LAWR

COMMENT Return to sender - address unknown If there is one thing I've learnt since I started my role at LAWR, it is this – you will never fail to notice every refuse vehicle that passes you and the firm picking up the waste in the truck, once you are involved in the world of waste. All of a sudden they have started to reappear into my psyche – they are everywhere. When I am travelling to work every morning I always notice a Biffa and Sita one. There was one morning that I was looking so hard at one vehicle that the guys inside it thought that I was 'checking them' out. I had to quickly avert my eyes just in case they got the wrong idea. But would you like to know the 2014 plans of the vehicle makers? If so, check out pages 17-18. If there is another thing that I have learnt it is to open all letters, especially ones coming from Defra. I think a few in the industry were humming the above headline tune after receiving the shell-shocking letters from Defra in the last few months of 2013. Some people may still be nursing hangovers from their New Year's Eve celebrations and I suspect that others are still nursing a heavy head from receiving 'that' letter from Resource Minister Dan Rogerson. Nevertheless, the start of a New Year always feels like far more of a glass half full rather than half empty moment, even in these worrisome times. It's a time that's resonant of a fresh start, a clean sheet, the possibilities of a self-imposed non-alcoholic month, conquering Everest… well, you get my drift. Positives can be taken out of 'that' letter, as my analysis points out on page. So what is on the to-do-list for 2014 then? Our Blueprint for our Resource Revolution campaign is out and ready to do business. We have linked up with our sister title edie.net to bring you the Blueprint. It is a guiding set of principles to turn circular economy ideals into positive action. The role of waste contractors in helping business to close the loop will be analysed. Moreover, a special webinar to discuss findings will be out this month (be sure to check this out). Meanwhile, the industry will still eagerly await guidance on TEEP (Technically, Environmentally and Economically Practicable) and the publication of a MRF Code of Practice. But it may be waiting a long time. Even if the prediction that it may come out this year proves to be more balls than crystal, you don't have to be Mystic Meg to forsee that the industry may have to wait until after 2015 for this one. Whatever happens, I hope this year is a prosperous and healthy one for you. Liz Gyekye, Editor 1993- 2013 innovative Our range of lids are designed to make your working life easier. This 'lid within a lid' helps keep out rain and is light and easy to open. Simple! Our lids can be fitted during refurbishment or bought separately. Order yours now! Call 01257 476076 or email info@fairportcontainers.co.uk www.fairportcontainers.co.uk 4 Local Authority Waste & Recycling January 2014

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