This week we welcome Duncan Simpson as our guest, who has worked in the Recycling and Waste Industry for majority of his career.
Duncan has worked in both public and private sectors over the years as well as engaging partnerships with third-sector entities. Duncan then went on to starting his own business in May 2020 – Duncan Simpson Associates which provides strategic advice for Waste Management Companies, as well as voluntary work with SWITCH, RMAS and CIWM.
In this episode Duncan discusses how he found his way within the industry and how the environment has always interested him since a young age.
After working in cartographic surveying, Duncan decided to study at Dundee where he gained a degree in Town and Regional Planning, master’s in technology management and specialised in risk management and waste management.
He began working with Dundee City Council in the 90s which gave Duncan a great start within the Waste Industry by introducing many new recycling strategies, which then led to Duncan becoming a Recycling Officer and progressing further throughout the Waste & Recycling Sector.
Useful Links
Duncan Simpson Linked In Profile
Environmental News Updates
Repair Café Glasgow – Bring You’re broken stuff and we’ll try to fix it!
Repair Café Glasgow was founded in 2018 on the principles of Repair Café International, and built upon the idea that our possessions have lots of life left in them when we maintain and repair them. Every month people volunteer to help repair broken things such as clothes, small appliances, garden tools, jewellery, electronics, toys and much more.
Laura Young – Scottish Influencer of the Year 2024
Laura was awarded the overall Scottish Influencer of the Year for 2024 for work advocating for climate and environmental justice online, particularly focussing on the campaign work she has done around banning disposable vapes in the UK! Listen to Laura’s journey here on Episode 17 of Rubbish Talk.
Vape Retailers Slam Councils for ‘Lack of Interest’ in Recycling
The UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA) has criticised local authorities for a lack of interest and investment into the collection and recycling of electronic cigarettes. Even though it is not the local councils responsibility in this area, it is the vape suppliers/retailers that should be taking responsibility for this issue.
LARAC Hits Back at Vape Retailer’s Criticism of Councils
LARAC has hit back at the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), which criticised local authorities for a “lack of interest and investment” into the collection and recycling of electronic cigarettes. The association’s Vice Chair James Ward said: “”LARAC is extremely disappointed at the criticism levelled at local authorities by UKVIA. The reality is that councils are managing the impact of dealing with vapes on a regular basis.”
Hunt to Raise Landfill Tax by 21% to Boost Waste Sector Investment
Hunt’s spring Budget announced increases in landfill tax rates effective from April 1, 2025, with the standard rate rising to £126.15 per tonne and the lower rate to £4.05 per tonne. These adjustments are expected to generate approximately £50 million annually for the Treasury. The landfill tax typically follows the Retail Price Index (RPI), but due to high inflation rates, the recent increases are considered a one-off measure. The plastic packaging tax will increase according to the Consumer Price Index (CPI), while the aggregates levy will rise in line with RPI. Additionally, the Budget introduced plans for a levy on vapes, requiring producers to furnish HMRC with waste disposal records.
Albion News
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Our popular 1 Day and 2 Day REHIS Courses are running again this Spring!
1 Day Course – REHIS Introduction to Waste Management Legislation Course will be running: Thursday 16th May 2024
2 Day Course – REHIS Working with Waste Management Legislation Course will be running: Monday 29th April 2024 – Tuesday 30th April 2024
For more information on the courses please click here or for any queries, use contact details below:
email: kirstie@albion-environmental.co.uk
telephone: 01292 610428