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News in brief (31/10/2024)

With news on: ESA launches new Halloween assets as part of its Take Charge campaign; Re-Gen goes pink to raise awareness of breast cancer; Fratelli Esposito implements new automatic clothes sorting line; and Staffordshire county council launches new campaign to increase recycling rates.


ESA launches Halloween batteries campaign

The Environmental Services Association (ESA) has released a series of social media graphics for the waste sector to use to increase public awareness about incorrectly binned batteries this Halloween.

The assets form a part of its Take Charge campaign which aims to alert the public to the dangers batteries, and electronic devices containing batteries, can pose when they are discarded incorrectly alongside general waste and dry recycling.

The graphics are light-hearted and feature a range of characters who are shouting the “fast facts” of statistics related to battery fires and the rate at which batteries are improperly discarded.

The social media assets are free to use and are accompanied by a supporter guide which contains suggested text for the bodies of the posts. They are formatted for Instagram and Facebook and can be downloaded here.

Batteries pose a significant fire risk, with waste management company Veolia reporting in August that it was seeing an average of one fire a day from e-waste.


Re-Gen goes pink for Breast Cancer

Recycling company Re-Gen has wrapped its bales in pink to raise awareness of breast cancer.

The company said it hopes that the move will serve as a visual reminder of its support for those with breast cancer.

Employee Avril Harrison, whose life has been touched by the illness, said she wanted to share her story to help those who’ve just received a diagnosis or are currently undergoing treatment.

“Going through breast cancer was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever faced,” said Harrison, who was diagnosed in 2023.

“The support I received from my family, friends, colleagues, medical team and organisations like Macmillan Cancer Support and Action Cancer made all the difference.

“Early detection is essential, but just as important is having the right support system in place. No one should face this journey alone.”

The NHS offers breast screening services, and organisations like Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Now, Action Cancer, and Friends of the Cancer Centre provide essential emotional, practical, and financial assistance.


Fratelli Esposito sorts reused clothes with automatic sorting line

Fratelli Esposito, an Italian business specialising in the management and classification of used clothing, has signed an agreement for the installation of an automatic clothing sorting line by composition and colour at its Marcianise plant.

The plant is already said to handle 100 tonnes of used clothing and footwear daily and is equipped with automation systems. Used clothes are then given a new life through a selection and regeneration process, allowing garments to be ready for reuse and sold in various markets worldwide.

In the coming months, the plant will be upgraded with the new PICVISA automatic line, designed to classify garments into 24 different categories using a dual conveyor system, said to have the capacity to process up to two tonnes of clothing per hour.

This project is part of Fratelli Esposito’s strategic plan to optimise the management of clothing destined for both the second-hand market and textile recycling.


Staffordshire county council launches new recycling campaign

Staffordshire county council has launched a new campaign to improve its recycling rates.

The six-month campaign will run in Newcastle and in parts of East Staffordshire and will remind people about what materials can be recycled. With support from district and borough councils, it will focus on eight materials: paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, cans, glass bottles, tin foil, plastic pots, tubs and trays, and aerosols.

Alongside a social media campaign, stickers will be places on general waste bins with a reminder to pause and consider if an item can be recycled.

Simon Tagg, cabinet member for the environment at Staffordshire county council said: “This is a great campaign and a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference in our community.

“Rather than focusing on what can’t be recycled, the campaign will highlight the positives by showing how much material can be recycled.  It will also show people how easy it is to do, once you know what can be recycled.

“By working together, we can create a sustainable and environmentally friendly community for Staffordshire and everyone living here.”

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