future directions
The Waste Hierarchy

29th December 2011

The Waste Hierarchy.

If you produce any type of waste, this will have an impact on your business.

You may be familiar with the “re-use” “recycle” and “dispose of” waste model. This has now changed from 29th March 2011 with the introduction of legislation known as Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. Now as businesses we have to consider the following;

Waste Prevention

Preparing of waste for Re-use

Opportunities for Recycling

Options for Recovery (e.g. energy recovery)

Finally Disposal

In a nutshell when you dispose of your business waste you need to demonstrate that you have considered this hierarchy. This is only one aspect of these regulations and we can provide more detailed advice specific to your business.

 

It is easy to appreciate why some businesses view such regulations negatively, but such approaches provide many opportunities to review what you do and make savings in your operational costs and improve your environmental performance. Waste is not just what you put in your bin for landfill; you can find it in everything that you do.

 

So;

 “Have you PuRRReD today?” Or put another way

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FUTURE DIRECTIONS works with clients to;

1. Assess their environmental impact

Helping clients to best assess where they are now and their impact on the environment.

2. Prepare their environmental documents and objectives

Developing your environmental policy, register of legislation and other legislative documents.

3. Improve and embed environmental management and sustainability into business

Helping clients to embed environmental management into their business through training and the adoption of an Environmental Management System such as ISO 14001, Green Dragon or the Acorn standard. Conduct audits of your current systems and procedures.

 

Benefits of Environmental Management:

  1. 1.      Cost savings: Significant savings can be made as an EMS identifies opportunities to reduce your use of energy, water and resources and minimises your waste.
  2. 2.      Legislation: by identifying legislation and putting in place control measures you avoid the risks of prosecutions.
  3. 3.      New clients: Increasingly both the public and private sectors are requiring their suppliers to have environmental accreditation.
  4. 4.      Reduced risk: Insurers and regulators assess or4ganisations more favourably if they god environmental performance and are seen as a lower risk which can reduce premiums and regulatory visits.
  5. 5.      Corporate Image: Consumers are increasingly demanding p[roducts and services from environmentally sound suppliers.
  6. 6.      Marketing Opportunities: If you are not doing it, your competitors will be.
  7. 7.      Corporate Social Responsibility: By embracing EM, you are doing your bit to help reduce our negative impacts on the planet and encourage others to do likewise.