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 …
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 »
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 »
