A year in review – we celebrate some of the landmarks of 2014

There were many positives in 2014, in which many of you played a valuable role. We don’t have space to mention them all, but here are a few of our favourites:

• January: The Waste (Scotland) Regulations prioritise high quality recycling through the separate collection and processing of materials
• February: The recast Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment (WEEE) Directive 2012 becomes effective to encourage more recycling of electronic and electrical goods
• March: The Budget included a number of measures to drive resources out of landfill including aligning landfill tax with inflation
• April: Defra confirms in the Better for Business discussion paper that, as a part of the Red Tape Challenge initiative, more SMEs will be included on the list of exemptions from the Producer Responsibility Packaging Waste Regulations.
• May: Interclean 2014 saw global brands showcasing the best in technology and professional cleaning, whilst the Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management honoured the best in the recycling industry
• June: The Facilities Show takes place bringing together the best in facilities management
• July: The Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games showcased not only sporting prowess but the best in facilities management
• August: A new £5 million recycling fund will be made available to local councils that continue to offer weekly collections
• September: Europe’s leading event for resource efficiency and waste management, RWM takes place
• October: EU leaders agree 2030 framework for climate and energy goals
• November: New Living Wage rates set for 2015 as part of Living Wage Week
• December: New Year’s Honour’s list commends industry entrepreneurs including an MBE for Emma Elston of waste container repair company, UK Container Maintenance