The package includes two free guides (scroll down to view), the first detailing simple waste prevention measures, the second offering support to help companies organise a suitable waste services solution. The scheme also offers a series of workshops and online training events designed to help companies make low cost steps to improve resource efficiency.

Scottish businesses could save £2.9bn each year through recycling and making efficient use of resources, according to head of Resource Efficient Scotland, a programme of Zero Waste Scotland, Marissa Lippiatt. “Preventing waste from arising in the first place should be the priority for any organisation – and it is easy to achieve,” she said. “Rather than waiting until there is a pile of waste to deal with, preventing waste will actually eliminate the burden and costs of handling, treating and disposing of your waste altogether.”

A number of Scottish businesses have already shown the savings that can be made through effective waste management practices. Scottish haggis manufacturer Macsween of Edinburgh saved more than £10,000 by increasing solid waste recycling rates by 90% in five years.

“Accessing support gave us a fresh perspective and helped us realise that we could make greater environmental and financial savings by focusing on wasting less,” said director James Macsween. Large businesses such as Morgan Stanley have also improved waste efficiency, increasing recycling rates in its Glasgow offices to 83%.

Zero Waste Scotland has encouraged both the Scottish government and Scottish businesses to increase waste management and drive Scotland towards a circular economy. In May it addressed the Scottish Parliament urging the government to make achieving a circular economy a top priority.

Under its Zero Waste plan Scotland plans to recycle or re-use over 70% of its waste by 2025.

The Resource Efficiency Pledge, launched by Zero Waste Scotland in April, is also being used as a way to encourage businesses to develop a set of between three and six measures to complete each year to reduce waste.

Save Money On Waste

How to Get the Best Waste Management Solution

Matt Field

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