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Business RecyclingBusinesses are becoming more and more aware of their impact on the environment and are assessing how they can improve their environmental performance. In addition, the increasing cost of landfill has led to companies examining how they can reduce this cost and increase the value they can receive from waste.
Here are some ideas to assess how you can increase your company's recycling levels. Usually the first step to determining how much recyclable waste you generate as a business is to carry out an audit of all your waste arisings. This will help you decide if you can reduce the waste you produce or if recycling is a better option.Office RecyclingMost businesses generate office waste. You can help improve your recycling levels by recycling all office supplies from paper to ink cartridges and even computers: Business users of Waste Electrical and Electronic equipment (WEEE) have an obligation to ensure that it is dealt with in accordance to the WEEE regulations. You can also look at recycling on-site drinks containers from vending machines. Contact your Local Authority, canteen supplier or Wastepack who may be able to help.Packaging used in the businessSome businesses can improve their environmental performance by recycling waste which is accumulated as part of the goods in process, either for own use or for re-sale. This would typically be cardboard boxes, shrink wrap or pallets.
An audit of how you transport goods between sites and to customers may also reveal recycling opportunities. For example, you may be able to substitute one-way packaging with reusable packaging such as tote boxes and wooden pallets if it does not sacrifice product safety or transportation requirements. You may also be able to minimise the use of packaging in your business by buying in bulk or in large, reusable containers. Join your neighboursSometimes you do not generate enough waste to make recycling economically viable because it may not be enough for a lorry load. If this is the case, why not get together with other businesses in your area to set up a “milk round”.Buy RecycledMany businesses are now looking at sourcing stationery or packaging which contains an element of recycled material. This is important as it ensures there is a market for waste, and it also helps to create new collection and recycling facilities. Many office suppliers now have a selection of recycled products.Wastepack RecyclingOur recycling team leads the way in advising on the extracting of recyclable materials from commercial and industrial waste streams, and identifying commercially viable markets for recyclate. If you would like help with recycling within your business, please call Wastepack on 01279 620000 or email at: mailto:recycling@wastepack.co.uk.
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