Ayr based Albion Environmental Ltd, have recently moved from our premises in York Street to the former home of Newton on Ayr Gas Company, Damside, Ayr.  Built in the early 20th century, the category ‘C’ listed building has undergone extensive refurbishment, and we have now officially taken up residence although the office address for correspondence and contact details remain the same; 24 Carrick Park, Ayr, KA7 2SL Tel. 01292 610 428, www.albion-environmental.co.uk.
Albion Environmental Limited was established in 2002 and has developed into one of the UK’s leading specialists in waste management, environmental, health and safety solutions.  We deliver strategic advice, support and training to the waste management and construction industries in both the public and private sectors.  

We strive to provide a focused, client facing Waste Management Consultancy service together with design and operational support for Waste Management Facilities, contract procurement, management and supervision of construction contracts, including progress, quality, variations, CDM and CQA requirements, Waste and Environmental Training, Health and Safety and Management Systems.
We specialise in providing the necessary consultancy support and supervision to a full range of waste management operations including landfill, waste transfer stations, composting centres, recycling centres and civic amenity sites.
The move to the new premises heralds a new chapter in the continued expansion and success of Albion Environmental Ltd.

• Understanding the bigger picture; Circular Economy (Closed Loop Recycling)
• Knowing about local issues;
• Contamination;
• Engaging with the public;

If you are interested in arranging sessions for your Local Authority, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Recovering energy from waste (EfW) is playing an increasing role in generating ‘low carbon’ energy and will play a vital contribution towards the UK’s target of having 15% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020.
One current issue with waste derived fuel (WDF) is variability of the quality of the product. This can present problems for both the producer and consumer of WDFs, creating uncertainty in a developing market.
The WRAP scheme aims to provide clear classification of WDF properties for use by EfW facilities.
The system classifies the fuel properties of WDF against three main criteria: economic, technical, and environmental. Within each of these criteria there are further three characteristics that will affect the quality of the WDF. Each characteristic is given a classification rating between one and five.
The scheme outlines the BS EN standards for performing the various tests required to classify the WDF and has a worked example.
The classification scheme should help to provide some certainty over the quality of the WDF product and its suitability for use in thermal treatment or other combustion plants. 
For more information about the WDF classification scheme, and to read the whole document, visit the WRAP website:
Albion Environmental can provide advice and support about the new WDF classification scheme, assist with sampling requirements and arrange suitable testing schedules with laboratories.
For further information please do not hesitate to contact us

Albion Environmental is pleased to announce another successful BSI audit for Levenseat’s ISO 14001 Environmental Management System. Albion Environmental has assisted in the development and maintenance of the Environmental Management System since 2008 by providing internal audits and continued support.
Levenseat is a rapidly expanding Waste Management company offering a variety of recycling and disposal solutions. Their ISO 14001 Environmental Management System is now half way through the second cycle of the three year re-certification and is accredited by BSI.
Albion Environmental specialise in providing Quality, Environmental and Health and Safety Management Systems for construction and waste management clients to the standards:
• BS EN ISO 9001:2008, Quality Management System
• BS EN ISO 14001:2004, Environmental Management System
• BS EN ISO 18001:2007, Occupational Health and Safety Management System
For more information about Management Systems and how they could benefit your company please contact:
Alasdair Meldrum – Director
07789 902 678
alasdair@albion-environmental.co.uk
 

Another Albion Environmental Employee gains CIWM Membership.

In March, Jonathan Love, QUENSH advisor and Monitoring Manager successfully completed his CIWM interview to become a member of the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management.

Congratulations Jonathan.

Jonathan joins members of experienced Albion Environmental Team including  Alasdair Meldrum, Sam Grant & Gerry McCabe as a fully fledged member of the CIWM.

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), is the professional body which represents waste and resource professionals working in the sustainable waste and resource management sectors worldwide. CIWM sets the professional standards for individuals working in the industry and has various grades of membership determined by education, qualification and experience.

WAMITAB made their 6 monthly External Verification visit to Albion Environmental Ltd. This was another positive visit for Albion.   
 
The visit was review and ensure that all the necessary documentation was in place. The WAMITAB verifier was impressed with the centre setup noted in her report

 “This Centre is well run and to a high standard, using extensive and robust systems, clear strategy and plans. Internal verification is provided in a supportive manner with constructive feedback for Assessors. There is a regular skills check carried out for Assessors/IVs and updating of skills when required.

Candidates’ needs are well catered for with a comprehensive induction process which ensures that candidates understand their commitment and the role and commitment that will be provided by the Assessor”
 
For more information on what Albion Environmental Ltd can offer in terms of WAMITAB qualifications, please do not hesitate to contact us.
 

With a government led push for a zero waste society and a wide gap in available landfill alternatives coupled with an increase in overseas demand for alternative fuels, SRF/RDF exports to Europe and further afield are on the increase.
The RDF export market in the UK is, in the main, an emerging industry, with the whole supply chain on a steep learning curve. Costly mistakes have been made, in financial, reputational, and environmental terms. Common mistakes include:
•    Out of spec SRF/RDF
•    Inadequate Baling/Wrapping
•    Improper handling and storage of bales at point of export.
•    Incorrect Paperwork.
Albion Environmental can offer experienced advice and Specialised Pre and Post Shipment Surveys UK and Worldwide.
Pre and post-shipment surveys are usually carried out at loading ports and railheads and can comprise of the following procedures:
•    Availability and identification of the cargo (according to documentation and visual inspection);
•    Confirmation of Forwarding Certificate of Receipt; (Shipping and Forwarding Certificate of  Receipt is a document issued by Freight forwarders nominated by Buyer to collect goods from seller which confirms the receipt of good in its custody)
•    Visual inspection of the cargo (condition of bales, wrapping and marking);
•    Inspection of storage and stowage conditions;
•    Sampling according to standards specified by the client;
•    Chemical analyses and physical tests of withdrawn samples according to standards specified by the client at independent laboratory;
•    Inspection of chemical analyses and mechanical tests at the manufacturer’s facility;
•    Dimensional check and tolerancing;
•    Digital and paper pictures;
•    Issuance of final reports / certificates as a result of the inspections performed.
•    Complete Confidentiality Assured

Albion Environmental Ltd can design bespoke SRF/RDF handling management plans based on tried and tested methods. Please CONTACT US for more information

Many in the industry will be aware of the increasing incidents of major fires in the waste management industry. This will only get worse as companies strive to avoid landfill tax and retain more and more waste on site.

In the past few months there have been a number of fires occurring in the UK’s waste industry facilities. These fires have had a significant impact on the operation of these businesses.
 
The most recent accidents include:

21st January 2013 – fire at a waste plant in Renfrewshire.
More than 60 fire fighters were deployed to the WRC Recycling building in Floors Street, Johnstone. Fire caused major travel disruption. Nobody was killed or injured. Some local people were asked to leave their homes until the blaze was brought under control. Trains from Glasgow to Ayr, Ardrossan and Largs were disrupted after heat caused damage to cables. Services returned to normal in the afternoon.

27th December 2012 – Oran Environmental
A total of 24 fire fighters, three ground appliances and one aerial platform have remained on site. The fire broke out in a warehouse containing clothing, mattresses and waste paper. Central Scotland Fire and Rescue Service said no-one was injured during the incident. The local authority has also sought to reassure the public that there are no health risks related to the dissipating plume of smoke from the site.
30 September 2012 – Fire at Southampton recycling plant.
Piles of domestic waste have been on fire at Willments shipyard in Hazel Road, on the Itchen riverside for four days. According to Fire service – no one was injured.

19 September 2012 – Huge fire at waste disposal firm in Sheffield
Dozens of fire-fighters have tackled a fire involving several tonnes of refuse at a waste disposal firm in South Yorkshire. The staff was evacuated. The fire service said no-one had been injured.
 
Albion has dedicated and experienced staff who specialise in carrying out fire risk assessments and also providing a range of fire related training such as fire awareness, use of extinguishers and fire warden courses. For a no obligation visit please do not hesitate to contact us.