In Episode 58 of the Rubbish Talk Podcast, we sit down with Richard Coulson, Chair of the Wood Recyclers’ Association (WRA), to discuss the world of wood waste, recycling and sustainable practices. Richard has over two decades of experience in the waste wood sector, spanning procurement for biomass industries and panel boards. He is also currently working as the Biomass Procurement Manager at RWE, a global leader in power generation.
Richard begins by giving us an overview of his work with the WRA, where he’s been actively involved for over 11 years. The WRA was founded in 2001 by a small group of industry pioneers looking to create a collective voice for wood recyclers. Today, the WRA boasts over 120 members, managing more than 90% of the UK’s wood waste annually. The association represents a wide range of stakeholders, from waste producers and re-processors to end-users like biomass plants and panel board manufacturers.
As Richard explains, wood waste comes in many forms, including materials from construction, demolition, and household waste. The industry uses a grading system to categorise wood waste, from the cleanest materials (Grade A) to hazardous waste (Grade D). Richard sheds light on the difficulties of working with treated woods, such as telegraph poles and railway sleepers, which are unsuitable for recycling and must be dealt with through hazardous waste incineration. He emphasises the work the WRA has done to ensure that recycled wood is used safely and compliantly, even in the face of sometimes outdated regulations.
One of the association’s major victories has been proving, through scientific studies, that only a minimal amount of wood waste contains hazardous materials—an important step toward ensuring a safe and sustainable recycling process.
Richard is passionate about the future of the industry, particularly the move towards sustainable forestry and carbon capture technology. He’s excited about the potential for growing more domestic commercial forestry to meet the growing demand for low-carbon timber products. He also touches on the challenges of legislative change, particularly in relation to biomass energy, and advocates for a sensible, risk-based approach to regulation.
From his beginnings in retail to his pivotal role in the wood recycling and biomass sectors, Richard’s career trajectory has been one of both opportunity and impact. His deep understanding of procurement, recycling, and waste management has shaped his leadership style, and he encourages young professionals to explore the many avenues available in the wood recycling and waste sectors. Whether you’re interested in operations, marketing, legal or IT there’s a place for everyone in this growing field.
As we wrap up the episode, Richard reflects on the tremendous progress the wood recycling industry has made over the last 20 years and looks forward to the continued growth of sustainable practices. The WRA’s efforts in advocating for better regulation, creating jobs, and reducing carbon emissions are paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Stay tuned to the Rubbish Talk Podcast for more insightful discussions on the world of recycling and waste management.
Useful Links 🔗
Richard Coulson is fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society
Richard Coulson – ENDS Power List 2024
Environmental News Updates 🌍
Scientists Create New Method to Recycle Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Vegetable Oil
Jane and Alasdair discuss the breakthrough in battery recycling.
A new method from the University of Leicester uses vegetable oil and water to purify lithium-ion battery black mass at room temperature. This innovative process could revolutionise battery recycling by safely extracting precious metals like lithium, nickel, and cobalt. Alasdair sees it as a game changer, given the dangerous nature of traditional methods, while Jane highlights its potential to make recycling safer and more efficient.
Fly-Tipping Incidents Increase by 6% for the 2023-24 Year
Jane and Alasdair reflect on the rise in fly-tipping.
DEFRA reports a 6% rise in fly-tipping incidents in England, with 688,000 involving household waste. Alasdair and Jane are frustrated, pointing to a lack of responsibility from some people when it comes to waste disposal. They discuss the challenge of managing this growing problem and the need for consistent waste management solutions across the UK.
Toxic Town: Netflix Documentary About the Tragic Contamination in Corby
Jane and Alasdair discuss the Netflix documentary on land contamination in Corby.
The documentary “Toxic Town” reveals how toxic dust from Corby’s steelworks led to land contamination and health issues in the community. Alasdair highlights it as a reminder of the importance of proper hazardous waste management, while Jane laments how incidents like this tarnish the reputation of the whole industry.
Glasgow’s Southside Tool Library: Borrow, Don’t Buy!
Jane and Alasdair explore the rise of tool libraries.
The Glasgow Southside Tool Library offers a wide range of tools for borrowing, promoting a sustainable, low-waste alternative to buying. Jane is fascinated by the variety of items, while Alasdair sees it as a smart way to reduce clutter and consumption. They both agree that this concept is a great example of sustainable living.
Albion News
Rubbish Talk on TikTok!
We’re now posting Rubbish Talk clips with visuals on our existing TikTok page, as well as on LinkedIn and Facebook! Previously, we were audio-only, but with these short clips, you can now watch the discussions along with the audio. Be sure to like, share and follow us for all the latest updates and insights from the podcast!
Rubbish Talk’s Growing Global Audience!
In a delightful surprise, Rubbish Talk now has 59 international listeners, with one particularly curious listener from Vanuatu! Jane and Alasdair joke about the mysterious Vanuatu connection and encourage listeners from around the globe to reach out and introduce themselves. With 90% of their audience still based in the UK, they’re thrilled to see Rubbish Talk reaching far and wide. If you’re listening from outside the UK, especially if you’re from Vanuatu, get in touch—we would love to hear from you! Email us at: hello@rubbishtalk.co.uk
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Rubbish Talk Strava Club: The Challenge Continues
The Rubbish Talk Strava challenge is picking up momentum! This month’s challenge is at least 25 minutes of activity for 25 days.
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