Our guide to business waste management

How you dispose of your waste says a lot about your business and reducing the amount of waste you put into landfill has a big part to play in reducing the UK’s carbon emissions.

According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Commercial and Industrial waste accounts for almost a fifth of waste generated in the UK. That’s a lot of waste! And all that waste produces harmful greenhouse gasses. It’s now critical that business owners review how they’re disposing of waste.

What’s classed as commercial waste?

Commercial waste is any waste produced by a business, and business owners have a duty of care to dispose of all waste, including:

• Food waste
  Especially in the hospitality sector, when food waste is disposed of inefficiently, it can contribute significantly to your carbon footprint. Done right, and food waste can be turned to compost or renewable energy. Adding food caddies to the workplace kitchen is a good first step to sustainable food waste removal.

• Dry mixed recycling (DMR)
  Most offices will produce recyclable waste at varying levels. Paper, cardboard, cans and plastic bottles are taken away, sorted and sent on to be collected, sorted and made into other products saving virgin materials and carbon.

• General waste
  Unfortunately, not all waste can be recycled. But all general waste can and should be disposed of cost-effectively, sustainably and in a compliant way.

• Hazardous waste
  Some businesses produce waste materials that are not only non-recyclable, but also hazardous. These materials need to be specially stored, treated and disposed of to guard against contamination to the environment. Most businesses produce some hazardous waste – think batteries, printer tonners and bulbs.

Why you should care about business waste

As a business owner, implementing sustainable practices should be high up on your agenda – or risk being left behind as more businesses invest in sustainable practices. Because recycling commercial waste effectively doesn’t just reflect well on your brand and enhance your green credentials, it could have a significant and long-lasting impact on your bottom line. And with the right waste management services solution, it’s remarkably simple.

What is waste management?

With rising landfill taxes and incoming environmental legislation, smart waste management is no longer a luxury for businesses – it’s a necessity. Done properly, waste management has the power to increase efficiencies across your business while reducing costs and your carbon footprint.

What are the risks of non-compliant waste management in business?

Poor waste management could be costly to your business. The legal implications of non-compliant waste disposal can be damaging to your business and the environment. And without a streamlined approach to managing your waste, it can be an inefficient and time-consuming task.

Why sustainable waste management is important

Choosing a waste management partner that is focused on delivery of sustainable solutions will help to put your mind at ease, knowing your business is compliant while doing the right thing and protecting the environment. But what should you look for in a business waste management supplier? Here are some key things to look out for:

• Are they compliant?
  A waste management partner with multiple sites, national reach and varied capabilities may offer greater efficiencies at scale. This can often make commercial waste collections more cost-effective and easier to manage. Proximity to their local service hubs and treatment facilities can significantly decrease carbon footprint of your waste collections.

• Do they offer an audit?
  Every business is different, so it’s important to get a solution that’s right for you. Some waste management companies offer audits, so be sure to take them up on it, especially if they’re free – what do you have to lose?

• What are their sustainability credentials?
  Disposing of waste shouldn’t be a case of out-of-sight, out of mind. Keeping your waste out of landfill where possible is key to protecting the environment. Sustainability should be at the heart of any decision you make, so look for a supplier with a recycle-first approach.

Why choose SUEZ for your business waste management?

SUEZ recycling and recovery UK offers a complete range of cost-effective recycling and waste collection services. From turning food waste into energy via anaerobic digestion, to sorting and recycling paper, plastics and cardboard – we fly the flag for sustainable waste disposal. And we’re also excellent value, with second-to-none customer service, a free compliance check and we’re always on-hand to offer advice on how to recycle more.

Get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote today.