The commercial and industrial sectors in England produced 37.2 million tonnes of waste in 2018 (UK Government report), contributing largely to the UK waste problem. As waste produced continues to rise and landfill sites become increasingly overfilled, businesses must better manage the waste they produce and help the environment against the negative effects of waste.
At Great Western Recycling, we as a UK waste management company work with businesses to manage their waste in the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly way, aiming for zero waste to landfill. Our team of recycling experts has put together this guide to waste management and why it is so important for UK businesses.
What is Waste Management?
Waste management is the entire process of handling waste produced by individuals and businesses, including the collection, transport, monitoring, disposal, and recycling of waste. From when it is produced to the point at which it is recycled or disposed of at its final destination, waste must be carefully managed to ensure no harm is done to the environment or people.
For businesses, commercial waste management can be a huge headache and money drain if not done properly. This is where sustainable waste management providers like Great Western Recycling come in to offer waste container hire, flexible collection schedules, waste audits, and more to ensure cost-effectiveness, compliant processes, and maximised recycling.
Business waste is any waste created by commercial activity. It also includes waste from construction, demolition, industry, and agriculture.
Importance of Waste Management
Here are some of the top reasons why effective waste management and recycling is critical to UK businesses:
Reduces Waste to Landfill
Landfill sites are notoriously bad for the local environment, human health, and the economy. Due to the decomposition of a mixture of waste types in landfill sites, air and water become polluted, destroying the local biodiversity and having numerous harmful effects on humans. In terms of the environment, the release of methane from decaying waste is the most impactful, as this greenhouse gas is one of the most powerful drivers of global warming.
If businesses manage their waste properly, they can reduce the overall amount of waste sent to landfill and consequently help the environment. In recent years there has been a huge push to divert as much waste as possible from landfill (zero waste to landfill) by using alternative solutions to waste such as recycling.
Saves Businesses Money
A huge amount of materials and products purchased by businesses get wasted, even going unused! When conducting a waste audit at the start of the budget waste management process, businesses will become more conscious of the waste they create, how much is created, and why. Waste management, therefore, helps businesses make their supply chain more effective, improve ordering, reduce waste materials, and save money.
As landfill taxes continually rise, businesses should not only look to find better solutions for waste but also reduce the amount they create in the first instance. This is especially prevalent for construction and demolition businesses.
Adds Value to Waste
Waste should not always be ‘wasted’. In fact, waste can have great value when applied correctly. Enlisting a waste management provider who can assist and advise means that businesses don’t simply discard their waste, but give it value instead. Whether waste is reused, recycled, or incinerated for energy recovery, it is a valuable resource. Depending on the waste type, the value may differ. For example, scrap metal is literally valuable and sold at very competitive rates.
Preserves Natural Resources
Natural resources can be preserved by proper waste management. Many natural resources are used in the production of materials, such as fossil fuels to power production or limited ores to make up the material. By increasing recycling and reducing the reliance on processing virgin materials to create products, businesses help to preserve vital limited natural resources.
Although, arguably, energy is used to process recycled waste into new materials, the energy demand is far less than that for virgin materials.
Streamlines Business Processes
Every business creates waste in some quantity which can quickly become harmful or unpleasant to employees. Poor storage, infrequent collections, improper containers, hazardous waste types, and more can lead to foul odours, harm to humans, and costly remedial measures. When done correctly the first time, waste management is not a hassle to businesses and can even help cut costs.
Complies with Legislation
There are laws and regulations mandated by the UK Government to ensure businesses fulfil their Duty of Care to properly manage the waste they produce. Aspects laid out by the Government include properly sorting and storing waste, having the appropriate Waste Transfer Notes, using registered waste management providers, and ensuring waste disposal is responsible and legal. For further information, read the Government regulations here.
Aligns with Customer Values
Businesses that demonstrate strong environmental commitment through effective waste management will be appealing to customers. Environmental health is a key issue in the modern day, with customers actively seeking ‘green’ businesses to purchase products and services from. Effective waste management with high recycling or zero waste to landfill outputs is not just good for a business’ environmental policy, but customer appeal too.
Get Started with Great Western Recycling
If you are looking for a professional waste management business in the UK, get in touch with us for a free no obligation waste management quote and personalised waste review. With nationwide coverage, we provide a range of key recycling and waste management solutions, including general recycling, hazardous waste management, confidential waste removal, and washroom and sanitary services. Whatever your business’ waste requirements, we supply cost-effective, compliant solutions tailored to you.