China – Plastic Bags set to be banned

China has launched a crackdown on plastic bags, banning production of ultra-thin bags and forbidding supermarkets and shops from handing out free carriers from June 1. Chinese news agency Xinhua reports that the government will impose limits on the use of plastic bags starting on June 1, as part of …

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Italy – army tackles Naples waste chaos

Reuters reports that Italy‘‘s army began shifting mountains of rubbish from schools and streets in the region around Naples on Monday to keep the city from grinding to a halt after more than two weeks of garbage crisis. Protesters angered at plans to revive a landfill in their neighborhood clashed …

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Wales – Rocket composter for university waste

A new composting machine is turning students‘‘ leftovers at Aberystwyth University into food for plants. BBC Online reports that the Rocket composter can cope with 1.2 tonnes (1,750 litres) per week and takes just 14 days to convert waste from cafes into garden food. Leftovers from kitchens at the students‘‘ …

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Canada – plastic bags banned in Quebec town

Huntingdon has became the first Quebec municipality to go plastic bag free – at store check-out counters, at least – and the transition has been surprisingly painless, merchants say. Canada.com reports that the Huntingdon bylaw means no retail outlet can distribute plastic bags, no advertiser can deliver fliers in plastic …

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Italy – rubbish torched in Naples crisis

Rubbish is blocking some streets and leaving an unpleasant smell. Piles of rubbish have been set alight by residents in Naples angered by a continuing row about refuse. Local dumps are completely full and communities have blocked attempts to build new ones in their areas. BBC Online reports that refuse …

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