A Kent-based waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) recycler, SWEEEP Kuusakoski, has produced a technical note warning that e-cigarettes and vapes are “potentially hazardous” due to the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

E-cigarettes, which are in category 7 of the WEEE recycling regulations, consist of several elements, SWEEEP says:

  • A plastic, glass or metal casing
  • A heating element
  • A microprocessor
  • A lithium-ion battery
  • e-liquid containing nicotine, benzoic acid, piperonal and benzyl alcohol

Some waste e-cigarettes are likely be classified as hazardous, SWEEEP says, due to the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the form of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in the plastic components and other substances in the printed circuit board.

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Company directors at a Nechells recycling plant where five men were crushed to death by a collapsing wall have been convicted of serious health and safety offences.

The workers were left with no chance of survival when the 45-tonne structure fell without warning in an incident which shocked the city.

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To deliver improved skills and competence in the resource and waste management sector, CIWM and the SWITCH Forum have signed an agreement to collaborate in order to provide better outcomes for learners and those wanting to upskill as they move along their career path.

The two organisations, who have a history of joint working and a shared ambition to maintain a core competency framework for the resources and waste sector, will develop a Technically Competent Manager Framework for Scotland. The framework will create a standardised approach and will assist those in the sector attain the required levels of skills and competence to manage sites and operate in the sector. In order to facilitate this upskilling of learners from across Scotland and other parts of the UK, a Higher Technical Qualification/training programme will be established for delivery in universities across the UK.

There is a natural alignment between CIWM as a professional body representing individuals in the sector and SWITCH Forum members who have an interest collaborating to raise standards in the sector. CIWM and SWITCH have undertaken to provide appropriate resource and share best practice as the projects progress.

 

Read the full press release here 

Following a number of queries concerning the appropriate PPE and precautions to be observed whilst collecting bird carcasses as part of cleansing in streets, parks and public areas, WISH together with the HSE and others have published the attached position statement on this issue.

This statement will be kept under review during the current Avian Flu outbreak and will be changed should the circumstance so require.

Any questions or queries can be directed to info@wishforum.org.uk.