News Archive 2005 & 2006
November 2006
Commercial and Industrial Waste In Scotland. In 2004, SEPA commissioned the first national survey of commercial and industrial waste producers. The main objective of the survey was to establish the types and quantities of waste produced by businesses in Scotland and how these wastes were subsequently managed. A questionnaire was sent to approximately 12,500 businesses located in Scotland, including all of those employing 50 people or more, and a selection of smaller businesses. The survey achieved a return rate of 16.9%, representing coverage of 1.7% of all companies in Scotland. As the majority of respondents provided data for 2004, and all large businesses had been surveyed, the pilot study became a full survey reporting data for 2004. Results from the survey show that an estimated 8.96 million tonnes of waste was produced by businesses in 2004, of which 6.39 million tonnes (71%) of waste arose from commerce and 2.57 million tonnes (29%) from industry. More information ...
October 2006
Increasing and improving recycling services to Small and Medium Enterprises: The SME team has launched a tender opportunity to commission a series of SME recycling demonstration trials. The aim of the demonstration trials is to replicate and evaluate a series of good practice models, which have been developed following the completion of a series of feasibility trials. WRAP would like to hear from organisations, businesses and local authorities who are able to replicate the good practice models and provide recycling services to small and medium sized businesses.
The four good practice models to be replicated are focused on particular types of recycling services for particular SME sectors and are:
- a multi material recycling service for a range of SMEs, but primarily offices;
- a comprehensive recycling service for the glazing sector;
- a container glass recycling service for hospitality businesses; and
- a cardboard and paper collection recycling service for SMEs (offices, retail and hospitality businesses) based in city centres.
The good practice models include the key principles of the service, for example what materials to collect, collection methods, effective recruitment methods, and charging mechanisms. Tenderers are expected to select one of these models and replicate the recycling service.
The tender invitation document can be obtained the website or by written request, quoting SME007, to Natasha Allen.
Closing date for tender submissions: Tuesday 14th November 2006, 12.30 pm.
Can new funding support help to grow your construction & demolition wastes collection or recycling business? To assist companies who may be interested in applying for funding support, we are running a number of free workshops where you can find out more about eligibility and get guidance for completing your application. The workshops will be a morning event,followed by a ligh lunch and the opportunity to have a 1-2-1 confidential discussion with a WRAP member of staff. To register for any of the above events please e-mail Pam Golding with the following details:
- the names of the attendee(s);
- your company; and
- state which event you wish to attend.
20/10/2006 Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport, Paisley
Wine - does it have too much bottle? WRAP has launched a project working with British Glass to encourage more wine importers, brand owners and retailers to bulk mport wine and bottle it in lighter glass bottles manufactured in the UK. A series of commercial trials will soon be underway involving major retailers such as Asda and Tesco. The demonstration trials will also aim to understand the barriers associated with bulk importing and lightweighting.
A web-based tool has been developed by WRAP to demonstrate the strong economic and environmental savings associated with bulk importation of wine and the use of lighter weight bottles. For example, the estimated total savings if one of Australia's major wine brands was imported in bulk and bottled in the UK would be £212,600 per year, and a potential carbon saving of 300tpa - the equivalent of taking 348 cars off the road.
Try the tool for yourself
Recycled content in Magazine Industry WRAP is continuing its work on investigating the opportunities for using recycled paper in magazines. A recently closed tender, to run pilot commercial scale trials and develop case studies, forms the second phase of a project which aims to give publishers in the magazine publication and print industry the information and confidence to extend their use of recycled content paper for appropriate titles. If successful, the work should help stimulate demand and increase recycled paper content in magazine production. This could also encourage further investment in recycled magazine paper mills. The first phase of the project is now complete. It gathered essential information on available papers, collated existing print an publishing experience, reviewed current title types for potential suitability and identified opportunities for commercial trials. Phase one report
September 2006
Do you use recycled material? Are you already using recycled building material: WRAP have produced a Recycled Content Construction Guide which is available on. More detail...
Plasterboard Recycling Infrastructure Capital Support Programme WRAP has launched a capital support fund to provide financial assistance towards the costs of plant equipment and infrastructure for projects in the UK which will increase the quantity of plasterboard that is recovered and recycled from the UK construction and demolition sector. More details...
Use of Recycled Gypsum in the Manufacture of Cement
WRAP are to undertake a project is to show that recycled gypsum - recovered from waste plasterboard can be a practicable, and commercially viable, alternative to conventional sources of gypsum in the manufacture of cement. This will be achieved by experimental development, leading to full scale operational trials in a typical cement production environment and are seeking interested parties to undertake this work. More details...
August 2006
The Vision in Business for the Environment of Scotland (VIBES) Awards a unique opportunity for businesses in Scotland to shout about their environmental achievements.
Entry to VIBES is open to any business or organisation in Scotland that brings benefits to its bottom line through improvements in environmental performance. Frazer Scott, chair of VIBES, urges businesses to take advantage of this high profile opportunity to see their visionary practices rewarded: “So many organisations are thinking sustainably and reaping the financial benefits. We want to publicly praise them and encourage others to follow their lead.”
More details...
July 2006
New Fund to Enhance Senior Management Skills in the recycling sector Improving senior management skills will help the recycling sector to attract the investment it needs to grow, according to WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme). More details...
Choose to reuse A report published today by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) detailed the findings from the ‘Choose to Reuse’ bags trial which took place last Autumn. More detail...
June 2006
WRAP Funding aimed at increasing SME recycling - The overall purpose of the work is to conduct feasibility trials into increasing and improving recycling services to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). WRAP are looking for partners to deliver trial recycling collection services to SMEs, in order to explore a range of factors including geographical location, collection and communication techniques and financial/charging mechanisms. More details...
Construction Product Guide: Recycled Content - WRAP has issued a guidance document outlining which construction products contain recycled products and where to source them. More details..
New Business Recycling Directory The Scottish Waste Awareness Group (SWAG) has produced an online recycling directory for businesses throughout Scotland. This web based tool, available from 31st January, is accessible via a new 'Waste Aware Business' website (www.wasteawarebusiness.com ). Businesses can search for reuse and recycling services by location and material to find out what is available to them in their local area. A range of service providers are included such as local authorities, the private waste management sector, and community sector organisations.
The website also contains a number of useful links to other initiatives and organisations that are working with businesses to facilitate resource efficiency, such as Envirowise and the Business Environment Partnership (BEP). 'Waste Aware Business' will continue to develop over the coming months, with a number of other sections and tools being added to the website, including a poster creator, downloadable factsheets, frequently asked questions, and case studies. Regular updates will be made to the recycling directory to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date. The completed website will provide a 'one-stop shop' style approach for businesses to access a range of information and links.
For further information please visit www.wasteawarebusiness.com or email fiona.johnston@ksbscotland.org.uk
May 2006
Farm Waste seminars: Time to change The Agricultural Waste Regulations (Scotland) 2005 brought agricultural waste under the same regulatory controls as other commercial activities. The controls came into full effect on 21 January 2006, following a 12 month transitional period. Waste Management Legislation now prohibits the uncontrolled burning of waste on farms and the use of unauthorised farm tips. Farms, like any other business, now have a Duty of Care to ensure that the waste they produce is disposed of safely and without harm to the environment through licensed waste management facilities. The new legislation is intended to protect the environment and human health for the benefit of farmers and consumers.More details..
Capital Support Competition for Used Tyres Processing Infrastructure Within the UK
Closing date: 28/07/2006 This Competition is open to applicants seeking financial support towards the costs of plant, equipment and infrastructure for projects in the UK which will increase recycling of used tyres (including re-treading facilities). In particular, the programme welcomes projects that will process used car tyres. (Please note: this programme is not open to Energy from Waste projects and does not extend to tyre manufacturing by-products or for energy generating applications.) All applications will be competitively assessed against specific criteria and each other and successful projects will need to demonstrate the best overall value for money together with financial viability and long-term sustainability.
Interested? Why not find out more? Please visit
It's cool for business to be green Sunday Times, 14/05/06 Article looks at the growth of social responsibility in business. “These days, every big company must do more than pay lip service to the notion of corporate and social responsibility. Some companies have tried to buy their way into a caring corporate image with acquisitions. In Britain, Body Shop, the ethically aware cosmetics retailer was snapped up by industry giant L’Oréal, while confectionary maker Cadbury Schweppes took over organic-chocolate maker Green & Black’s. The trend has not been restricted to Britain. In the US, Colgate-Palmolive, the toothpaste group, this month completed the $100m purchase of Tom’s of Maine, a leading maker of natural personal-care products. Such deals make strategic sense. According to Co-operative Bank, ethical spending in Britain was up 15% in 2004, while household spending overall rose just 3.7%.”
April 2006
Collection procedures for office paper and recommended suppliers - further info
Case study about University of Edinburgh and switch to recycled paper - further info
SEPA environmental guide for construction workers SEPA and CIRIA have recently produced a new version of a guide for professional contractors and tradesmen, working on all types of construction sites in Scotland. The disposal of waste from construction sites has become an expensive business. Gone are the days when everything was piled into a skip and taken off to be disposed of in a landfill site. This pocket-sized guide illustrates how working in an environmentally friendly way can help improve business performance and save money. Individual chapters outline handy tips for getting rid of waste, good practice for preventing pollution as well as information on the relevant legislation. Also highlighted throughout are examples of good environmental practice.
Copies of the guide are available free by emailing SEPA.
A number of other environemental management publications are availalbe from CIRIA. Click here for further details.
Sustainable water use within buildings: free guidance Increasingly, there is a requirement to safeguard water supplies in the UK and implement sustainable water use. CIRIA has released two free downloadable documents to provide building owners, facility managers, building engineers and designers with information to help them benchmark water efficiency in office and hotel environments and to help improve water efficiency and encourage the sustainable use of water within buildings. The two documents are simple guides to checking whether the water consumption is high or low compared to the average. They also provide guidance about how to improve water consumption to reduce water and sewerage bills, and include signposts to more detailed advice.
Key Performance Indicators for water use in hotels
Download
Key Performance Indicators for water use in offices
Download
Increasing the use of recycled and secondary aggregates Research commissioned by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) has identified two key issues which, if addressed, could help increase the use of recycled and secondary aggregates (RSA) amongst small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the construction sector. Details http://www.aggregain.org.uk/news/smes_can_play_a.html
Commercialisation centre to support start ups and new technologies in the recycling sector WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) has announced the launch of a Commercialisation Centre to support and accelerate the growth and development of early stage businesses and technologies in the recycling sector. Further information via http://www.wrap.org.uk/news/wrap_launches_a.html
SEPA welcomes the implementation of the Water Environment (Oil Storage)(Scotland) Regulations 2006 which come into force on 1 April 2006 Every year in Scotland there are over 250 recorded water pollution incidents caused by oil of which approximately 40 are serious. These account for around 20% of all Scottish pollution incidents. These incidents can have a significant polluting impact on the environment and also involve significant cost to remediate with clean up costs ranging from £10,000 for a small incident to around £250,000 for a major incident. read on
March 2006
Students identify over £1 million savings to Scottish businesses It took 60 students just 8 weeks to identify over £1,009,250 of cost savings through last year’s Environmental Placement Programme (EPP). The Programme allows student’s the opportunity to work with local businesses to identify significant cost savings through waste reduction, improved energy efficiency, water and effluent reduction and streamlining environmental management systems. The student’s work has resulted in 14,628 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill through waste reduction measures and 1,794.92 tonnes in carbon dioxide savings through improved energy efficiency in host companies. Tayside Businesses benefited from the identification of over £6,500 savings and £1,000,000 additional sales opportunities. The programme will be running again in 2006 and the Business Environment Partnership are currently looking for host companies to participate. Please contact Zoe Stirton on 0845 129 4826 or zoe@thebep.org.uk or visit the website at http://epp.thebep.org.uk
"Don't waste profit" was the message to Perth and Kinross Businesses - At a well attended event, sponsored by Envirowise and organised by the Perthshire Chamber of Commerce and Perth and Kinross Council, businesses heard about why waste management is an important part of business management and how improved waste management practices such as waste minimisation and recycling can bring economic as well and environmental benefits. Delegates heard about the legislative drivers from SEPA (presentation) and the advice and support that is available, for example Envirowise's free site visits and help line, Tayside Environmental Networks signposting through their website and the recycling services offered to businesses in the area by the local council. There were also practical examples of implementation from Shore Recycling and Perthshire Houing Association.
One click to green law updates Do you want to save your business money by going green? Are you finding it hard to keep up with the environmental legislation that affects your business? Do you want your business to be more environmentally friendly but have no idea where to start? Yes? Register for e-alerts on the NetRegs website (www.netregs.gov.uk) and get news direct to your inbox on the latest changes to environmental legislation as well as innovative examples of good practice.
4 Tayside businesses celebrated for their environmental management success 30 green minded Scottish businesses, including 4 from Tayside, celebrated their environmental management success at an Awards Dinner in Edinburgh last night. The companies attending from Tayside were Taypack Potatoes of Inchture, the Scottish Crannog Centre by Loch Tay, Fishers Services of Perth and Ogilvie Ross of Bridge of Earn. All of the companies involved have achieved Scottish, UK and internationally recognised awards for good environmental management with the assistance of the Business Environment Partnership. Read on
Sustainable Conversion Forward Scotland has just launched a new website for those involved in the sustainable conversion of historic or traditional buildings. Based on research carried out during a conversion of a building in Glasgow’s Trongate, www.trongatereport.info provides guidance for consultants, planners and clients involved in such conversions. The website guides users through the stages of producing a feasibility study into the proposed conversion. Such a study is needed to identify the options available and show whether a new use can be reconciled with the building's cultural significance, can be physically accommodated, will not be detrimental to the building fabric, and is economically viable.
Over 130 Farmers attended the TEN Agriculture Waste Event All event details are available on the website including the presentations on the waste regulations, waste minimisation, plastic recycling, on farm composting and waste management sector. Further information
"Windsave" represents the UK at the European Business Awards Forward Scotland is delighted that Windsave of Glasgow has been selected as the only UK representative and are one of only 12 companies from across the European Union as a finalist in the European Business Awards for the Environment. Windsave has developed a highly innovative wind turbine suitable for the domestic market. This turbine can be connected directly into the mains and has no need for any battery storage arrangement. Windsave were successful in 2004 through the Vision in Business Environment Awards, the direct feeder into the UK selection process operated by the RSA. For further information www.windsave.com or www.vibes.org.uk
Forward Scotland Grants The Viridor Credits Scotland grant scheme funds projects which improve public amenities, parks and buildings in communities close to Viridor Waste Management’s landfill sites. There will be £137,000 available during 2006 and deadlines for applications are 30th March, 29th June, 28th September and 7th December. More info
Step-by-step guide to road recycling WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) has published Recycled Roads, a step-by-step guide to increasing the use of recycled content and improving materials resource efficiency in highways maintenance and construction. The guide has been widely endorsed by representative bodies working in the sector. Developed predominantly for local authority personnel, the guide outlines a model approach to procurement which allows requirements for re-used and recycled materials to be embedded in all highways contracts. More info
Scotland's organic farmers’ success Scotland’s organic farmers have an overall target to provide 70% of the demand for home-grown organic food. They are well on target to achieving this with the current provision of 50%. More info
Scotland’s recycling figures The latest recycling figures for Scotland have been released showing that 25.1% of waste was recycled in the second quarter of 2005-06. More info
February 2006
Search is on for Scotland’s leading environmentally-friendly businesses The VIBES awards are open to any business and organisation across Scotland that brings benefits to its bottom line through improvements to environmental performance. Aiming to recognise and reward these achievements, VIBES is open to Scottish organisations of all sizes, whatever sector they are in. http://www.sepa.org.uk/news/releases/view.asp?id=334&y=2006
Household Waste Prevention Consultation The amount of household waste produced in Scotland is growing at an alarming rate and if changes aren’t made it may double within 20 years. The average Scottish consumer wastes £1597 per year on goods and services that they don’t use, £438 of this is uneaten food. In a bid to stem this disturbing growth in waste, the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have published a consultation paper detailing actions which could be taken by everyone. Further information
New Business Recycling Directory The Scottish Waste Awareness Group (SWAG) has produced an online recycling directory for businesses throughout Scotland. This web based tool, available from 31st January, is accessible via a new 'Waste Aware Business' website (www.wasteawarebusiness.com ). Businesses can search for reuse and recycling services by location and material to find out what is available to them in their local area. A range of service providers are included such as local authorities, the private waste management sector, and community sector organisations. The website also contains a number of useful links to other initiatives and organisations that are working with businesses to facilitate resource efficiency. 'Waste Aware Business' will continue to develop over the coming months, with a number of other sections and tools being added to the website, including a poster creator, downloadable factsheets, frequently asked questions, and case studies. Regular updates will be made to the recycling directory to ensure that it remains relevant and up-to-date. The completed website will provide a 'one-stop shop' style approach for businesses to access a range of information and links. For further information please visit www.wasteawarebusiness.com or email fiona.johnston@ksbscotland.org.uk
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News Archive 2005
December 2005
Influence Scottish Executive and SEPA future strategies on the Sustainable Management of Waste from Business and Public Sector Organisations in Scotland. Attend a local consultation workshop:
- Date: 2nd November 2005
- Venue: Dudhope Castle, Barrack Road, Dundee, DD3 6HF
- Outputs available: here...
Are you carrying a waste? Should you be registered? Waste Carrier database Guidance Now Available - A database of registered waste carriers in Scotland has been launched by SEPA. It is the first time this information has been made available online. It gives details on those individuals and businesses who are registered with SEPA as carriers of waste, as well as offer guidance for householders and businesses. The aim of this is to assist in the prevention and investigation of fly-tipping. The website also offers potential applicants the opportunity to download application forms in order to apply for registration. To visit the website click http://www.sepa.org.uk/regulation/rocas/index.htm. Or for further information contact your local ROCAS Operator, HiG, Angela Macrae ext 5309, South West, Dave Lennon ext 4316, South East, Marion Wilson or Eunice Holme ext 7276.
Perth & Kinross Council promote the 3R’s to businesses - Perth & Kinross Council saw the publication of their first ‘3R’ supplement in the Business Perthshire Magazine this week as part of their Waste Aware Business campaign for the Perth & Kinross area.
Perth & Kinross Council launched the Waste Aware Business Perth & Kinross campaign at the Perthshire Business Fair in May. The aim of the campaign is to raise the profile of waste management and to highlight the Reduce, Reuse, Recycle services available to businesses in Perth & Kinross. Full Press Release and Case Studies
Business May be Wasting Profits Businesses are urged to become waste aware and help reduce their costs. A consultation on the sustainable management of waste from business and public sector organisations was launched on the 9th Aug. 2005, closing date 16th Dec 2005. For information visit the Scottish Executive website.
Sustainable Aggregate website launched Wrap have launched a website that specialises in promoting sustainable aggregate use. It includes a supplier directory, information on regulations, planning, procurement and recycling infrastructure as well as an numbers of case studies. www.aggregain.org.uk
The 4th round of the Innovation Fund has been launched. There are 2 tenders, Packaging Innovation Research and Reducing Food Waste through Innovative Design, closing date of 15th September 2005. By way of encouraging adoption of international best practice in retailing that reduces household packaging and food waste in the UK and sets new benchmarks for minimal packaging, WRAP is arranging two events at the end of July 2005 to disseminate findings and present case studies arising from an international best practice study.
Online Legislation Support: New user statistics from the NetRegs website highlight
that Tayside companies find www.netregs.gov.uk a useful resource for finding out
what environmental legislation affects their business. Companies used the TEN website to directly link to NETREGS.
Vision in Business in Scotland Award: VIBES 2005 - aim to raise awareness of environmental and sustainable development issues within organisations in Scotland. The competition plans to emphasise that more effective environmental management is not only good for business, the economy and competitiveness but also benefits the surroundings in which we work, live and relax. It will reward not only those who have addressed sustainable development issues in the work place, but also hopes to encourage others to follow their example.Click here for information on Eligibility to Enter and the VIBES Award
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