Episode 37: John Ferguson, Head of Strategy at Binn Eco Park in Tayside

In Episode 37 of the Rubbish Talk Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome a special guest, John Ferguson, Head of Strategy at Binn Eco Park in Tayside, who has been an integral part of Binn Eco Park’s development for nearly 15 years!

 

John takes us on a journey through the evolution of Binn Eco Park. He shares insights on how the site was developed from a skip company into a pioneering eco park, emphasizing the many opportunities for diversification, including their ground breaking energy waste plant and plastics project.

 

A key focus of our discussion is John’s recent paper on microplastics and nanoplastics, published with the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining. John explains how recycling plastics, while essential, creates microplastics that become vectors for further environmental contamination. He highlights the urgent need to address this issue, stressing its importance for our ecosystems and water quality.

 

John’s career journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Initially aspiring to be a doctor, he later worked on oil rigs, studied plant biochemistry, followed by a master’s degree in soils and water engineering and was involved in raising awareness through events like Fife Aid in 1985. This diverse background eventually led him to a lifelong commitment to the waste sector. He has held various roles, including Head of the Waste Strategy Team at SEPA from

2000-2010, where he published Scotland’s first National Waste Strategy in 2003.

 

We chat about the rapid evolution of plastics and the waste sector’s struggle to keep pace. Despite the challenges, John’s dedication remains unwavering as he works to influence and improve waste management practices.

 

John shares personal insights into how he relaxes and maintains balance in his life. Gardening, spending time with his wife, and his involvement with the Church are essential parts of his routine. These activities provide a foundation for his well-being and keep him grounded amid his demanding career.

 

John’s vision for the future includes seeing the full realization of Binn Eco Park and growing the regional economy. He passionately believes in the power of the waste sector to influence and support every part of society, urging young people to see beyond the stereotypes of waste management.

 

John’s advice to the younger generation is to showcase successful projects that make a tangible difference. Demonstrating real-world impact is the best way to inspire and convince others of the importance and potential of a career in the waste sector.

 

Useful Link

Binn Group Website

 

Environmental News Updates

Tories poised to ‘break another environmental promise’ as hopes of peat ban fade (inews.co.uk)

The Conservatives are poised to break another promise on the environment as a proposed ban on the sale of peat compost to gardeners looks likely to fail. The extraction of peat to use in gardens has played a major role in damaging England’s peatlands to the point where the vast majority are now degraded.

 

Boris Johnson’s government pledged to act to outlaw the environmentally endangered soil for domestic use by the end of 2024, but Rishi Sunak has not made it a priority and refused to introduce legislation for this parliamentary term priority and now alternative private members bill is expected to be killed.

 

AI-Powered Recycling Start up Raises £1.65 Million To Solve Material Sorting Gap

London-based recycling tech business, Sorted, has raised £1.65 million in a seed funding round. The group’s technology enables human pickers to better sort and recover targeted materials. Using computer vision, spectroscopy and coloured lasers driven by AI, their solution identifies, differentiates, and pinpoints valuable items on recycling lines. This unique use of AI offers a digitised solution to a very physical problem.

 

Bin Lorry Battery Fires Up 70% Since 2022

Lithium-ion batteries discarded in household rubbish caused 1,200 fires in the waste system over the past 12 months, new research shows, up from 700 just two years ago.

 

There search, conducted and commissioned by Material Focus, found that 1.6 billion batteries were thrown away in the past year – over 3,000 a minute, including 1.1 billion electrical items containing lithium-ion batteries.

 

To hear more about recycling electricals, check out Episode 15 with Scott Butler. With his team he has created and curated the UK wide Recycle Your Electricals behaviour change campaign.

 

Police, Environment Agency and Councils Investigate Dump Site at Raspberry Hill Park Farm

A probe is underway into a suspected illegal dump site on farmland near a village. Kent County Council (KCC) confirmed it was working alongside Swale council, the Environment Agency (EA), and police to investigate suspicious activity at Raspberry Hill Park Farm in Iwade near Sittingbourne.

 

It comes almost a year after the EA blocked access to an unrelated site less than 10 miles away in East church on Sheppey, known locally as East church Gap, where waste was being dumped illegally.

 

Volunteer Litter Picker Collects an Astounding Amount of Litter on Back Roads Between Muirkirk and Douglas

A huge shout out to the dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly to clean up the mess between the A70 between Muirkirk and Douglas – a full bag every 20m. The amount of littering in Scotland is unacceptable – let’s all take responsibility and keep our community clean!

 

Albion News

Upcoming Training Courses:

Household Waste Recycling Centre Operators Course (HWRC)

Asbestos Awareness

Further courses also available:

For more information on the courses please contact us with any queries: kirstie@albion-environmental.co.uk/ 01292 610428

 

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