Latest news with #BusinessWaste.co.uk
Daily Record
a day ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Sunseekers warned over £1K fine for binning their litter this weekend
The weekend weather means parks and beaches will be rammed with people enjoying the sunshine - but you could be fined for trying to be clear up behind yourself With the weekend looking to be a hot one, thousands of people will head to parks and beaches to take advantage of the weather. But sunseekers have been given a warning over using public bins for their litter. With busy beauty spots a certainty, bins could also be overflowing. And trying to use ones that are already loaded with rubbish could lead to fines of up to £1k for fly tipping, experts have warned. While It may seem tempting to place litter next to or on top of the bin, this could be a costly mistake. Anything placed outside of the bin itself is technically classed as fly tipping. This can be prosecuted with fines of up to £1000 for a fixed penalty notice, according to The most common punishment is a smaller fine for first-time offences, and usually you'll be offered a discount if you pay early. What should you do instead? Look nearby to see if there are any alternative public bins in the area that aren't already full. If you can't find one, take your waste home and dispose of it in your own bin. It can be helpful to also report full bins to the council, so they're aware of the issue, can arrange a collection, and look to provide more frequent collections during hot weather. Why are overflowing bins an issue? Overflowing bins can result in litter being spread across areas, leading to it ending up in our streets, parks, rivers and other waterways. Alongside this, it can attract wildlife and pests, which may scavenge in bins, tearing open bags and scattering rubbish. Rotting food can also attract pests like rats, flies, and seagulls, who may carry diseases and create a public health risk. It also releases foul smells and looks unsightly in your local area, affecting yourself, local businesses and tourists. Not only this, but these clean-up costs add extra pressure on council teams, and increased spending on services like this usually finds its way back to the taxpayer. Graham Matthews, waste collection expert at said: "We're very lucky in the UK to have plenty of green spaces to head out and enjoy the good weather while it lasts, but any litter you create is ultimately your own responsibility. "While the council may look to ensure popular areas have a good provision of public bins, they can easily become overwhelmed during busy periods. 'To look after the environment around us and ensure these places remain as beauty spots we want to enjoy, it's vital that each person takes accountability. "Don't add to the issue of overflowing bins as you're contributing to environmental harm and potentially spoiling the beauty spot for yourself and others.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Daily Record
Passengers with hand luggage on flights urged 'make this immediate swap'
If you're carrying liquids on board your flight this summer you will probably still be required to have them in a clear bag. The rules surrounding taking liquids on board an airplane are set to change soon with UK airports hoping to scrap them this summer. And while some hubs have the technology that allows for liquids to be carried in hand luggage without restriction, the 100ml rule still applies at the moment. And that means that millions of passengers are packing their liquids into small plastic bags to comply with security protocols. This is only adding to the stark figures that show as many as 235 million single-use plastic bags will be used in 2025. New data from plastic waste specialists at also showed that a whopping 3.5 billion of these small, sealable bags have used since the rules first came into place in 2006. And it's easy to see why. There are more than 313 million passengers estimated to use UK airports this year and this means the number of single-use plastic bags used and then thrown away could reach 235 million. That's enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools in just a year in the UK alone. And if the plastic bags used at airports in the last 19 years were laid end to end they would be long enough to take 18 trips around the earth's equator or would equal four times the height of Mount Everest when stacked up. So passengers are being asked to make a simple switch to reusable plastic bags for their plane trips in a bid to stop the damage done by the single-use pouches which are made from soft plastics which are rarely recyclable. BusinessWaste said they often end up in landfill where they can take 1,000 years to break down. And as they do, they release tiny particles known as microplastics which pose a threat to both human and animal health. What can you do? Be sure to ensure you check the rules of your departure airport. With many now adapting to the new rules, you may not need to consider bagging liquids at all. If you have hold luggage, don't put any liquids in your hand luggage. This removes the need for any little plastic bags and can also save you time at security. If this isn't an option, BusinessWaste is urging passengers to swap disposable clear plastic bags for reusable ones when travelling through UK airports this summer. They say the best alternative is to use the wealth of reusable options on the market—just ensure that the dimensions are 20cm x 20cm, it's transparent, carries no more than one litre, matches airport regulations, and that any products can be sealed (by a zipper). Lastly, you can consider using airside click-and-collect options for toiletries. This is a great way to avoid the high airport prices and skip the need to put liquids in your carry-on bag. You'll save space, money, and help the environment." says: "Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions. Some airports may allow you to take containers of liquid up to 100ml through security in your hand luggage. "Check with the airport before you travel. Also check the rules at other airports you'll be travelling through - for example on your return journey." Graham Matthews, plastic waste specialist at comments: "The plastic bags we use to bring liquids through airports are a huge blight on the environment. While you may only go on holiday once or twice a year, this quickly adds up as the UK now sees around 300 million air passengers a year. "We're really happy to see the new scanners in place and hope that this reduces the reliance on single-use plastic bags. However, old habits die hard, and many people will be nervous to change to the new system, or find that their return airport still requires liquids to be bagged. If you do take liquids in your hand luggage, at most airports: containers must hold no more than 100ml containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top you're limited to one plastic bag per person you must show the bag at the airport security point
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Anyone going UK airports with hand luggage told one swap can save time
Making the one change not only saves you time and money but also helps the environment UK airports are keen to ditch the 100ml liquids rule for anyone carrying hand luggage through security this summer. However, until that happens, travellers must continue to limit and pack any liquids from their hand luggage in a clear bag for security reasons. This has led to a surge in the use of disposable clear plastic bags for toiletries and other liquids across the country. Some UK airports have relaxed the rules around liquids in hand luggage, reducing the need for these plastic bags. However, others still enforce the rule. The lack of consistency across the UK means many holiday -goers will continue to rely on putting their 100ml liquids in a disposable plastic bag. Even though the UK is eager to abolish the rules as soon as possible, thanks to advanced scanners, you may find that the airport you're returning from still insists on bagged 100ml liquids. Fresh data from plastic waste experts at suggests that a staggering 235 million single-use plastic bags could be used in 2025. The data also reveals that an astonishing 3.5 billion bags have been used since the rules were first introduced in 2006, reports the Liverpool Echo. The 100ml liquid regulation at airports, which mandates that liquids be stored in transparent, resealable plastic bags, was put in place in 2006 after a terror plot to blow up transatlantic flights was prevented. This plot involved the use of liquid explosives that were concealed as soft drinks in carry-on luggage. With an estimated 313 million passengers expected to pass through UK airports this year, the number of single-use plastic liquid bags used and discarded could hit 235 million. That's enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools in just one year in the UK. Data projections indicate that a staggering 3.5 billion bags may have been used at UK airports over the last 19 years. When arranged end to end, this quantity of bags equates to 18 journeys around the Earth's equator or four times the height of Mount Everest when piled up. Why does it matter? These bags are crafted from soft plastics, which are rarely recyclable. They frequently end up in landfill sites, where they can take as long as 1,000 years to decompose. As these plastic items deteriorate, they can generate minuscule particles known as microplastics. Studies reveal that these pose a threat to both human and animal health. The energy and materials needed to manufacture these bags are depleting our planet's natural resources, with 98% of single-use plastic products made from fossil fuels or virgin feedstock. What steps can you take? Firstly, make sure you're familiar with the regulations of your departure airport. With many soon to adjust to new rules, there might be no need to bag liquids at all. If you're checking in luggage, avoid placing any liquids in your hand luggage. This eliminates the requirement for any small plastic bags and could also save you time at security checks. If reusable options aren't feasible, BusinessWaste is requesting travellers ditch single-use clear plastic bags in favour of reusable ones at UK airports this summer. The company recommends switching to reusable ones and says there is an array of reusable choices available online and in stores, like Boots and Superdrug. However, just make sure they measure 20cm x 20cm, are transparent, have a capacity no greater than one litre, comply with airport regulations, and can be securely sealed (by a zipper). Another tip is to use airside click-and-collect services for toiletries. This not only bypasses steep airport prices but also eliminates the need to carry liquids in hand luggage, saving space, money, and benefiting the environment. If you do take liquids in your hand luggage, at most airports: containers must hold no more than 100ml containers must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag, which holds no more than a litre and measures approximately 20cm x 20cm contents must fit comfortably inside the bag so it can be sealed the bag must not be knotted or tied at the top you're limited to one plastic bag per person you must show the bag at the airport security point For those who do bring liquids in their carry-on, advises: "Liquids in containers larger than 100ml generally cannot go through security even if the container is only part full. There are some exemptions. Some airports may allow you to take containers of liquid up to 100ml through security in your hand luggage. Check with the airport before you travel. Also, check the rules at other airports you'll be travelling through - for example, on your return journey." Graham Matthews, a plastic waste expert at says making the swap from disposable plastic bags to reusable ones for 100ml hand luggage liquids should be done as soon as possible to avoid even more waste building up. He said: "The plastic bags we use to bring liquids through airports are a huge blight on the environment. "While you may only go on holiday once or twice a year, this quickly adds up as the UK now sees around 300 million air passengers a year. We're really happy to see the new scanners in place and hope that this reduces the reliance on single-use plastic bags. "However, old habits die hard, and many people will be nervous to change to the new system, or find that their return airport still requires liquids to be bagged. For anyone in this position, and until the new rules are firmly in place, we strongly encourage passengers to consider utilising hold luggage, switching to reusable options, or making use of airside click-and-collect."
Daily Mirror
02-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
'World's dirtiest tourist attraction' is litter-strewn mess with strange odour
Batu Caves, located just outside of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, are sacred for Hindus across the world, but also have issues with cheeky monkeys and piles of rubbish A sacred tourist spot has become overrun by monkeys and plagued by litter. Batu Caves, located just outside of Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, took first place in a recent study of the world's most littered tourist attraction, with 1.67% of reviews mentioning rubbish out of a total 13,950 reviews. The huge cave complex is one of Malaysia's most iconic tourist destinations and has particular religious significance due to its Hindu temple complex dedicated to Lord Murugan, the Hindu God of war. The limestone caves themselves are more than 400 million years old, while the temple at their heart was built in 1920. Hindus from all over have come together during festivals to celebrate and pray as a community in the Batu Caves, where magnificently built shrines and statues are strikingly set against a captivating background of limestone hills. Unfortunately, several factors have chipped away at the beauty of the unique attraction. The site's litter issue has often been attributed to its popularity with milions of annual visitors, many of whom discard rubbish and often feed the resident monkeys. The large size and complex nature of the site also make it difficult to maintain. Following a recent visit to the Caves, a man from Burnley wrote: "The whole area surrounding the shrine was filthy and covered with litter, discarded food, refuse bins overflowing with plastics etc, used face masks and litter in general. "If this is a sacred shrine, I find it difficult to understand why those responsible for its upkeep allow it to be abused in this way. Entry to the sacred shrines requires visitors to remove shoes, but having seen the filthy state the floors were surrounding these areas, there was no way my wife nor I would risk doing so. "I appreciate that the matter was exacerbated by the presence of monkeys at the caves that scavenge for food, but surely those responsible for health and safety should introduce a programme of cleaning throughout the day to ensure all litter etc is removed." A holidaymaker from Essex added: "The area is strewn with rubbish and very stinky. It needs a good clean-up." Mark Hall, general waste expert at which conducted the study, said: "It is concerning to see so many reviews mentioning litter at iconic tourist attractions around the world. Many of these sites have religious, spiritual, or historic importance, so it's vital that travellers treat them with respect. Sadly, overtourism is now a huge issue in many countries and this often brings the issue of litter. 'When tourists visit in such vast numbers, it can be difficult for the operators of tourist attractions to manage waste. Therefore, it's vital that travellers are mindful of the impact of their own waste. You should never litter, and if a bin isn't available or is full, always take litter home with you to dispose of properly. That way, we can ensure that these sites remain preserved and enjoyable for years to come.'
Daily Record
22-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Why you should never bin disposable vapes and how it could cost you £600
The selling of disposable vapes is to be completely banned both in store and online in the UK from June 1. In a bid to protect the environment and deter young people and kids from vaping, the colourful throwaway nicotine sticks are to be stripped from the shelves. The unsafe disposing of vape products is linked to more than 11 fires per week, and harmful chemicals inside the devices are polluting the country's rivers and streams. According to research, only 17 per cent of people dispose of their vapes correctly. While the new ban is designed to deter vape use, reports suggest that many people are either stockpiling disposable vapes or switching to reusable models, meaning the problems associated with binning old vapes is likely to persist in some manner at least. With this in mind, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEE) experts at are warning the public about the dangers of binning old vapes, which they say could even result in a £600 fine if you're not careful. Graham Matthews of said: 'The ban on disposable vapes is certainly a step in the right direction. However, it's concerning to see it hasn't had the desired effect with many people simply stockpiling or switching to reusable models. "While a reusable vape is still the preferred option, the lack of education surrounding correct disposal means we're likely to see vape-related bin and waste fires continue." So, why shouldn't you bin vapes, and how can you safely dispose of them? Here's what the experts had to say. Why shouldn't you bin vapes? Many people mistakenly believe that vapes can be tossed into their regular bin at home, but they're actually classed as Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), which has strict rules for disposal. When vapes are disposed of in household bins, this can lead to fires in bin lorries and at waste management sites, which puts workers and the public at risk. Vapes contain lithium-ion batteries that can overheat and ignite when damaged or crushed. If vapes enter bin lorries or waste management facilities, they're at risk of catching fire. Data shows that vape-related fires are on the rise in the UK, with a huge surge of 348 per cent between 2020 and 2025. Any vapes that end up in landfill can also leach battery acid, nicotine, and chemicals from the plastic into the environment, causing further damage. Can you be fined for putting a vape in household waste? WEEE waste is classed as hazardous or controlled waste that must be disposed of separately from usual waste to prevent environmental harm. And you can be fined up to £600 if you breach your household waste duty of care. It could also void your home insurance if vapes in your household bin cause a fire, as this could be classed as negligence, explained the WEEE experts. How to waste disposable vapes correctly The safest and easiest way to waste a disposable vape is to put it in a dedicated vape disposal bin, which can be found in many shops and supermarkets, or return it to a retailer. Many electrical and electronic shops accept used disposable vapes and will ensure they're recycled. If you can easily remove the battery, then you could separate it and take it to a local battery recycling point which can also be found in many shops and supermarkets. However, the way disposable vapes are made means it's difficult to separate the battery and materials in many single-use vapes, and disposing of them through the proper channels is advised.
