SMEs need more help to reduce waste

The Committee was responding to the consultation on the Mayor’s draft Business Waste Management Strategy. 

It welcomed a strategy on the sustainable management of London’s waste to reduce the negative impact on the environment.

Areas of concern were highlighted, however, particularly in practical support for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to engage with a programme of sustainable waste management.

The Committee wants to see a clear plan for how local authorities can deal with trade waste collection and recycling services for local businesses.

In addition it wants to see a process for engaging SMEs and increasing their awareness of waste issues and would like a particular focus on the hotel and restaurant sector.

It also noted with disappointment that only a small proportion of SMEs in London would receive support from the Smart Green Business Group to help improve their environmental performance. Out of over 800,000 SMEs only 1,300 are being offered this support.

The Committee encouraged the possibility of pilot work with the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) around product and manufacturing reduction, mainstreaming and reducing potential waste and packaging.

The Mayor’s consultation runs until 14 January 2011.

Alison Brown