Posts Tagged ‘recycling’
Reduce The Amount You Spend On Waste Management Easily!
Small to Medium sized enterprises (SMEs) often don’t consider the cost savings available to them by reducing the amount of waste they get rid of. It is certainly not a priority of a busy manager – however there are significant savings and benefits to working hard on your waste management strategy.
Prices for waste collection can range from a few hundred to thousands of pounds per annum so there are still considerable cost savings to me made, and for those with multi-site operations, even more so. There are other considerations to be made, such as regulations regarding waste collection and heavy fines for those who do not comply. Every modern business should have a waste management policy in place to ensure their environmental, corporate and social responsibilities.
One major increasing cost factor in UK waste disposal is Landfill Tax, which has increased year on year since 2006.
The new UK Government’s emergency budget detailed several cost increases including an 8% rise in landfill tax over the next 4 years, which will reach 80 a tonne by 2014!
Question is then… how can you reduce your waste costs?
* Clever marketing tricks you into thinking you are saving mega bucks, when really these initial low rates are onoly there to lure you in. Make sure if the second year costs are much more than you think are reasonable that you exercise your right to cancel the contract, and seek advice elsewhere.
* Remember to get a clause written into your contract that allows you to cancel it at a months notice – this means that should prices go up you can jump out and find a cheaper deal elsewhere.
* Speak with at least 3 or more waste companies before signing. Prices can differ, and then use the prices quotes to haggle for a better deal.
* Make sure you get a Duty of Care/Waste Transfer Note from your bin supplier so that you know where your waste is going – it’s a legal requirement.
* Recycle, recycle, recycle! Cardboard, paper and glass can all be recycled easily and cheaply and is often less expensive than general waste. Food waste and mixed recycling for smaller businesses are also available – many firms could actually do away with general waste collections if you recycle carefully.
* It may be worth looking into waste equipment such as balers, compactors and composters that can reduce the space waste takes up and therefore save money – many waste management companies can provide an audit to show you where you could save money.
* Speak to your suppliers about reducing the amount of packaging they use – if you have one large supplier who regularly sends to tonnes of packaging, why not work with them to reduce it.
* Try and reuse items that you currently throw away, such as padded envelopes, boxes, waste paper etc – can these be used for other purposes?
* Make sure your firm is using the correct number of waste containers, many businesses have too many meaning you pay for empty space. Check the day before your scheduled collection and make sure they are full – if not contact your waste supplier to get the size or quantity changed!
* Shop around – there are lots of waste brokers around the UK who specialise in saving their clients money. They will also be able to advise you on making sure you are meeting all your legal responsibilites.
Graeme Rose is Managing Director of 707 Waste Management based in the UK. 707 offers a refreshing new concept in waste management – saving firms time and cash and assisting them with their corporate social responsibility by turning waste into a resource. 707 Ltd – Call 08454 707 707
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