteCare, PackCare or WeeeCare customer who asks.

WeeeCare calls up Gooseberry

1st September 2008

Everyone knows that old mobile phones have a recoverable value. The problem is ensuring you get the true value and that the phone is correctly handled.
WeeeCare has now teamed up with Gooseberry, a new global phone recycling organisation, to increase the number of phones recycled. To get the scheme off to a good start, Gooseberry will donate £15 to charity for each working phone handed to WeeeCa reo Phone donors can select from two prominent charities, the Woodland Trust and Help for Heroes, a new charity formed to help those wounded in Britain's current conflicts. Larger donors (ie more than 30 handsets) can select a charity of their choice or elect to have the money returned. A spokesman for the Woodland Trust said: "We are delighted that waste can be converted to do good. At the Woodland Trust, 85 pence from every £1 raised is spent on environmental projects." As a group, WasteCare is committed to donating a 2% of its annual profits to charity through its Recycling for Good Programme.

Livingston's silver lining

28th August 2008

WasteCare's Scottish facility, based at Livingston, has become of Britain's last rema ining photographic waste treatment centres. With the digitalisation of photography and radiography, demand for traditional silver recovery has declined dramatically. In spite of this trend, WasteCare has succeeded in winning work from Europe, which - combined with a growing UK market share - has enabled it to invest in new plant to increase efficiency and reduce costs. This particular cloud does indeed have a silver lining.

Duncan joins WasteCare Group as Sales Director

26th August 2008

WasteCare has appointed Duncan McLaren as Group Sales Director.
After a career as a communications specialist in the Royal Corps of Signals, Duncan spent 15 years in senior sales positions at both Dawson Group and Shanks McEwen. Welcoming him, WasteCare Chief Executive Peter Hunt said: "Duncan is known for energy and enthusiasm for waste recycling and we are certain he will make a great addition to the team." Duncan added: "I am looking forward to a new, exciting and challenging future with WasteCare, which is a dynamic and fast-moving customer-facing company."

2007 compliance confirmed

16th August 2008

The declaration of compliance for 2007 has now been approved by the Environment Agency affirming WeeeCare's dominance as the most popular compliance scheme.

Forget the environment for a moment!

1st August 2008

To survive, let alone prosper, in business today needs an iron determination to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Reducing your carbon footprint may seem a long way from the day-to-day challenge of running your business efficiently and profitably but is it? It could be the quickest way to improve your bottom line. The simplest way to reduce your carbon footprint is to save energy – and, therefore, money. However, we know how difficult it is to spare the time to tackle problems that are not core to your business. So WasteCare is offering existing customers a free service, EcoCare, to calculate your carbon footprint and identify easy costsaving opportunities. In return, the only payment we will require from you is a (small) share of the easy savings identified. You can decide up front what ‘easy’ means: savings made without any capital investment; savings producing a payback within 10 years or, most likely, somewhere in between. Every business has its own financial model, which is why EcoCare leaves it to you to identify. Our qualified adviser will visit your site to carry out a comprehensive survey. For a medium-sized enterprise employing 100- 200 people, this should take only two to three hours. We will identify where energy is being wasted and focus on the key areas where savings can be made. These could include heating, cooling, lighting, equipment efficiency and management. Our report will estimate your carbon footprint and highlight those savings that can be made according to your own criteria. If significant potential savings are identified outside these criteria, but where financial support may be obtainable, they will also be reported. Energy costs are at a record high and are likely to rise further, so reducing your energy consumption and fuel bills will also cut your carbon footprint. We appreciate that telling you to reduce the temperature of your office or to switch off computers at night could be insulting your intelligence, but the impact of a few novel ideas might surprise you. For example, a new technology can reduce your total electricity bill by at least 10% at a stroke; or how about a simple process which can cut equipment operating costs by 30% or more – and which has a pay-back time of less than a year!

Challenge our experts

1st August 2008

Our first rule at WasteCare is: The answer is “yes – what’s the question?” To ensure we can follow up the answer with the correct solution, every customer gets a dedicated account manager who is trained in the customer’s own industry sector. Thus each account manager is able to provide technical information and support as well as quote for virtually any type of waste. So – put them to the test. We will give you a free bottle of Champagne if you can get your account manager to give a negative response to a waste problem.

FreightSafe - Its in the name

28th August 2008

WasteCare has added another new service to its portfolio – Freightsafe. Increased legislation and a more litigious society means staff training has never been more important. Freightsafe provides dangerous goods training for both the waste industry and anyone involved in the movement of hazardous substances Originally launched in 2006 by Ian Gascoyne, who has some 30 years industrial chemical and waste handling experience, the service has recently been brought under the WasteCare umbrella. The carriage and handling of dangerous goods is a broad subject covering a wide range of industrial chemicals and materials used in an equally wide range of applications. Courses are geared to the specific needs of the employees involved, whether they be drivers, materials handlers or dangerous goods safety advisers. Drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods are required to be formally trained in the safe carriage and handling of the materials concerned. They must also be trained to handle the associated documentation. The training requirement for staff involved in handling dangerous goods is satisfied by a one or two-day course, while a small informal study group over four days is more appropriate for dangerous goods safety advisers. Freightsafe can also provide a consultancy service to oversee the regulatory aspects of the handling of dangerous goods, including technical support and the preparation of an annual dangerous goods report. Its offering includes site waste surveys covering waste classification, handling and storage. A formal report highlights compliance with the key regulatory issues and areas where improvements may be possible, including cost-savings relating to improved handling and alternative waste disposal options.

WasteCare supports environmental excellence

20th August 2008

There is no sign yet that life is going to get any easier in the printing industry: after many years of technical development and over-supply, only the fittest will survive. Productivity and efficiency alone are not enough. Product quality now needs to be combined with quality in management, production and environmental standards. The British Printing Industries Federation’s Annual Excellence Awards are one way in which the industry can benchmark progress and encourage print companies to strive for quality. WasteCare has supported the BPIF for many years and is proud to be associated with the Environmental Excellence Award in 2008. This year has seen the largest number of entrants for this prestigious award, proving that the environment is firmly on the agenda. Following independent judging, the winners were announced at the Awards ceremony at the London Hilton, Park Lane, on 30 June. They were Stratförs (winner) with Horner Bros Print Group and Park Communications the runners-up.

Widnes - A year on

20th August 2008

WasteCare has set a new benchmark for the waste industry by fully licensing its new 18,000 sq ft Widnes facility in just six months. It has also achieved both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 accreditation. Michael Whittaker, the site manager, has built a team from scratch. “Being able to service the North West from here has reduced collection miles by more than 40%,” he explains. “Our customers are getting a faster response and we are reducing our carbon footprint virtually every week.” We are planning to increase vehicle numbers to 15 at the site and introduce the new PackCare container re-lining service later in the year

BatteryBack up and running

16th August 2008

BatteryBack is fully charged and operating. Morrisons and Bradford Metropolitan District Council have launched a joint BatteryBack initiative at stores, schools, public buildings and civic amenity sites (see story below) and more than 200 BatteryCans have now been ordered by retailers, local authorities and large commercial premises. As a result – and following the Government’s indication of its thinking in relation to the new Battery Recycling Regulations – we have now ordered a further 1,000 BatteryCans for immediate distribution. Our www.batteryback.org website already gives the locations of more than 1,000 free collection points for all types of batteries. If one enters one’s postcode, the website identifies the locations of the ten nearest public access collection points. Currently, these are mainly civic amenity sites, but the list will be updated as more sites are opened. Britain is obliged to increase battery recycling from the current level of 2.8% a year to 25% by 2012. This means that the UK will need more than 80,000 collection points throughout the country, according to our calculations. WasteCare is at present the only recycling company in the UK offering the free BatteryBack solution. Consequently, we aim to open at least 2,000 trial sites by this October, when the Government’s draft Regulations are expected to be published. Thereafter, the roll-out will be speeded up.

Morrisons launches Bradford BatteryCan trial

15th August 2008

Morrisons has been quick to recognise the need to offer its customers an environmentallyfriendly way to dispose of their used batteries. With the introduction of the Battery Recycling Regulations only months away, Morrisons, a major retailer of batteries, is providing a simple solution, which is currently being trialled in the Bradford area. The plan involves offering free disposal for all types of portable battery. At the same time, Bradford Metropolitan District Council is to provide a similar BatteryCan collection service to schools and public buildings throughout the district to coincide with the Morrisons store trials. To encourage schools it is planned that those collecting the most batteries per pupil, will be offered laptop computers.

WeeeCare throw down the gauntlet

WeeeCare has already established itself as the UK's most popular Weee Compliance scheme having signed up nearly a third of weee producers in the first year. Combining simplicity with both guaranteed and fixed low compliance costs has proved a winning combination. "Having a successful and established weee collection and recycling business gave us a huge advantage at the outset" explains Simon Perfect, Commercial Director of WeeeCare Plc. " not only did we have a low cost base but we could predict accurately the costs going forward. Our only mistake was accepting the EA figures for waste recovered."
Following revelations that initial figures were overstated, WeeeCare retrospectively reduced their underwritten evidence costs by over a third. WeeeCare have now relied on their own assessment for 2009 and this week have announced their new membership and evidence costs. "We are delighted we have been able to reduce the underwritten fees on all B2B as well as the majority of B2C categories for 2009" said Perfect. With compliance costs as low as £1.25 a tonne, WeeeCare clearly mean business. For producers wishing to switch to WeeeCare for 2009, they need only to pay the £220 (<£1 million TO) or £445 (>£1 million TO) EA fee before the 15 October. However, some producers were caught out last year in not reading the small print of their exisiting contract and did not give notice in time, being trapped with high costs for another year. Some schemes require at least 3 months notice to quit.
To check whether you are getting the best deal WeeeCare have kindly published their evidence charges for both 2008 and 2009.   
To find out more visit www.weeecare.com 

WeeeCare takes axe to compliance costs

1st May 2008

WeeeCare has become the most popular of all the UK producer compliance schemes – with more than 950 members - by not only offering guaranteed costs going forward, but also by charging prices that are only a fraction of those of other schemes. Now WeeeCare has announced further cost reductions for all B2B members. As Simon Perfect, Commercial Director, explains: " the 2008 compliance costs were calculated last September based on assumptions on WEEE arising. However, the level of obligated waste generated by end users has been lower than the EA  originally predicted. Based on current data, our liabilities for underwriting certain categories of B2B WEEE will be substantially below expectations. “We are, therefore, passing on the benefit to our members by extending the period of cover by four months to 30 April 2009 (which equates to a retrospective saving on our previously published prices of 33.3%).” In addition, WeeeCare is further reducing the underwritten fees for the most affected categories as follows: Category 6 electrical tools reduces by a total of 64.2 per cent.
Category 8 medical equipment reduces by a total of 43.5 per cent.
Category 13 gas discharge lamps reduces by a total of 73.4 per cent. For example, the new reduced cost for B2B fluorescent tubes equates to less than 0.5p per lamp compared with up to15p per lamp currently being charged by Recolight - ie, a saving of more than 96%. Simon adds: “Although we expect WEEE volumes to increase as the year progresses, we will monitor developments carefully to ensure all our members pay no more than the absolute minimum. “Increased popularity and demand for our scheme can only help to keep costs down for the future.

Costs will be reviewed quarterly to ensure WeeeCare members’ interests are best served. For further details on our underwritten (fixed cost) scheme, please contact admin@weeecare.com.

Switching a negative into a positive

5th May 2008

WeeeCare, in conjunction with Remploy, is ready to launch a consortium with battery manufacturers, importers, major retailers and other stakeholders to operate the UK’s first free national recovery scheme for all types of batteries. The scheme will be operated by BatteryBack, a not-for-profit company which has been set up in readiness for the expected introduction of the new Battery Recycling Regulations in the autumn, when the European Battery Directive comes into force. This Directive states that 25 per cent of all batteries must be recycled by 2012, rising to 45 per cent by 2016.  Currently, the UK recycles less than 3 per cent of portable batteries, with more than 30,000 tonnes of batteries being discarded every year. BatteryBack will provide BatteryCans – specially-designed collection canisters of various sizes – at local authority civic amenity sites, schools, supermarkets and other retailers. Peter Hunt, Chief Executive of WasteCare, WeeeCare’s parent company, said:  “WasteCare has been collecting batteries for many years, so we are now extending our WeeeCollect operation to handle all types of batteries from as many sites as possible throughout the UK. “ Remploy is the largest employer in Britain of disabled personnel and, with the help of Government funding, is gearing up to provide low-cost sorting and pre-treatment of portable batteries. “By combining battery collections with our existing national service, we believe we have the lowest collection cost structure in Europe, so the cost to retailers will be zero, whilst we expect the cost to producers to be no more than one pence per battery produced, less than a third of the cost being charged in most other EU countries,” Mr Hunt added. Subject to the final details of the Battery Recycling Regulations, BatteryBack plans to launch a low-cost compliance scheme for all manufacturers and importers of batteries. For further information on Battery Back, go to www.batteryback.co.uk.

WasteCare to the Rescue

23rd March 2008

We were called in to retrieve the diesel in the boats tanks, before it could spill out and cause an ecological disaster.
A team from our Livingston depot got there in time and successfully drained the tanks.

Mission Accomplished!

WEEE for free

WeeeCare has launched Weee4free -  a unique free collection service to all retailers. The new service offers free collection, treatment and recovery of all types of household WEEE from anywhere in Britain. It takes advantage of WeeeCare’s dedicated collection fleet of more than 100 vehicles. Simon Perfect, Commercial Director of WeeeCare, explains: “We believe many retailers are missing an opportunity to not only provide an improved service to their customers but also to save money. Retailers who are also producers, as defined by the regulations, can get a double benefit by meeting their recycling obligation with customer returns as well. “We will, therefore, collect retailer takeback and household WEEE for free.  In fact, we will even pay retailers for any waste that can be refurbished and resold.” WeeeCare is also rolling out a doorstep service across the country for the collection of large household waste electrical items direct from end-users. To find out more about this free service, call 0844 800 2004.

Beating the Drum

15th April 2008

PackCare, the wholly-owned WasteCare subsidiary specialising in the collection, reconditioning and recycling of commercial packaging, has stolen a march on its competitors by launching a new fixed-cost national collection service. The company is the only recycler in the UK offering to collect all types of industrial containers – regardless of quantity, content and condition - from anywhere in the country, whilst at the same time offering cash back for refurbishable packaging. WasteCare Chief Executive Peter Hunt commented: “Following our acquisition of E. Pease & Son, PackCare now offers a total recycling solution for all industrial and commercial packaging. “The combination of Pease’s expertise in reconditioning containers and WasteCare’s national collection fleet of more than 100 trucks based at 11 regional sites means we can offer a very attractive one-stop shop service to industry – particularly food producers, pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturers and distributors.” The new collection scheme complements WasteCare’s existing wide range of waste services. For further information – go to: www.packcare.co.uk

WEEE are the greatest

27th Feb 2008

WeeeCare not only managed to retain it’s position as the compliance scheme with the largest membership, it now with over 840 registered members including British Electric Lamps, Aldi and netto also achieved 100% retention of the previously signed up members who are still active. With further enrolment WeeeCare look to push the 1000 member count by the middle of 2008. For more information, true compliance cost online and electronic applications.

Off the Rails

20th Feb 2008

Network Rail divides their national infrastructure into 5 areas. At their first time of tendering, we have secured an exclusive contract for collection of all hazardous wastes from all their trackside facilities from the LNE and Kent regions. Initial container deliveries, site clearances and collections have been made from all sites involved. We have been credited for turning an environmentally hazardous rail network into one of compliance and production and transport have played a large part.

All becomes clear to Autoglass

10th Jan 2008

During the Q3 of last year, Autoglass tendered a hazardous waste service for all 131 of their UK and Southern Ireland sites. During Q4 the decision was made and we won the tender, by the end of Jan 08 we had successfully rolled out the service to every site. The customers’ expectations are high and with the focused help of each depot, we have equaled their requirements. Initial collections have already begun, although the annual spend is unclear as Autoglass has never undertaken such as service.

WeeeCollect for Businesses free

Jan 2008

WeeeCare has teamed up with City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council to launch a specially-designed B2B collection service for businesses in the district. Called WeeeCollect, the service will be rolled out to other local authorities later in the year.  Fred Twiddy, Bradford’s Waste Services Manager, explains that businesses will not just be recycling their WEEE, they will also be improving national recycling rates and helping to reduce the amount of environmentally hazardous waste sent to landfill. Peter Hunt, Chief Executive of WasteCare, WeeeCare’s parent company, said: “Businesses can call us and we will collect any volume and type of WEEE.  Obligated waste will be collected free, while there will be a small fixed fee for non-obligated waste.  The waste will then be treated and recycled free.” Obligated WEEE is defined in the WEEE Regulations as discarded electrical and electronic equipment which was first put on the market after 13 August 2005 or is being replaced with a new item. To arrange a collection, businesses need to telephone 0844 800 2004.

Data Muddle

Jan 08

More than four months after the first compliance period ended, the Environment Authority (EA) has still to publish the final weights of WEEE collected in the UK. This information is needed so that compliance schemes can advise producers on their evidence requirements for 2007 and the cost of their individual responsibility. There is a major muddle over the relevant data.  One compliance scheme has overstated its collections by a factor of 1,000, while SEPA had previously understated the volume collected in Scotland - affecting the cost to all other schemes by more than 17 per cent. As a result, the EA has extended the deadline for compliance schemes to report their final figures  from the end of January until the end of April, triggering a cash-flow  crisis across the country as those companies handling waste from civic amenity sites have been unable to get paid since last July. Fortunately, WeeeCare members need not worry. Firstly, WeeeCare has balanced its members’ need for evidence with physical recycling of WEEE and, secondly, has introduced underwritten fees so all members can lock in the cost and remove any exposure to market swings.

Onsite treatment of photo-waste

25th Nov 2007

The long awaited decision on whether photographic laboratories and mini-labs are permitted to treat waste photo chemicals on-site without a license has now been reached. The Environment Agency's Low Risk Activity Group on Tuesday 9 October has considered arguments both for and against allowing the discharge of photo waste to drain after on-site treatment. After careful consideration of the impact to the environment and potential risk to health the committee has decided that this activity is subject to Regulation and cannot be considered low risk. The implication of this decision is that any business wishing to operate on-site equipment for the treatment of photographic chemicals will require both specific discharge consent as well as a full waste management license. The EA have stresses that they will prosecute existing operations if they fail to apply for the appropriate licenses. This ruling is likely to have impact on other sectors, subject to future rulings by the LRAG.

WasteCare Online

Four years after its launch, WasteCare-online remains the only instant online waste recycling solution. Recently expanded to cover every known waste stream, waste producers are able to obtain an instant quote, arrange a collection anywhere in Britain and Ireland, then track the waste all the way to recovery.  www.wastecare.co.uk.