Last year, we explored the varying cost of garden waste permit costs across Scotland’s councils. In 2024, 21 out of 32 councils charged residents for brown bin collections—a move aimed at recovering costs but fraught with inconsistency. In 2025, that number has grown, and many councils have revised their pricing, frequencies or service …
The Garden Waste Debate: Scotland’s Council Permits in 2025 Read More »
Teatime is a moment of relaxation for many—but what if your tea bag is brewing more than just your favourite blend? In recent years, researchers have uncovered an unsettling truth: some tea bags contain microplastics. These tiny plastic particles are seeping into your cup, leaving you with more than just a warm beverage to sip …
Is Your Tea Bag Brewing More Than Just Tea? The Microplastic Dilemma Read More »
It is the last week in November 1994. The Director of Cleansing sits in Lotland Street, Inverness and wonders whether he should attend the Civic Reception later on for the Bahamas Dentists’ Association who are holding their Annual Congress in Inverness. The phone rings and Mandy says ‘the Chieffie wants to see you in his …
“A Winter’s Tale” – By John Crawford, CIWM Life Member Read More »
It had taken my first four months at Inverness to win the respect and confidence of the workforce and let them see I’d fight their corner when necessary. The two Shop Stewards came in one Friday afternoon with the General Foreman to ask ‘for a word’. They were very concerned about a country road (by …
“A Special Committee Meeting?” – By John Crawford, CIWM Life Member Read More »
It’s late April 1968. The new Student in the Burgh Surveyor’s Office at Saltcoats is scrutinising readings he’d taken earlier with a dumpy level to check the gradient of a new sewer when the Surveyor comes in. ‘Did you say at your Interview last month you’d passed the driving test’? ‘Yes’ ‘Well here’s …
“The tale of the new Apprentice” – By John Crawford, CIWM Life Member Read More »
A November Thursday in Fort William in the early 1980s. My mate John Milligan has brought up a Glover Webb Refuse Collection Vehicle on Demo for Lochaber District Council and as is the custom, is expected to travel in it round a collection route with the crew. It hasn’t stopped raining all day. Around …
“DEMO DAY!” – By John Crawford, CIWM Life Member Read More »
At Rubbish Talk, we’re passionate about cutting through the noise to bring you the latest on critical environmental issues, especially when it comes to tackling plastic waste. Last week’s Global Plastics Treaty negotiations in Busan, South Korea, were a pivotal moment in the fight against plastic pollution. While there were mixed outcomes, the talks highlighted …
Join us for a deep dive into Scotland’s waste management landscape, as presented by Alasdair Meldrum at the Resource in Scotland Conference on November 14th. This session explores Scotland’s waste production, recycling metrics, and opportunities for improvement within the industry. Key Points: Waste Production Overview: Scotland produces around 10 million tonnes of waste annually—roughly …
Resourcing Scotland Conference Introduction by Alasdair Meldrum Read More »
The Welsh Government is consulting on proposed changes to the criteria for the lower rate of Landfill Disposals Tax (LDT). This consultation seeks public input on refining the list of qualifying materials to ensure the lower rate is applied only to wastes that pose a lower environmental risk. Current Rates of Landfill Disposals Tax in …
Welsh Government Proposes Changes to Landfill Disposals Tax Read More »
Littering and fly tipping remain significant environmental challenges in Scotland, with substantial efforts focused on reducing these issues through enforcement mechanisms. However, a review of the current enforcement practices reveals both strengths and areas in need of improvement. Littering and fly tipping have long plagued urban and rural areas, causing environmental degradation and public …
Review of Enforcement of Litter and Flytipping Offences in Scotland – By Helanna Cooper Read More »
