Environment

WRAP

An online service provided by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) gives advice to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to help them to start recycling at work.  Also included is a database of recycling service providers to help SMEs to source a recycling collection.  Further Information can be found at: www.wrap.org.uk/business/index.html 

NetRegs

NetRegs is the primary trusted source of guidance on environmental legislation for businesses in the UK.  It provides free, clear guidance for different business types on how to comply with environmental legislation.

You can:

• receive regular updates on environmental legislation by signing up for free email alerts
• use the online questionnaire to assess your environmental compliance 
• find your nearest authorised waste contractor or recycling facility by using the online Waste Directory.

NetRegs is a partnership between the Environment Agency in England and Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland.

Using NetRegs will help you protect your business reputation, save money and avoid prosecution.

Launch the NetRegs website

Waste Directory

The award-winning on-line 'Waste Directory' enables businesses to make contact with a range local companies who can recycle their waste, as well as giving clear explanations of the legal obligations relating to waste disposal.

When your company strives hard to increase its profitability and reduce costs, there's no room for wasted resources.

Waste costs UK business up to 4.5% of its annual turnover, and much of this is hidden in the costs of labour, storage, transport and energy etc. Even if you think your company is quite good at minimising waste, the chances are there are more improvements you can make.

Tools and Methodologies

This section of the website aims to explain the key tools and methodologies available to businesses to reduce waste and design waste out of products. Additionally some information on environmental management systems and sources of local support are also given.  Try looking at the Recycle Now website for some inspiration.

The first place to start on your journey to produce less waste is the DTI's Envirowise programme. Envirowise has a range of tools to help you:

• Calculate the real cost of your company's waste, and then to 
• Set up a waste minimisation programme and
• Start adding profits direct to the bottom line.

Don't think waste minimisation is just for big companies - to help very small businesses make a start to cutting waste and saving money.

Envirowise has produced a really useful and easy to use pack - "Finding Cost Savings: Navigation for Small businesses". All businesses under-estimate the amount of waste that they produce. Recent studies have revealed that waste is often by at least ten-fold!

Further advice is available from the Recycle Now website.