Questions and Answers

Is it acceptable to burn non-hazardous waste during the current coronavirus lockdown? At present we have a skeleton staff looking after our premises and they have generated quite a lot of green waste from grounds maintenance, as well as some DIY waste from indoors. We have noticed a lot of bonfires in peoples’ gardens lately and wondered whether businesses could do likewise.

I understand that the Government now says that we can car-share to work with people not from our household. How can we make this as safe as possible?

I may have to lay off a significant number of my staff as a result of the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus. I understand that I can obtain financial help from the Government. Can you summarise the Government’s Coronavirus Job Retention (“Furlough”) Scheme for me?

Why are recycling rates falling in England when Wales and other European countries are doing so well?

Can you explain why trees in city streets have been linked to higher levels of air pollution? Does this have any implications for green walls on buildings?

Since our pub was closed for the lockdown the outside courtyard area has been used to fly-tip all kinds of waste, including food waste. Am I responsible for organising the disposal of this, and if so where can I take it, as the local tip is closed?

Considering the requirements regarding social distancing, is my organisation obliged to provide toilet or other welfare facilities for delivery drivers?

Will the Environment Bill ever become law and what are the main amendments proposed by Parliament so far?

Our workplace cafeteria is moving away from single-use plastic on environmental grounds for takeaway foods, and was planning to replace plastic containers with paper, but now I hear that paper-based packaging can contain dangerous chemicals. Is this a real threat and if so, can we purchase safer alternatives?

Is it a good move to switch from recyclable plastic containers (for food, say) to compostable or biodegradable plastic containers?