The Freight Transport Association has established a web-based discussion group designed to provide a platform for information, dialogue and mutual assistance for transport managers and others involved in waste management. The online Waste Network presently has 45 subscribers, all coming from the private waste sector. The Board Manager for the network is Mark Forster, Group Fleet Compliance Manager for SITA.
The Waste Network has been successfully trialled over the last six months following a request for such a facility from FTA's Waste Transport Forum, which has now been running for a year. The forum meets on a quarterly basis and the aim of the group is to share compliance best practice and develop solutions to common problems regarding the transport element of waste operations. The group is grateful for the hospitality provided by Scania GB and Dennis Eagle in hosting recent meetings.
Mark Forster said, 'The waste forum is now celebrating its first anniversary and its success has in no small part been as a result of FTA providing an ideal platform for colleagues in the sector to network and openly discuss common issues, sharing ideas and experiences in a relaxed and friendly environment. Confidence within the forum can also be attributed to the fact that any discussion centres solely around safety and compliance and not matters of commercial sensitivity. Thanks are particularly due to Chris Ruane and Anne Johnson for their support and dedication in making the forum happen.'
To date the Waste Transport Forum has attracted 20 member companies and the online Waste Network 45 individual members. Membership is open only to FTA members operating in the private waste sector and those interested in joining should contact Anne Johnson, Sector Manager – Waste on 07985 887409.