While much focus has been put on household recycling in the UK, the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee has stated that the government should spend more time encouraging businesses to recycle and reduce waste.
Recently, an attempt has been made to reduce household waste by banning black bags and weighing dustbins. The Lords say that the scheme should be discontinued and in its place should be a VAT scheme designed to encourage businesses to reduce and recycle waste. The Lords have also said that the UK’s “throwaway society” should also be addressed.
While much of the recent legislation has focussed on reducing waste in the home, businesses actually present a much larger problem. Current estimates show that households are responsible for only 9% of the UK’s waste.
Some businesses are worried that the heavy focus on recycling may take sales away from companies that make a living by selling replacement items. The Lords suggest that while recycling and reusing products is important, more emphasis be placed on reducing waste. Additionally, many companies see environmental efforts as an inconvenience. However, business owners should see the EU directives as an opportunity rather than a problem.
The 2003 Environment Agency report showed that UK firms could save approximately £2 billion if they incorporated waste reduction best practises.
The Lords have also stated that they were disappointed over recent budget cuts for organisations supporting business waste reduction. They have also put forth the idea that government offices should participate in all business recycling measures.
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