Waste Minimisation

The management of solid waste in the United Kingdom has undergone profound changes over the past two centuries, reflecting broader shifts in urbanisation, public health, technology, and environmental awareness. What began as rudimentary disposal methods has evolved into a highly regulated, multi-stream collection system designed to minimise environmental impact and promote resource recovery.   In …

From Dustmen to Wheelie Bins: The Evolution of Household Waste Management in the UK Read More »

A new initiative has been announced, offering a £45,000 fund to support paper cup recycling projects across the UK. The scheme, backed by major high street brands including Costa Coffee, McDonald’s, Pret a Manger, Caffè Nero, Lavazza Professional, Greggs and Burger King, aims to encourage innovative approaches to tackling the country’s single-use cup problem.   …

Paper Cup Recycling Fund: Token Gesture or Genuine Solution? Read More »

An opinion piece by John Crawford, Life Member CIWM   FOR most council cleansing officers, the end of the summer holidays means reorganising weekday workloads to cope with clearing up the additional litter and mess left at secondary school gates after lunch breaks.   Despite working in the business for decades I’d never been able to …

Back to School, Back to Litter Problems Read More »

An opinion piece by John Crawford, Life Member CIWM   Although our numbers dwindle year on year, there are still a few Members of the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland who will recall the position we took in 1992 when it emerged that the Westminster Government intended to set up a new Scotland-wide organisation …

Has SEPA Ran It’s Race? Read More »

What you need to know  Effective from 31 December 2025, landfill operators across Scotland will no longer be permitted to accept biodegradable municipal waste (BMW) for disposal. This milestone marks a significant step in Scotland’s journey toward a circular economy and sustainable waste management.    What is Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW)?  BMW typically includes household …

Scotland’s Biodegradable Municipal Waste Landfill Ban Read More »

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 »