Waste will launch a new glass collection service next month to save householders the dreaded weekly journey to the local bottle bank. The service is part of Panda's roll-out of household collection services to the four Dublin local authority areas and Bray, Co Wicklow.

Panda said all glass collected will be recycled and each tonne of glass used for producing new glass items saves 315kg of carbon dioxide used in the manufacture of virgin glass because less sand, lime and soda is needed. Panda is currently developing a 40m dry recycling facility in north Co Dublin.

BIOFUELS HELP DRIVE UP FOOD PRICES

The demand for biofuels, especially in the US and Europe, is driving the price of cereal crops higher just as poor weather in key agricultural regions is putting the squeeze on supply . . . and the effects are starting to be felt in the food sector.

Wheat futures hit an 11-year high in Chicago last week, while milk prices in the EU . . . which are highly dependent on cereal crops . . . have risen 86% this year alone.

Producers of milk-based products are reportedly starting to raise their own prices, so consumers will eventually start to feel the pinch.

Corn, barley and soya are also trading above long-term averages.

While the difficulties this is causing in Mexico and central America are well-documented . . .not only do corn tortillas make up a significant part of the local diet, but food accounts for a large proportion of personal expenditure there as well . . . our processed food is certainly not immune to the problem.

Food prices have started to tick up in Ireland, too, according to the latest consumer figures from the CSO. Food in"ation rose 0.1% in July and 2.6% year-on-year.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCE IN DUBLIN

The third annual Environment Ireland conference will be held this year on September 3 and 4 at the Burlington Hotel in Dublin.

Sponsored by the department of the environment and local government and the EPA, the theme of this year's conference will be 'Towards 2020: The Environment in Ireland's Future'. It will focus on issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and the environmental impact of transport. Plenary sessions and workshops will examine waste management, managing the local environment, water resources, and the impact of environmental issues on the economy. For registration visit www. environmentireland. ie.