During the current phase of economic downturn, sustainable waste management practices and recycling may be the last items on most business agendas. However, a new initiative supported by the Environment Agency and Liverpool City Council aims to help.

There are a number of benefits for the business community in implementing sustainable waste management practices, and there is also a legal requirement to properly contain and dispose of commercial waste under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

The benefits of sustainable waste management practices include a clean environment surrounding business premises, compliance with legislation and the potential of making the business more attractive to customers. It is becoming increasingly important that businesses are seen as responsible and environmentally aware members of the local community.

There are also financial incentives for those businesses looking to reduce the amounts they send to landfill and to increase the amount of materials recycled. These include a reduction in the costs of land-filling residual waste and a potential income stream from the materials sent for recycling.

Nick Hopwood, Environment Manager for the Environment Agency said:

“Businesses across the city need to find the most environmentally sound and cost effective ways of achieving sustainable waste management to remain competitive in the current economic climate.  The ‘Make Waste Your Business’ project  offers education and advice on commercial waste disposal and provide links to other sources of information to help businesses make an informed choice about sustainable waste management and recycling. We really hope businesses in Liverpool will take advantage of this service during Year of the Environment. ”

For more information please contact pat.davies@liverpool.gov.uk