New research from WEFT found that over 70% of UK adults indicated they would like to see an extended producer responsibility scheme for textiles introduced.
WEFT & QSA Partners have investigated consumer tolerance to extended producer responsibility (EPR) fees on clothing.
The purpose of the research was to determine consumer acceptance thresholds for EPR fees and identify at what price points these fees might begin to alter purchasing decisions.
It also explored whether a charge could increase funding for recycling and reuse systems, and encourage more sustainable fashion choices, without putting off consumers from making purchases.
The research was led by WEFT and QSA Partners, and delivered by Icaro Consulting with funding support from the University of Leeds Back 2 Baselines research programme.
The study involved four focus groups and a survey of 1,762 UK adults taken from a nationally representative sample who purchased clothing within the last 6 months.
The key findings included that most consumers said a £0.50 charge per item would go ‘largely unnoticed’, even on low-cost clothing.
Consumers indicated they were also ‘unlikely to notice’ a charge of £1.00 per item on higher-priced items (above £40).
Higher charges of up to £5.00 per item were needed to influence customer decision-making between ‘more sustainable’ and ‘less sustainable’ products. The report says responses were consistent across all income groups surveyed.
Over 80% of those surveyed supported having the EPR charge clearly shown at the point of purchase.
A visible £0.50 to £1.00 charge on clothing could raise £2-£4 billion per year in the UK based on 4 billion items of clothing and accessories being sold each year in the UK, the report says.
Over 80% of those surveyed supported having the EPR charge clearly shown at the point of purchase.
People in the focus groups prefer the word ‘charge’ over ‘fee’, and are more comfortable when the purpose of the charge is clearly explained.
The research also found that while most people said they care about the environment in principle, their clothing choices were still led by price, comfort, and fit.
Sustainability tends to matter more when it’s made easy and visible, especially for those who shop for clothes more frequently, the report says.
Based on the research, WEFT says more research into visible EPR charges is needed to test the £0.50 to £1.00 per item tolerance level in more detail and to test how charge levels and labelling influence real-world shopping behaviour.
WEFT also says colour-coded labels should be considered to communicate the environmental impact of products.
Generative AI has become one of the focal points of discussion in the AI landscape for all the right reasons. The rise of large language models or LLMs has made AI more accessible to users. ChatGPT, for example, has become incredibly popular and widespread. We are excited to announce that our Mastering Generative AI with LLMs course launched recently and has already become popular among our learners who wish to become generative AI experts. Generative AI is an innovative subdomain of AI focused on language models. As the name implies, generative AI models generate completely new output based on user inputs. For instance, generative AI tools have proved useful in areas like content generation.
The growing demand for generative AI jobs is proof of the fact that it is an in-demand skill. You can use your generative AI skills to craft new language models for existing real-world challenges. The new generative AI course in our training library helps you move beyond the simple explanation for how LLMs work. Let us show you some unique details of our new generative AI course and its promising advantages for your career.
The first thing to know about the new generative AI course is that it is unlike any other introductory course. The Generative AI with LLMs course launched on our platform is a comprehensive learning resource on generative AI that covers basics as well as advanced subjects and offers a practical and engaging experience. It is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to gain expertise in generative AI from scratch. Learners can start from the fundamentals of generative AI and acquire the skills to use generative AI for real-world challenges.
The modular design of the course helps beginners and seasoned professionals learn how to work with generative AI. Learners can begin with an introduction to generative AI and LLMs to gain an in-depth understanding of the basic concepts. In the subsequent chapters, you will learn the practical applications of LLMs and how to implement them in different scenarios.
The new generative AI course introduces you to the best practices for monitoring and optimizing the performance of language models. At the same time, the course sheds light on the ethical implications and challenges of using generative AI. You will also learn about the future trends expected in generative AI and improvements you can see in LLMs.
Enroll in our Certified ChatGPT Professional Certification Course to master real-world use cases with hands-on training. Gain practical skills, enhance your AI expertise, and unlock the potential of ChatGPT in various professional settings.
Target Audience for the Mastering Generative AI with LLMs Course
The new generative AI with LLMs course might seem like an exclusive resource for AI experts. However, anyone who wants to learn generative AI with LLMs can take this course without any prior knowledge or experience. This course helps you become a generative AI expert with practical LLM skills you can use in the real world. While the new generative AI course is a technical manual for aspiring AI experts, it also serves promising advantage for other groups of learners.
Software developers or software engineers can use the course as a means to improve their professional portfolio with generative AI expertise.
Innovation managers and entrepreneurs can discover new insights for business ideas based on generative AI and LLMs from this course.
IT professionals can rely on the new generative AI course to learn how to leverage generative AI and LLMs to improve productivity.
Understand the true potential of generative AI and become an expert with the Generative AI skill path
Basic Information about the Mastering Generative AI with LLMs Course
The basic details of the latest generative AI course in our training library will help you understand more about its value for your career. For instance, the learning objectives of the course will provide a glimpse of what you can learn from the course that will help you grow as a generative AI professional. The following learning objectives of the course stand out as prominent highlights for every learner.
Acquire hands-on expertise in generative AI models to solve different real-world challenges.
Utilize LLM architectures for different use cases like image creation, text generation, and others.
Learn how to use evaluation metrics for measuring the reliability and accuracy of generative AI in different applications.
The design of the new generative AI course launched on our platform follows a modular pattern. It includes the following lessons that provide a strategic direction to accomplish all the specified learning objectives.
Top Reasons to Choose the Mastering Generative AI with LLMs Course
The generative AI course teaches you not only what LLMs are, but also helps you acquire the skills required to implement them in real-world scenarios. The following reasons showcase why it is the ideal learning resource for people who want to become generative AI and LLM experts.
Learn from a Qualified Instructor
The foremost benefit of the new generative AI course is the assurance of learning from an experienced instructor. You will find pre-recorded video lectures in each module of the course, featuring insights drawn from the vast professional experience of our instructors. Learners will also receive personalized guidance from our instructor when they encounter questions or any issues.
Seamless Learning Experience
The rising demand for generative AI experts has pushed many aspiring professionals to choose courses that run on strict deadlines. With 101 Blockchains, you get a new generative AI course with certificate that allows you to learn at your own pace. It is important to remember that you can become a valuable generative AI professional for employers only when you have the essential skills. The new generative AI course in our library helps you cover all learning outcomes conveniently while managing your other responsibilities.
Practical Generative AI Skills
Another crucial reason to trust our new generative AI course is the assurance of enhancing your practical skills. Learning about how generative AI and LLMs work is not enough to solve real-world challenges. The Mastering Generative AI with LLMs course gives you a comprehensive learning resource to familiarize yourself with different approaches for using LLMs in practical applications. Without hands-on expertise, you will be in the same position as a hunter without bullets in their gun. Our new generative AI course gives you the perfect opportunity to earn the abilities required to implement your generative AI skills in any workplace.
Assurance of Responsive Support
Learners should also pick the Generative AI with LLMs course launched recently on our platform because of the responsive support you get from our experts. One of the common aspects of any learner’s experience is the questions or misunderstandings they may have arising from the lessons of the course. We provide the assurance of responsive support at any time of the day for all our learners, thereby making their learning experience seamless.
As we launch the new Mastering Generative AI with LLMs course, we invite learners to discover a promising resource that will expand their generative AI expertise. The impact of this course on the career of generative AI professionals revolves around the opportunity to acquire practical skills. You will not only know how generative AI and LLMs work but also acquire the practical skills to use them in different real-world scenarios. Learn more details about the course and prepare for a career as a generative AI expert now.
Biffa has removed 450 tonnes of hazardous material from the UK’s last coal-fired power station.
Uniper’s Ratcliffe on Soar power station was closed in September 2024 after generating electricity for UK homes and businesses for almost 60 years.
Since November 2024, a team of more than 20 Biffa specialists, including industrial chemists and dangerous goods safety advisors, has supported the decommissioning of the power station’s water treatment plant and fuel oil system.
Biffa has announced it has reached the halfway point of the 12-month project after removing 450 tonnes of hazardous material, including high-concentration sulphuric acid and fuel oil, as well as effluent and anionic and cationic resins.
Using high-pressure water systems, DISAB vacuum systems and industrial tankers, Biffa says its team often work at height or in confined spaces while wearing breathing equipment to carry out the project.
The next phase of decommissioning work will involve Biffa’s team dismantling and disposing of the power station’s catalyst bed.
Commenting on the announcement, James Bissell, Biffa’s Head of Tankers & Industrial Services, said: “Our expertise in industrial services, hazardous waste management and our commitment to health and safety have been critical in supporting the successful ongoing decommissioning of Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station.
“Rigorous safety protocols, the use of specialist equipment, and the strategic handling of hazardous materials have ensured the highest standards of compliance and environmental protection.”
Biffa previously worked on the decommissioning of Ironbridge Power Station in Shropshire and continues to provide waste management services at the construction site of Hinkley Point C in Somerset.
The Irish Government announces over €27 million in funding to support a wide range of initiatives aimed at advancing Ireland’s transition to a circular economy.
The €27 million in funding comes from the Circular Economy Fund, which is financed through environmental levies on plastic bags, landfill, and waste recovery.
Minister for Climate, Energy, and the Environment Darragh O’Brien and Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy, Alan Dillon, announced the new funding.
Welcoming the announcement, Minister O’Brien said: “This year’s circular economy funding continues to advance initiatives that rethink waste, restore and protect environmental balance and empower communities to shape climate solutions.
“We are proud to support these initiatives as we endeavour to build a more resilient future for all.”
This funding represents a significant investment in Ireland’s sustainable future.
The Department of Climate, Energy, and the Environment states that the annual allocation will support local authorities, community groups, and organisations across Ireland in implementing projects that reduce waste, extend the life of materials, and promote sustainable resource use.
Speaking at the announcement, Minister of State Dillon said: “This funding represents a significant investment in Ireland’s sustainable future.
“By supporting circular economy initiatives, we are not only reducing waste and protecting our environment but also fostering innovation and creating green jobs.
“The projects funded through this allocation will serve as powerful examples of how communities and businesses can lead the way in building a more resilient, resource-efficient Ireland.”
CIWM (The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management) Ireland Centre Chair, Enda Kiernan, welcomed the announcement.
Kiernan said: “The fund is intended to support communities to make a move from the traditional linear ‘take-make-use-dispose’ model towards a ‘circular economy’ where resources are reused or recycled as much as possible, waste generation is minimised, and towards more sustainable practices that prioritise reuse, repair, and recycling.”
Carmen Fernández Ayuso, Head of Coordination and R&D Management at CETEC, explores how innovative company PHAntastic’s bio-based solutions are helping to create healther soils and a cleaner agricultural industry.
Microplastics can be found all over the planet – even in some of our most remote areas – so it’s not surprising that plastics are also deeply embedded in agricultural practices.
Conventional farming practices are heavily reliant on synthetic agrochemicals and fossil-based plastics and contribute to soil degradation, water contamination, biodiversity loss, and growing public health concerns.
Agrochemicals – including fertilisers, pesticides, and herbicides – have also long been essential tools for boosting crop yields and ensuring food security.
The agricultural industry’s plastic problem
While plastics have become a staple in modern farming, their widespread use comes with serious environmental and social consequences.
Small plastic residues often end up in our soil and water, disrupting natural ecosystems and entering the food chain, with potential risks to human health.
To tackle some of these issues, the agricultural industry has introduced solutions like controlled-release fertilisers and pesticide products with special coatings designed to release chemicals more efficiently and in smaller amounts.
Carmen Fernández Ayuso, Head of Coordination and R&D Management at CETEC.
But here’s the catch: most of these coatings are made from fossil fuel-based plastics that don’t break down naturally. As a result, they add to the growing problem of plastic waste in our environment.
It’s not just about fertilisers and pesticides. Plastics are everywhere on farms, from mulch films used to control weeds and retain soil moisture to growth foams that can help protect young trees from diseases, pests and harsh environmental conditions.
The problem is that many of these plastics aren’t biodegradable or made from sustainable materials.
Over time, they contribute to lasting plastic pollution and create mounting responsibilities for farmers and communities tasked with cleaning up and disposing of this waste.
As agriculture works to become more sustainable, finding alternatives to these persistent plastics is crucial. Not only will this help protect the environment but also to ensure the long-term health of our food systems and the people who rely on them.
Now, a new EU-funded initiative, PHAntastic, is stepping in to tackle these challenges head-on by offering bio-based, biodegradable solutions designed to protect crops while safeguarding the environment.
PHAntastic’s innovative agricultural solutions
PHAntastic’s goal is to develop and demonstrate innovative agricultural solutions using polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) – a family of bio-based, biodegradable polymers naturally produced by microbial fermentation of renewable resources.
To put it simply, these are a type of natural, eco-friendly plastics made by tiny microorganisms. These microbes produce PHAs as part of their natural process when they feed on renewable materials.
Notably, PHAs can be produced through the fermentation of a wide range of feedstocks, including organic waste streams such as agrifood residues like fruits and sugar wastes.
This not only offers a route to valorise waste materials, transforming them into valuable products but also contributes to a more circular economy by reducing reliance on fossil fuel-based resources for plastic production.
What makes PHAs special is that they’re made from natural, renewable resources and have excellent biodegradation properties in the real environment, they can degrade in soil, water, or compost without leaving harmful waste behind.
In short, PHAs are a type of plastic made by nature, designed to safely return to nature.
This offers a promising alternative to fossil-based plastics. Fully biodegradable in soil and marine environments, they break down into water, and carbon dioxide (or methane in anaerobic conditions) without leaving behind harmful residues or microplastics.
Recognised for their versatility, PHAs can be engineered for a range of applications, including films, coatings, and foams – making them an ideal candidate for agricultural innovations.
PHAntastic’s approach goes beyond simply replacing conventional plastics with biobased and biodegradable alternatives. The project focuses on creating bioactive delivery systems that combine eco-friendly materials with functional agricultural inputs.
PHAntastic replaces common farming plastics made from synthetic materials with eco-friendly, biodegradable alternatives. These are made from natural materials containing active compounds that help plants grow, reducing the need for chemical products.
For instance, PHA-based controlled-release systems incorporate natural active substances like biostimulants, amino acids, and microelements, to enhance plant nutrition and resilience while minimising chemical inputs.
When the mulch films and the growth foams biodegrade, the active substances are released improving soil health.
The project is also working on new mulch films and plant-growing foams made from PHA. These products are designed to replace the conventional plastic versions used on farms today.
While there are already some so-called ‘biodegradable’ plastics on the market, many of them don’t fully break down in soil. As a result, microplastics can linger in the environment for years.
This is a big concern because microplastics can build up in the soil, harm beneficial organisms, and potentially enter the food chain. The new PHA-based materials, however, are designed to fully biodegrade under real farming conditions, leaving no harmful microplastics behind.
This also means farmers wouldn’t have to deal with the hassle and environmental costs of removing and disposing of old plastic films after harvest.
A key strength of the PHAntastic project lies in its commitment to real-world validation. The project is conducting demonstration trials on both horticultural crops and plant nurseries in the Netherlands and Spain.
This geographic diversity ensures the solutions are tested under varying soil types, climates, and farming practices and provides robust data on biodegradability, agronomic performance, and environmental benefits.
Beyond its climate ambitions, this initiative contributes to the broader EU agenda of enhancing the sustainability, autonomy, and competitiveness of the European agricultural sector.
By advancing domestic capabilities in bio-based polymer production and bioactive agricultural inputs, the project supports the development of circular, low-carbon industries and reduces reliance on imported fossil-based materials.
As Europe seeks to reconcile food production with environmental protection, initiatives like PHAntastic demonstrate how innovative, science-based solutions can drive systemic change.
By replacing agrochemicals and fossil-based plastics with biobased and biodegradable alternatives, we can look forward to a future with healthier soils, cleaner ecosystems, and more sustainable farming practices.
The Environment Agency has revoked Mineral Processing Ltd.’s environmental permit after accusing it of showing a ‘total disregard’ for local residents.
The Planning Inspectorate dismissed an appeal made by Mineral Processing against the Environment Agency issuing a suspension notice at the site in Yorkshire.
The Inspectorate agreed that the waste on site exceeded the permitted amount ‘by some considerable margin’.
The dismissal also established that waste was being misdescribed as waste being brought onto the site was not allowed by the permit.
This includes evidence from Environment Agency testing in 2022 that found hazardous substances, which is not permitted.
The Planning Inspectorate also agreed there is a risk of pollution from the site, including leachate entering ground waters and surface waters; waste escaping from the site as dust and litter; odour from deposited waste; and a risk to human health or the quality of the environment from increased methane levels.
The Environment Agency says it served the notice to revoke the site’s environmental permit as part of its enforcement efforts to reduce the impact Mineral Processing is having on the local community.
Mineral Processing Ltd has shown a total disregard for the regulatory efforts of the Environment Agency and the impact on local residents and the environment.
Once the notice is in effect, Mineral Processing must take the steps set out in the notice to remove waste from the site. If it does not comply with the notice, it will be committing an offence.
Mineral Processing has 20 working days to appeal the decision through the Planning Inspectorate. If an appeal is made against the revocation, the permit will remain in place until the outcome of the appeal.
Carly Chambers, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire commented: “Mineral Processing Ltd has shown a total disregard for the regulatory efforts of the Environment Agency and the impact on local residents and the environment.
“Following the decision by the Planning Inspectorate, we have therefore taken immediate action to revoke the environmental permit for this site.
“We know the impact this site is having on the local community and we continue to take robust action against the operator. We are also investigating suspected offences committed since the suspension notice was issued.”
As well as revoking the permit, the Environment Agency says it is investigating suspected offences committed since it issued a suspension notice in June 2024.
The Environment Agency says it is currently carrying out odour monitoring in the area to collect evidence to determine the impact on the environment and community.
The site’s operator is also required to submit an Odour Management Plan to address the ongoing odour pollution.
The world of blockchain is growing at a consistent pace with innovative technologies and applications grabbing headlines now and then. Cross-chain bridges are one of the most effective technological advancements in the crypto landscape that have solved a critical problem. The Synapse Bridge crypto utility is a standout offering by Synapse and can be a frontrunner for achieving cross-chain interoperability. As the domain of blockchain focuses more on DeFi, NFTs, and web3 technologies, interoperability serves as a major influence on the growth and adoption of blockchain. Let us learn more about the Synapse Bridge and its distinctive features.
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Understanding the Fundamentals of Synapse Bridge
Synapse is one of the innovative projects aimed at capitalizing on the need for cross-chain bridges. Cross-chain bridges connect different ecosystems and allow users to experience the crypto landscape without barriers of accessibility. The most common answers for queries like “What is a Synapse bridge?” focus on its identity as a blockchain bridge. It is also important to ask about the factors that make it one of the most effective picks to solve interoperability issues.
Synapse has come up with a comprehensive cross-chain messaging system that serves as a crucial differentiator. Developers can leverage the messaging capability to create cross-chain dApps, which can make the most of the features of different blockchain protocols. The Synapse Bridge uses the innovative messaging infrastructure to ensure seamless transfer of assets throughout an ecosystem of supported networks.
How Does the Synapse Bridge Work?
The Synapse Bridge offers a combination of bridging methods to ensure effective optimization of transactions. The cross-chain bridge also stands out for its compatibility with EVM and non-EVM blockchain protocols. As a result, it allows cross-chain transfers and swaps for a wide range of tokens. The Synapse protocol uses liquidity-based bridging, RFQ bridging, and canonical token bridging in its blockchain bridge. Each method offers a distinct advantage, thereby making Synapse Bridge one of the top cross-chain bridges that you should use.
Synapse Bridge offers canonical token bridging that enables seamless transfer of wrapped assets across networks. The liquidity-based bridging method leverages cross-chain swap pools that offer stability and efficient transfer of native tokens to different chains. On top of it, the RFQ or Request for Quote bridging feature optimizes the bridging process by identifying the ideal routes for faster and cost-effective transactions. The hybrid approach adopted by Synapse Bridge offers better functionality than other cross-chain bridges.
Enhanced Focus on Security
One of the notable risks associated with blockchain bridges is the list of potential security vulnerabilities. Can you use the Synapse Bridge Metamask integration without any threats? Synapse has embraced a comprehensive security model to ensure the integrity of cross-chain asset transfers. The most striking highlight of the Synapse Bridge is the optimistic security model, which assumes that all transactions are valid. You might wonder about the effectiveness of a security model that allows every transaction to pass through.
Synapse brings in the next element in its security model to play, the off-chain actors and fraud proofs. Off-chain actors monitor the transactions and could submit proof of fraud within a specific timeframe to avert malicious transactions. The biggest strength of the security model of Synapse Bridge is the single honest verifier who identifies malicious behavior.
Interestingly, the single honest participant is not the only one contributing to integrity of transactions on the Synapse Bridge. The cross-chain bridge also relies on collaboration between different roles, such as guards, notaries, executors, and broadcasters for validation of cross-chain transactions. Furthermore, Synapse also maintains commitment to security through governance, slashing mechanisms, and audits, which strengthen its security model.
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Governance Model for the Synapse Bridge
The next critical concern associated with cross-chain bridges is the risk of centralization. As a matter of fact, critics state that cross-chain bridges entrust the power in one specific platform to take care of your asset transfers. Who is in charge of making decisions about how the platform will operate? The Synapse protocol bridge also has to face such questions that challenge its transparency and decentralization. Synapse offers a promising solution to this challenge in the form of Cortex DAO, the latest updated version of its governance system.
The members of Cortex DAO who hold more than 550,000 native CX tokens become eligible to submit proposals. DAO members can exercise their vote on multiple chains with CX or use the option of delegating votes to other token owners. The native token of Synapse, SYN, can be converted into CX tokens in the conversion portal offered by the protocol.
The components of Cortex DAO that make it an effective solution for the governance of Synapse include Forum, Discord, and Snapshot. Forum offers a useful platform for posting and discussing about proposals before passing them for a vote. The Synapse protocol leverages Discord to encourage community discussion on general matters related to the protocol. Synapse also uses Snapshot to ensure decentralized voting on governance proposals that reach the voting stage.
Exploring the Synapse Bridge SDK
Developers can use the Synapse Bridge SDK to integrate cross-chain token transfers in their applications. It also serves as a valuable tool for adding cross-chain liquidity transfer feature in various applications. You can use the Bridge SDK on the client side and server side for different use cases. The SDK helps in integrating a front-end application with Synapse Bridge or cross-chain arbitrage features in an application. Another use case of the Synapse Bridge SDK is the integration of Synapse JavaScript SDK with non-JavaScript applications.
The general discussions about Synapse Bridge crypto service miss one of the notable elements in the Bridge SDK. Synapse REST API is another powerful tool for developers as it facilitates integration of Synapse liquidity network in your applications. Developers can use HTTP requests to ensure dynamic integration of Synapse cross-chain liquidity and token transfers in different applications. The read-only REST API also helps in retrieving quotes and generating relevant call data for Synapse Bridge transactions.
How Does Synapse Bridge Perform Against Competitors?
Synapse Bridge has a lot of competitors who have been in this space, with some of them being pioneers of cross-chain interoperability. However, the crypto space always rewards innovation, and the same has happened in the case of Synapse. Their cross-chain bridge has an edge over other blockchain bridges with additional emphasis on security and decentralized governance.
The Synapse Protocol Bridge has accommodated a wide range of tokens and blockchain networks under its umbrella. It features optimized bridging to ensure that you find the best path to transfer assets between networks. The primary goals of optimizing the bridging process include speed and cost efficiency. On top of it, the bridge service has been adopted in large numbers, registering significant growth in transaction volume.
The introduction to Synapse Bridge reveals a lot about the innovative efforts made by Synapse. It follows a hybrid approach to bridging, thereby achieving better speed and cost-effectiveness in cross-chain asset and liquidity transfers. The optimistic security model used in the Synapse Protocol provides the guarantee of secure cross-chain asset transfer and communication. The design of Synapse and recent advancements like the transition to Cortex DAO, address the risks associated with traditional cross-chain bridges. While Synapse has the potential to emerge as one of the biggest players in the crypto space, future trends and evolution of the protocol will determine its fate. Learn more about the Synapse Bridge with the help of experts right now.
*Disclaimer: The article should not be taken as, and is not intended to provide any investment advice. Claims made in this article do not constitute investment advice and should not be taken as such. 101 Blockchains shall not be responsible for any loss sustained by any person who relies on this article. Do your own research!
The Association of Directors of Environment, Economy, Planning & Transport (ADEPT) funds local highway authorities to measure and identify how to reduce their carbon emissions.
The Carbon Leadership Programme, supported by the Department for Transport, has been developed by Proving Services in partnership with ADEPT and aims to support local highway authorities in implementing practical carbon reduction measures.
Described as a ‘first-of-its-kind’ programme, ADEPT says it provides a standardised way for councils to calculate the amount of carbon emitted from local road maintenance activities and where to direct efforts to reduce this carbon footprint.
Available from June 2025, the Carbon Leadership Programme consists of two modules: a baseline carbon assessment and a best practice carbon assessment module. The aim is to enable all local highway authorities across England to participate.
Commenting on the programme, Angela Jones, ADEPT President, said: “For too long, the sector has lacked the standardised tools needed to accurately measure and tackle carbon emissions from road maintenance activities.
For too long, the sector has lacked the standardised tools needed to accurately measure and tackle carbon emissions from road maintenance activities.
“This programme finally provides that missing piece of the puzzle – giving our members practical, evidence-based methods to understand their carbon footprint and take action to reduce it.”
ADEPT says the programme will empower local highway authorities to develop and implement strategies for carbon reduction.
Additionally, the programme aims to create a knowledge-sharing platform and data resource that will help organisations and partners to learn from each other and accelerate sector-wide carbon reduction efforts.
The Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood, commented: “Smoother roads are our priority, but it’s important we also take steps to reduce carbon emissions.
“We’re supporting ADEPT’s Carbon Leadership Programme to equip local highways authorities with the tools they need to accelerate the sector’s transition to net zero.”
Bin strikes in Birmingham could last until December after 97% of refuse workers voted in favour of continuing industrial action.
The vote, which had a 75% turnout, follows Birmingham City Council being granted an interim High Court injunction aimed at preventing striking waste workers from obstructing vehicles at three depot sites.
Unite has pledged to continue its action lawfully and peacefully. In a statement, the union criticised the council’s decision to pursue legal action, stating it should instead focus on delivering a fair resolution.
Commenting on the ballot, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham, said: “After smearing these workers in public since January and telling them to accept a fair and reasonable offer that never existed, the council finally put a proposal in writing last week.
The decision makers at Birmingham council need to get in the room and put forward an acceptable offer.
“The decision makers at Birmingham council need to get in the room and put forward an acceptable offer.
“Unite will not allow these workers to be financially ruined – the strikes will continue for as long as it takes. Unite calls on the decision makers to let common sense prevail in upcoming negotiations.”
Bin workers have been on strike since January over the council’s decision to remove Waste Recycling and Collection Officer (WRCO) roles.
Unite said staff performing the “safety-critical” WRCO role will lose around £8,000 a year if the plans are implemented.
The figure is disputed by the authority with an official in the council telling Circular Online that claims that 150 people could lose £8,000 a year in pay are “incorrect”.
On 7 June, a team of waste management experts will travel to The Gambia to support WasteAid in delivering Operation Sanity – a collaborative waste management and circular economy initiative with Kanifing Municipal Council (KMC).
The team of experts, made up of Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) members, will stay in The Gambia for seven days as part of a technical support visit.
The visit aims to strengthen local capacity, share practical expertise, and co-develop solutions to some of the region’s most pressing sanitation challenges.
The experts will also conduct site assessments, workshops with frontline waste management teams, and strategic planning sessions with the Dennakuwo Circular Economy Network.
The Gambia | The Smiling Coast of Africa
Serrekunda, Gambia.
Often called the ‘smiling coast of Africa’ for its picturesque beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, The Gambia is the smallest mainland country in Africa, with a population of approximately 2 million. Apart from its 80-kilometre stretch of coastline, it is completely surrounded by Senegal on all other sides.
The Gambia is notable for its peanut production and export industry. The Gambia River, which runs about 320 kilometres inland and effectively divides the country, plays a central role in its geography and economy. Agriculture is a major sector, contributing around 30% to the national GDP and employing roughly 70% of the workforce.
Despite these strengths, The Gambia faces significant challenges, including widespread poverty. It ranks 174th out of 189 countries on the UN’s Human Development Index, which measures indicators such as life expectancy, education, and per capita income.
The country’s two largest urban centres are Serekunda and the capital city, Banjul. Banjul is located on an island at the mouth of the Gambia River where it meets the Atlantic, and it is home to most members of WasteAid’s Circular Economy Network.
What is WasteAid’s project in The Gambia?
Banjul, The Gambia.
WasteAid is a UK-based international non-governmental organisation (NGO) focused on improving the recovery of secondary resources and promoting the development of circular economies. The organisation runs projects in Cameroon, South Africa, and now, with support from CIWM, in The Gambia.
The Circular Economy Network (CEN) is a joint initiative by WasteAid and CIWM designed to create a membership network in The Gambia, known locally as the Dennakuwo Project.
Its goal is to connect individuals who can collaborate and support one another in building a circular economy that remains sustainable beyond the project’s lifespan.
Meet the team
Sarah Burns – Technical Delegate for WasteAid’s Visit to The Gambia
Sarah Burns is a passionate and experienced sustainability professional with over 13 years of experience in the waste and resources sector. Currently Sustainability & Engagement Manager at Bristol Waste Company, Sarah leads city-wide initiatives that promote circular economy thinking, waste reduction, and community engagement – driving impactful environmental change across Bristol.
Her career spans technical consultancy, project delivery, and community engagement roles in public, private, and third-sector organisations. From coordinating the nationwide Community RePaint Network – diverting hundreds of thousands of litres of paint from waste – to delivering Bristol’s award-winning Waste Nothing Challenge, Sarah brings a rare combination of strategic insight and hands-on experience.
Sarah’s work consistently focuses on empowering communities, fostering collaboration, and using data and research to inform innovative solutions. She has developed environmental impact tools, implemented behaviour change campaigns, and delivered sustainability strategies that shape how organisations approach resource use.
A strong advocate for inclusive environmental action, Sarah brings valuable expertise in engagement, monitoring, and sustainability planning to the WasteAid delegation. She is excited to collaborate with partners in The Gambia to explore locally led approaches to sustainable waste management.
Neil Thompson – Technical Delegate for WasteAid’s Visit to The Gambia
Neil Thompson is a Chartered Waste Manager and Chartered Engineer with over a decade of experience delivering waste, sustainability, and environmental infrastructure projects across the UK and internationally. Currently a Senior Associate in Waste and Resource Management at Mott MacDonald, Neil is delivering global initiatives to improve waste management, including a major programme to improve healthcare waste systems in West Africa.
With a background in both the public and private sectors – including Veolia, Joint Waste Solutions, and engineering roles with CH2M Hill and Atkins – Neil brings a wealth of technical expertise, project leadership, and strategic insight to the delegation. His experience spans complex contract management, behaviour change, innovation, and sustainable operations, with a passion for delivering long-term environmental impact.
Neil has worked in humanitarian contexts across Iraq and South Sudan, managing emergency WASH responses for displaced populations, and understands the importance of context-driven, inclusive solutions. His work consistently combines engineering rigour with community-focused outcomes.
Neil is proud to support WasteAid and CIWM on this technical visit to The Gambia, sharing expertise and building partnerships to advance sustainable waste management in collaboration with local stakeholders.
John Paterson – Technical Delegate for WasteAid’s Visit to The Gambia
John Paterson is a Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Waste Manager with over 30 years experience leading a range of environmental & place-based services across local government, the NHS and now as CEO of Scottish Canals. With a career rooted in waste, water, and environmental management, John was SEPA’s Project Manager for the development of Scotland’s first national waste strategy, laying the groundwork for today’s zero waste and circular economy policies. He subsequently implemented significant waste collection system changes for Scotland’s Capital City and beyond.
John has since held senior leadership roles across local government and the NHS, including Chief Officer for Waste and Environmental Services in Falkirk and Renfrewshire Councils, before serving nearly a decade as Executive Director of Property & Facilities for NHS Lanarkshire then NHS Tayside Health Boards. His work spanned strategic infrastructure planning, service transformation, climate resilience, and the delivery of major capital projects – including leading sustainability efforts across some of Scotland’s largest healthcare estates.
Now serving as Chief Executive of Scottish Canals, John leads the stewardship of Scotland’s historic waterway infrastructure while advancing environmental, community wellbeing, tourism and biodiversity goals. He continues to champion progressive sustainability practices and collaborative innovation across sectors.
John brings extensive insight into policy development, interface with government, C Suite leadership, system transformation, and public service delivery to the WasteAid delegation. His wealth of experience will be instrumental in supporting local partners in The Gambia as they develop practical, inclusive waste solutions.
Bonni Jee – CIWM Early Careers Delegate on WasteAid’s Technical Visit to The Gambia
Bonni Jee is an environmental professional with a strong background in local authority waste and recycling services, climate policy, and sustainable infrastructure. Currently Principal Advisor for Waste and Recycling at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE), Bonni supports local government officers across the UK by sharing best practices, policy insight, and technical advice.
Previously a consultant at Mott MacDonald, Bonni delivered waste strategy and infrastructure projects for local authorities and major clients in the UK and abroad. His expertise spans recycling and materials recovery, food waste, behavioural change, and the circular economy. His career started at the frontline of local government where he was a Recycling Advisor at Kirklees Council.
Bonni holds an MPhil in Environmental Policy from the University of Cambridge and is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), where he also serves as an Early Careers Ambassador. He is representing CIWM’s Early Careers network on this technical visit to The Gambia, supporting WasteAid’s Operation Sanity initiative in partnership with Kanifing Municipal Council.
Bonni is passionate about inclusive, locally driven solutions to global waste challenges and looks forward to sharing knowledge and learning from WasteAid’s innovative work on the ground.
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