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Category Archives: Recycling

SEPA Announces Temporary Regulatory Position for Smaller Waste Facilities in Scotland

Albion Environmental News, Environmental Management Systems, Guidances, Recycling, Regulations, Sustainability, Uncategorized, Waste Management

New Guidance Offers Relief on Sampling & Reporting for Specific Sites 

Published: 1 April 2025 

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has issued a Temporary Regulatory Position Statement (RPS) providing short-term regulatory flexibility for certain waste handling sites across Scotland. 

The RPS focuses on material facilities supplied by a single source and transfer stations or bulking facilities with a small number of suppliers. These types of facilities have been identified as experiencing a disproportionate burden when applying the full sampling and reporting requirements under the Code of Practice on Sampling and Reporting at Materials Facilities. 

What the RPS Means: 

  • Temporarily reduces or adjusts the sampling and reporting obligations 
  • Supports operational flexibility for smaller-scale sites 
  • Ensures environmental accountability remains in place while reducing unnecessary red tape 

Who’s Affected? 

Facilities in Scotland that: 

  • Receive materials from a single supplier 
  • Operate as bulking or transfer stations with a limited number of inputs 

This position reflects SEPA’s ongoing commitment to proportionate regulation and its understanding of operational variation across the sector. 

Note: This RPS is temporary and will be reviewed based on sector feedback and regulatory needs. 

 

For questions or compliance guidance, contact:

janebond@albion-environmental.co.uk or call 01292 610428 

 

Albion Environmental Awarded Silver in the Fair Payment Code

Albion Environmental News, Environmental Management Systems, Funds, Guidances, Modern Apprenticeships, Recycling, Regulations, Sustainability, Uncategorized, Waste Management

Albion Environmental is proud to announce that we have been awarded the Silver Award in the Fair Payment Code (FPC) by the Office of the Small Business Commissioner, in recognition of our excellent payment practices. 

Following a rigorous application and review process, our business has been recognised for paying at least 95% of all invoices within 60 days, and importantly, at least 95% of invoices from small businesses within 30 days. 

This places Albion Environmental amongst businesses leading the way in ethical and responsible supplier payment standards. 

 

What is the Fair Payment Code? 

The Fair Payment Code (FPC) is a voluntary code of practice administered by the Small Business Commissioner on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). It was originally established in 2008 as the Prompt Payment Code to set clear standards for payment practices between businesses and their suppliers. 

 

Why Did Albion Join the FPC? 

We believe that prompt and transparent payment practices are fundamental to a healthy business environment. By joining the Fair Payment Code, we’ve publicly committed to: 

  • Paying suppliers on time and within agreed terms 
  • Promoting stable cashflow across the supply chain 
  • Demonstrating corporate responsibility in every transaction 

This not only assures our suppliers and partners of our standards, but also strengthens our credibility when tendering for new projects. 

Our team is dedicated to resolving any invoice issues quickly, and we always welcome suppliers to reach out with updated statements to help us keep everything on track. 

 

What Do the Awards Mean? 

The Fair Payment Code offers three tiers of recognition: 

  • Bronze: 95% of all invoices paid within 60 days 
  • Silver: 95% of all invoices within 60 days and 95% of small business invoices within 30 days 
  • Gold: 95% of all invoices paid within 30 days 

Receiving the Silver Award demonstrates our commitment to supporting small businesses and upholding high ethical standards in business operations. 

 

For more about the Fair Payment Code, or to find out how your organisation can join, visit: Small Business Commissioner Website 

Environmental Permitting Changes in England – 2025

Albion Environmental News, Environmental Management Systems, Guidances, Recycling, Regulations, Sustainability, Uncategorized, Waste Analysis, Waste Management, Zero Waste Scotland

The Environment Agency (EA) recently announced that they were making significant updates to Environmental Permitting regulations in England, effective from 18th December 2024, with the aim being to streamline permitting processes and align them with modern standards.  

As part of these changes, eight new Standard Rules permit sets have replaced the 28 original ones, impacting several waste management activities.  

  • SR 2022 No.1 – Treatment of waste to produce soil, soil substitutes and aggregate  
  • SR 2022 No.2 – Mobile treatment of waste to produce soil, soil substitutes and aggregate 
  • SR 2022 No.3 – Construction, demolition and excavation waste transfer station 
  • SR 2022 No.4 – Non-haz waste recycling with asbestos, haz batteries, cable and WEEE storage 
  • SR 2022 No.5 – Non-haz waste transfer asbestos, haz batteries, cable and WEEE storage 
  • SR 2022 No.6 – Household Waste Recycling Centre 
  • SR 2022 No 7 – Materials Recycling Facility 
  • SR 2022 No.8 – Waste wood treatment 

 

Key Details: 

  • Old Permits Withdrawn: New applicants will receive updated permits. Existing operators will automatically transition to the new rules. 
  • Transition Period: Old permits will remain available on GOV.UK for 3 months. (Sites must adhere to any new Standard Rules permit by 27 June 2025 
  • Operator Communication: The Environment Agency will reach out directly to explain the changes. 

Changes to Standard Rules Permits  

Operators working under a Standard Rules permit should carefully assess whether their existing permit has been replaced and how the new requirements may impact their activities.  

Some rules have become more restrictive, while others provide increased flexibility.  

Notable updates include: 

  • Some of the Standard Rules sets required updates to meet modern standards and conditions. 
  • Certain rule sets were either unused or duplicated. 
  • There was a need to incorporate appropriate measures for non-hazardous and inert waste at permitted facilities. 
  • Waste codes have been added to some permits due to changes in the classification of certain waste types (e.g., cables). 
  • Changes in waste classification have led to updates in how wastes are coded since the original permits were created. 
  • Some tonnages and storage limits have been increased. 

 

Impact on CIWM competence scheme:  

Operators should review the changes to their permits to determine if additional units or qualifications are needed to maintain technical competence. CIWM have also provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions and further details about the changes can be found in these FAQs 

 

How Albion can help:  

Understanding and complying with these regulatory changes is essential for businesses operating under a Standard Rules permit. Albion provides expert support in: 

  • Conducting compliance audits to assess adherence to the new requirements 
  • Assisting with environmental permit applications and supporting technical assessments 
  • Advising on waste exemptions and other regulatory considerations 

 

For further information or to discuss how these changes may affect your operations, please contact Albion either by emailing susan@albion-environmental.co.uk or by calling 01292 610428.  

Is the Future Green? Clean Energy & Green Tariffs in the UK 

Albion Environmental News, Environmental Management Systems, Recycling, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Uncategorized, Waste Analysis, Waste Management, Zero Waste Scotland

Recently, as our business energy contracts came up for renewal, we were determined to make the switch to the best green energy tariff available. But that led us to a bigger question—what does “green” energy really mean?  

 

And are all green tariffs truly as environmentally friendly as they claim to be?  

 

What is Green Energy? 

Green energy comes from renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydropower—resources that don’t run out and produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions.  

 

The UK has made impressive progress, with over 40% of electricity now coming from renewables but with fossil fuels still playing a significant role, there’s much more work to be done. 

 

Are Green Tariffs Worth It? 

Choosing a green tariff is a powerful way to support the renewable energy sector and reduce your carbon footprint. But not all tariffs are created equal—some providers invest directly in renewables, while others rely on offsetting mechanisms that don’t always guarantee cleaner energy. 

 

What to look for: 

  • Transparency from suppliers 
  • A high percentage of truly renewable sources 
  • Third-party accreditations like the Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGO) scheme 

 

Understanding Green Tariffs 

Many suppliers market their tariffs as “green,” but looking further into their fuel mix can reveal how sustainable they actually are. 

 

When researching our options, we found that some providers only partially source their energy from renewables, while others match consumption with equivalent renewable energy certificates.  

We wanted to ensure our supplier was actively investing in a cleaner grid. 

 

Our Green Energy Choice 

After thorough research, we opted for a provider with the following fuel mix: 

 Our Supplier: 

  • Renewable: 85.5% 
  • Coal: 2.1% 
  • Natural Gas: 9.9% 
  • Nuclear: 1.5% 
  • Other: 1.0% 

 

Compared to the UK National Average: 

  • Renewable: 43.2% 
  • Coal: 6.3% 
  • Natural Gas: 35.0% 
  • Nuclear: 12.7% 
  • Other: 2.8% 

 

(Source: Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – BEIS) 

 

The Impact of Our Choice 

By switching to a tariff with nearly double the renewable energy compared to the UK average, we’re significantly reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and helping to push the transition toward a greener future.  

 

Is your business on the right green tariff? Take a closer look…you might be surprised at what you find! 

MyBins App – Transforming Waste Management for Households and Councils 

Actions to tackle litter, Albion Environmental News, Environmental Management Systems, Health and Safety, Recycling, Sustainability, Uncategorized, Waste Analysis, Waste Management, Zero Waste Scotland

With the MyBins App, households and Councils across the UK can adopt a smarter, more efficient approach to waste management.  

Designed to simplify your recycling efforts, enhance council services, and promote sustainability, MyBins is the ultimate tool for modern waste management. 

For Households: Convenience at Your Fingertips 

The MyBins App is packed with features to make managing your waste and recycling simple and stress-free: 

Bin Reminders: Never miss bin day again! The app sends timely notifications to remind you which bin to put out. 

“Which Bin?” Finder: Wondering where to toss that tricky item? Use the app to find the correct bin for your waste. 

Customisable to Your Needs: Tailored to your area’s bin schedule, the app ensures accurate and up-to-date information. 

What users are saying: 

South Ayrshire: “Great app, especially the reminders for which bin to put out and when. I like the easy-to-understand ‘what goes in each bin’ too.” 

Dundee City: “Bin app makes a huge difference to me. Love it. Thanks for creating it.” 

For Councils: Efficiency and Engagement 

Councils are finding immense value in the MyBins App through: 

Improved Communication: Push notifications and updates ensure residents stay informed about changes in waste schedules. 

Data Insights: Gain valuable insights into waste habits to inform future services. 

Scalable Solutions: Customisable backend options allow councils to integrate their unique waste management needs. 

Council Success: South Ayrshire Council representatives have highlighted the app’s continuous development and its role in building strong working relationships with their team, ensuring enhanced waste services for residents. 

Key Benefits 

Simplified Waste Management: Clear instructions on what goes where, reducing contamination rates. 

Sustainability at Scale: Encourages better recycling habits, lowering landfill contributions. 

Tailored Features for Growth: Upcoming opportunities include bar code scanning for recycling and integrating Digital Deposit Return Schemes. 

Join the Revolution 

Whether you’re a resident or council, this app is your gateway to better, more sustainable waste practices. 

If you’re in South Ayrshire or Dundee City, download the MyBins App now and see the difference it makes – available on Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

Click here to learn more about the MyBins App  

For any enquiries, please email: mia@albion-environmental.co.uk