Waste Management

For every tonne of consumable product produced in the UK, 7 tonnes of waste is created. Not surprisingly, waste minimisation is high on the political agenda as the disposal methods of landfill and incineration become increasingly unacceptable.

Waste minimisation can result in significant reductions in not only disposal costs, but also in the supply of input materials.

Nic Seal explains why effective waste management should be high priority on the management agenda.

COSTS

Waste output is a crude indicator of inefficiency, inefficiency costs money. There are many case studies that demonstrate the huge potential savings available to certain organisations who implement waste minimisation initiatives. These savings can realistically be as high as 5% of turnover - how many additional sales would you need to match that increase in profitability?

The costs of waste disposal are projected to increase in real terms as landfill tax is raised to the European norm, as landfill sites become more restricted and environmental controls are tightened. Any improvements you make today, you can rest assured that the savings in subsequent years will be even greater.

Of course, waste is created by an inefficient process from often valuable input materials, sometimes themselves having been part processed. The costs of these part processed inputs when factored into the waste minimisation cost benefit analysis make the argument for action overwhelming.

LEGISLATION

There is an increasing amount of legislation to protect the environment from the adverse effects of waste. There are now several examples of company directors receiving custodial sentences for waste offences.

There is a “duty of care” on all who produce, carry, store, process and dispose of waste to ensure it is dealt with correctly.

There are Packaging Waste Regulations that impose significant obligations on organisations that “handle” over 50 tonnes of packaging per year.

There are regulations that impose special conditions where hazardous waste is involved.

These are just a few examples - you need to be sure you are not inadvertently breaking the law.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

We can work with you in the following ways:

 

 

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