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WASTE HANDLING Reducing the parasitic load in waste handling facilities Waste handlers are working hard to recover valuable recyclates from the materials many households and businesses simply consider waste. But could technological innovation further improve the commercial and environmental benefits of their operation, considers UNTHA UK's Chris Oldfield. he 'reduce, reuse, recy- cle' mantra may be taking shape in the UK, but it cannot be ignored that we con- tinue to live in a somewhat 'throw away' society. For example, low cost 'dispos- able' items such as cheap printers have altered customer expectations surround- ing product longevity and quality, which also drives waste. And ever-changing consumer tastes and desires to keep up with the latest trends, precede the prod- uct lifecycle and quickly render many goods defunct, despite them being fully functional. The continued efforts of waste han- dlers therefore need to be praised. The large majority work hard to segregate and recover as much as is economically and environmentally possible, so that the UK can retain the value of important resources that others so easily disposed of. They are facilitating recycling and encouraging commitment to the coun- try's sustainability agenda. But to what extent could technologi- cal innovations enable waste handlers to further enrich the environmental effi- cacy of their operations? As we strive to uphold the principles of the circular economy, it is important that we find ways to design out waste at every stage in the loop. With this in mind, energy consumption within waste handling facilities should form part of that equation. Engineering competence and machin- ery capabilities continue to advance at a pace in the recycling industry. So, whilst waste handlers once focused on creating a 'product' to a certain specification, evolving technological know-how and advances in throughput, capacity and sorting, means they now look to create higher volumes of that product. The next logical step is to look at the energy efficiency of the process, to ensure it is as lean, 'green' and profitable as possible. By designing plants and investing in modern equipment that reduce electric- ity consumption, for example, waste handlers can lessen the parasitic load of their operations. This opportunity to maximise the net environmental gain of their business activity is incredibly important. After all, there is little point doing something that strengthens the value chain in one respect, if an addi- tional burden is created elsewhere. What's more, as the market contin- ues to mature, the protocol surrounding waste handling processes will undoubt- edly become more stringent in future. Energy efficiency should not, and will not be a choice – it will become an obligation, so why not become compli- ant now? Reduced energy consumption will help to reduce waste handlers' fuel costs, in turn improving their production mar- gins and of course, profitability. Let's not forget, waste handlers are here to run a business, and the opportu- nity to drive commercial improvements, at the same time as reducing environ- mental impact, is the ultimate goal. Chris Oldfield is managing director of UNTHA UK. 24 Local Authority Waste & Recycling August 2014 T • Fast, efficient loading & unloading of trailers by fork truck • Rent or buy, on sale or return direct from the manufacturer • 6,000 kg to 15,000 kg capacities available • Solidly built to withstand rigours of tough working environments • Fully compliant with all EU quality & safety standards • Bespoke models also available www.thorworld.co.uk T: 01246 260981 F: 01246 260493 E: info@thorworld.co.uk LOADING RAMPS FOR RECYCLING & WASTE NO DEDICATED LOADING BAY? THORWORLD MOBILE YARDRAMPS OFFER THE IDEAL SOLUTION. FM 14696 ® SUPPORT BRITISH MANUFACTURING The market leading supplier of loading ramps to the recycling & waste management industry. Call now for our latest product range brochure. ® Chris Oldfield Parasitic loads are electric devices and appliances which draw power even when they are off. What are parasitic loads?

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