To find the biggest news stories from the Energy from Waste sector, read out bulletin.

Environmental Agency has opened a consultation on updated charges that tackle waste crime

Waste crime costs the economy £1 billion in damages yearly. In reaction to this, the EA has announced plans for new charges, including a waste levy, waste fees for intervention and registration and compliance charges for waste exemptions. The EA hopes this will protect “legitimate private landowners and rural businesses” from the costs of illegally dumped waste. The consultation is open now. You can find it here. 

New research reveals that half of Londoners incorrectly dispose of their electricals

The North London Waste Authority (NLWA) found that over half of London residents have experienced signs of a damaged battery. Recently, the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management said that incorrectly disposed batteries are causing a “major crisis” for the waste sector, including an increase in fires. The NLWA’s figures support this, with a 200% increase in fires caused by lithium batteries at north London’s waste and recycling facilities in just eight months. They have called for the Government to step in.

SUEZ is celebrating 40 years of waste management in Blackpool this week

Since its opening in 1984, the waste transfer station (which is off Chapel Road in Blackpool) has managed more than 4 million tonnes of household and business waste. The equivalent weight of 20 large cruise ships. SUEZ took over management of the station in 2000 from Lancashire Waste Services. Victoria Crabtree, Regional Manager for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK said: “I look forward to seeing what the next 40 years brings for the industry as we look to reduce waste and move towards a more circular economy.”

Reducing plastic production by 40% will not meet Paris Agreement targets, report finds

Proposals were made by Rwanda and Peru at the fourth round of plastic treaty negotiations, calling for a global target to reduce plastic production by 40% by 2040. However, a report by Eunomia and the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has concluded that the 40x40 proposal would not keep the industry within the Paris Agreement’s <1.5°C Carbon Budget. Discover more about the report's findings here.