Waste Review probes business recycling services

Environmental Update - 15/6/2011

The Government has set out its plans for improving business recycling services in its new Waste Review.

Published this week, the new review details Government proposals for turning the country into a ‘zero waste economy.’

Some of the proposals contained within the review include launching a consultation into rolling out a landfill restriction on wood waste and introducing a landfill ban on all biodegradable waste.

The review also suggests providing a number of incentives to householders and businesses to encourage the take up of recycling. Amongst the specific business issues addressed in the review is an investigation into the lack of facilities for firms to take their recycling and waste, alongside a lack of recycling services in some areas.

Certain materials - such as food waste - are currently hard for businesses to get rid of and the high cost of service and lack of convenience relating to its disposal need to be looked at.

Other business issues mentioned in the review include a lack of awareness within small and medium-sized companies as regards their legal recycling and waste obligations. Many small firms were said to be utilising household services without the necessary agreement or payment, according to the review.

Caroline Spelman, Environment Secretary, spoke at the recent Chartered Institute of Waste Management (CIWM) conference, saying, “For too long, we’ve lagged behind the rest of Europe, although we are catching up fast.

"Communities and businesses can help us become a first-class zero-waste economy and unlock the real value in the goods that people no longer want," she added.