Cost
It is all too easy to overlook the real cost of waste to your business. On average, waste can cost UK organisations of all sizes up to 4.5% of their turnover; most of it concealed within labour, storage, energy and transport overheads.

If your company needs to increase its profitability and reduce its costs, there will be no room for wasted resources. Analysis has shown that you can expect to restore around 1% of your turnover to profit by implementing a rigorous waste minimisation plan. (Source - Business Link)

Landfill Tax, currently set at £21 per tonne, will be rising by at least £3 per year from now on. This increase will cause a corresponding rise in waste collection charges across the UK.

Legislation
New targets and legislation on the environment are rapidly emerging from the EU. Businesses in the UK have already felt the effects of this under the Packaging Waste Regulations, and will feel the effects of the Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment and End of Life Vehicle Directives very shortly.

The Landfill Directive implemented last year has a material impact on your business. Sites have now been classified as hazardous, non-hazardous and inert, and there are new restrictions in the waste types being sent to landfill. Together with the annual rise in Landfill Tax, we can also expect increases in gate and transport prices as a direct consequence of these changes.

It is sound business sense to anticipate the effect that legislation will have on your company and to act in advance.

The environment
Your company’s reputation is earned through its actions and attitudes as well as the quality of the products or services you sell. Actively committing to minimising your impact on the environment and to building customer confidence will bring you a competitive edge in your market and can assist in developing better relationships within your community.

Implementing sound environmental systems is a logical step, benefiting both the environment and your business. There are many advantages to making the environment a part of your core business strategy, including: