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Close to 90 per cent of Nova Scotians now have access to kerbside collection of organic waste. A new kerbside organic waste programme started by Cape Breton Regional Municipality complements similar programs in other municipalities throughout the province. Also, all Nova Scotians have access to kerbside collection of recyclable materials …

Major retailers have begun to make efforts to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags, through such measures as charging for the bags, discounting the price of the purchase if customers do not use a bag or by distributing free, reusable shopping bags. But, reports the Daily Yomiuri, retailers still …

The price of televisions and computers could soon jump as state and federal governments consider up-front recycling fees on expensive electrical equipment to reduce landfill. The Age newspaper reports that Victorian Environment Minister John Thwaites has backed the plan and said the up-front fee recycling approach could be applied to …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …