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The state of the environment across Europe has improved in several respects over the past decade, but much of the progress is likely to be wiped out by economic growth because governments have yet to make significant strides towards decoupling environmental pressures from economic activity. This is one of the …

The US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) is seeking applications for the development and implementation of a mercury lamp recycling outreach programme. In FY 2002 Congress appropriated funds to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the development and implementation of a lamp (light bulb) recycling outreach programme to increase awareness …

There has been a deal of media interest in the new plastic bag tax, introduced by the South African Government early in May. Here are some extracts (some before the tax was introduced, some after) from articles by the SA Broadcasting Corporation: South Africans not happy to pay for plastic …

For years, the slopes of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, were littered with heaps of oxygen bottles, food packets, tents, batteries, and other climbing paraphernalia left behind by mountaineers. “An estimated minimum of 290 tons and a maximum of 1,115 tons of garbage have been left in the area,” …

Too much waste incineration could deter efforts to reduce waste, warns an official from Sweden’s Environmental Protection Agency. EDIE news service reports that the battle continues over whether municipal waste should be recycled or incinerated, with a director at Sweden’s EPA responding to a letter from waste experts warning that …

A new geographical information system (GIS) that is soon to be launched will allow firms in the construction and demolition industries to reduce their transport of bulky waste by locating the nearest most suitable waste management site. Edie reports that the system will be web-based, and will be launched in …

A biomass team in the Berlin district of Pankow is developing plans to heat two greenhouses with biogas plants fired by local green waste. Although planning permission has not yet been granted, the demonstration project has received lottery funding due to its potential contribution to Local Agenda 21 in the …

A project to encourage more sustainable waste management practices in the UK furniture manufacturing industry is underway, thanks to a £93,254 grant from Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by RSNC, which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services. BFM Ltd aim to look at more sustainable …

This is an interesting feature from the Nashua Telegraph (New Hampshire USA), which is also running a local poll on the same issue. Nashua’s Solid Waste Department, in the midst of a major overhaul of city trash collection, is on the brink of squandering a great opportunity. The department is …

Green groups have launched a campaign to make industry take back products such as computers and televisions at the end of their life cycle, warning they will push for regulations if recycling schemes are not forthcoming this year. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that computers contain a number of hazardous …