A waste management expert has expressed concern over a lack of action among manufacturers after new recycling laws came into force from the start of this month (1 April). Helen Bentham (pictured), sustainable contracts manager at leading waste management company
CSG, said while she believes most large organisations are on top of the Government's Simpler Recycling reforms, many smaller manufacturers are yet to take action to address the legislation — and others are simply unaware to the changes. Under the new legislation, any business in England with more than 10 full-time employees — including manufacturers — must separate business waste into dry recyclable waste, food waste, glass and residual waste.
Ms Bentham said: “This legislation has been on the horizon for a short while but it’s clear to me many manufacturers do not fully understand what is required. Most larger businesses will have a waste provider in place and those providers should be communicating the changes, but that is not the case for smaller operators. We have seen an influx in the number of businesses getting in touch with us trying to urgently get their processes in order.
“In time, this legislation should make recycling a simpler process for employees — but leaders of small businesses need to understand and acknowledge what is required of them. The most important thing is having separate containers for the different types of waste. That should be the starting point for all businesses.”
Greater awarenessMs Bentham believes while most people are familiar with the concept and need to separate dry recyclable materials from general waste, food recycling still requires greater awareness. She scontinued: “Food waste can be a valuable resource as it is usually sent to Anaerobic Digestion plants to produce biogas, which can be used to generate electricity.
“But when we carry out waste audits at businesses of all sizes, it is clear many businesses dispose of food in general waste. In many cases it is because they do not have the option of a designated food waste bin. This is no longer acceptable for businesses with more than 10 employees.”
Businesses that fail to comply with the Simpler Recycling reforms may receive a compliance notice from the Environment Agency. Ignoring this can lead to fines or further enforcement action. The legislation is expected to extend to businesses with less than 10 full-time employees by 1 April, 2027.
CSG provides a total waste management solution to businesses of all sizes, which includes waste mapping to determine where waste streams can be eliminated or, at least, reduced. The company also offers a free total waste management audit to ensure legal compliance and to explore whether disposal costs can be reduced. Ms Bentham concluded: “We added more than £2,000 to one company’s bottom line simply by reducing its number of bins.”