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China – researchers turn waste into cost-cutting resin

Scientists at East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) have worked out a waste-recycle technology to turn plastic waste such as coke bottles into corrosion-proof substances for chemical-industry use. China.org cites the Shanghai Daily and reports that the technology, which has been awarded a national patent and won one …

Mais »

USA – plastic bag industry pleads for recycling

Following the near-constant news of planned polyethylene bag bans from around America, Resource Recycling magazine reports that bag processors are launching a campaign to educate consumers about the importance of recycling the sacks. "Without a significant change in consumer behavior, this issue will continue forever," said Pete Grande, chief executive …

Mais »

Italy – Naples burns as residents protest at garbage crisis

Sanitation officials in Naples are desperately opening temporary rubbish dumps this weekend as short-term relief from a refuse-collection crisis that has closed schools and sent angry Italian residents on to streets at night to set fire to hundreds of mounds of uncollected waste. The UK Observer reports that Neapolitans took …

Mais »

UK: the energy from waste explosion

Here is a reflection published at mondaq.com by Michelle Thomas, partner and Peter McCormack, associate in the Renewable & Clean Energy team at international law firm Eversheds. The energy from waste market across Europe is set to explode. The limit on the amount of waste to landfill, as directed by …

Mais »

China – Hong Kong legislator hits out at `punitive‘ plastic bag tax

The government should strengthen public education instead of implementing a plastic bag tax – criticized as "punitive" and "short-sighted" – to cut usage of bags. The Hong Kong Standard reports that a lawmaker, the industry and an environmentalist made the call at City Forum Sunday in response to the government‘‘s …

Mais »

China environmental levy on plastic shopping bags proposed in Hong Kong

The Environmental Protection Department has proposal on an environmental levy on plastic shopping bags, with a view to seeking comments and support from the stakeholders and the public. "The territory is facing an imminent and serious waste problem. Among these wastes, more than 23 million plastic shopping bags are disposed …

Mais »

Italy – Rome householders urged to support separate collection

In 2005 Rome residents produced an average of 693 kg of rubbish per person, according to national environment agency APAT (agenzia per la protezione dell‘‘ambiente e per i servizi tecnici). In the same year Italy as a whole generated 31.7 million tonnes of waste, 1.6 million more than in 2003. …

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Canada – Toronto executive committee backs ‘pay-as-you-throw‘

Toronto homeowners will feel it in the wallet if they put out more than a bag of garbage every two weeks if measures approved unanimously yesterday by a key city committee win council approval next month. The Toronto Globe & Mail reports that under new user fee rules slated for …

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USA – new bricks made from coal plant waste

New research suggests bricks made out of the ashes from coal fires are both structurally and environmentally solid. UPI reports that the alternatives to clay bricks, which take more energy to produce, are also cheaper, LiveScience reported. Traditional clay bricks need extreme heat for production, while coal ash bricks can …

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Como quantificar e contabilizar os resíduos industriais

Produzidos em todos os estágios das atividades humanas, os resíduos, em termos tanto de composição como de volume, variam em função das práticas de consumo e dos métodos de produção. As principais preocupações estão voltadas para as repercussões que podem ter sobre a saúde humana e sobre o meio ambiente …

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