January brought the New Year and a new poll question at UNTHA UK. This month, we asked website visitors: “In which of these areas would you like to see greatest progress made in 2016?”
Although there was one clear winner, the results, in general were somewhat mixed.
Alternative fuel production was ranked as the priority, indicating the growing acknowledgement for the role that RDF, SRF and biomass play in our modern resource agenda. There is increasing demand for renewable energy sources in facilities such as cement kilns and gasification plants, and forward-thinking Waste to Energy operators are striving to work ever smarter. That’s why leading technology providers like UNTHA are continually researching the market, developing new innovations and engineering solutions to previously unsolved problems. We only have to look to the new XR mobil-e waste shredder to see just how much potential this sector has.
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But what else can we learn from the survey results?
Interestingly, confidential waste handling received no votes whatsoever. This seems surprising, especially given some of UNTHA’s 2015 research. In November for instance, our poll revealed that 82% of people are concerned about data security when shopping online, and back in August, a number of fears were cited surrounding the unsecured destruction of confidential waste. Perhaps the need for progress in this complex arena simply isn’t as pressing as it is in some of the other fields of waste handling and recycling. Our tried-and-tested P3/P4/O3/H5 (DIN 66399) certified shredders certainly achieve utmost compliance when processing confidential paper, CDs, USB sticks, hard drives and other secure waste. In fact, they continue to be at the heart of a number of new enquiries coming into our business.
Another area of waste management that didn’t register as a priority for progress, was metals recycling. This is going to be a significant focus for UNTHA this year but it’s a little too early to disclose too much detail – you’ll have to watch this space…
It’s perhaps unsurprising that food waste received a noticeable cluster of votes (23%). There is an ever-increasing level of awareness about this very evident UK problem, undoubtedly spurred on by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s campaigning in late 2015. We hope conversation continues within the supply chain, so that farmers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, restaurants and other relevant stakeholders can contribute to further food waste reduction progress. Local authorities and members also have a crucial role to play.
Plastics recycling mirrored food waste in the number of votes it received (23%). This material stream experienced a really turbulent 2015. China’s dwindling appetite for UK recovered materials, coupled with falling oil prices worldwide, meant the commodity value of recycled plastics fell and a number of key market players sadly ceased operation. Let’s hope funds from PRNs can be reinvested wisely, and the UK’s desire for greater resource security can continue to drive progress in a sector that is well-equipped to succeed.
Lastly, there’s WEEE handling, an area of waste management that did attract some attention with 9% of votes. There’s no denying effective and compliant WEEE recycling continues to be a hot topic – in fact our white paper on the subject has proven a very popular resource since it was launched last Autumn. But perhaps, when voting, our poll participants felt the wheels are already in motion when it comes to WEEE handling progress.
Capable of handling an array of waste streams including MSW, C&I waste, confidential waste, metals, WEEE, plastics, hazardous waste, textiles, waste wood and more, UNTHA UK’s shredders are well-equipped to provide smart recycling and alternative fuel production solutions throughout the country. If you’d like to speak to a member of our team regarding the progress required in your facility, please contact 0845 450 5388 or email sales@untha.co.uk.