WASTE REVIEW: SMEs to get easier access to affordable recycling services

The responsibility deals will involve a cross-sector approach across the waste industry to improve the experience and access of SMEs to cost-effective recycling services.

The Government is also working with councils on a business waste and recycling collection commitment, due to be published this summer, to encourage them to collect more trade waste from local businesses.

One key barrier to local authorities collecting commercial waste has been the landfill allowances trading scheme (LATS), but this will now be scrapped by the end of 2013.

Councils will also be encouraged to consider whether their household waste recycling centres (HWRCs) and bring bank facilities can be adapted to accept business waste at affordable cost to SMEs.

Under the Government’s Waste Review announced today (14 June), ministers want companies to focus more on waste prevention and resource efficiency by exploring new business models and taking greater responsibility for the products they place on the market, from design to disposal.

The responsibility deals initially will focus on the hospitality sector which generates a lot of food and packaging waste, along with other sectors including paper, direct mail, textiles and construction.

Maxine Perella