new plan launched by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and Scottish Executive aims to reduce the amount of business waste produced in Scotland by at least two hundred thousand tonnes a year. The Business Waste Framework, aims to provide an overall approach to save businesses in Scotland over £7.5m a year through waste minimisation and diversion from landfill.

Scotland currently produces around 19 million tonnes of waste each year. It is estimated that about 80% of this is waste from business. The focus of waste management work to date has been on municipal or household waste, but with strict landfill reduction targets in place the need to integrate a strategy to deal with business waste is paramount.

The Business Waste Framework outlines SEPA and the Scottish Executive‘‘s joint approach to tackling business waste. It outlines the need to develop a robust data collection system on business waste to help develop waste policy, and highlights the need to improve recycling facilities for SMEs and the wider business community.

Recycling services to SMEs may be provided by the private sector, the community sector or local authorities, or by a combination of these sectors. While some authorities recycle little or none of their commercial waste, others provide a comprehensive recycling service for those wishing to participate. However, SMEs are often restricted by the amount of time, space, resource and facilities available to them.

Integral to the development of a strategy for business waste is development and support for markets for recycled materials. This, alongside clearer regulation and an improved planning system, will form the other key areas for work on delivering more sustainable waste management practices in the sector over the coming year.

Historically, landfill has been the principal and cheapest waste management option in the UK. Fiscal measures, such as Landfill Tax have started to change this. And higher environmental protection standards at landfill sites mean that the true costs of landfill have to be paid when disposing of waste in this way.

Commenting on the Framework, John Ferguson, SEPA‘‘s Waste and Resources Manager said: "The publication of this plan marks a major milestone in the development of Scotland‘‘s waste strategy. In particular it will provide the focus that is necessary to continue to reduce waste and improve the value we can get from waste resources as well as continuing the move away from our current dependence on land-filling waste‘‘‘‘.

Notes

Figures from 2004 show that the amount of commercial waste recycled by Local Authorities varies from 0-53%
Landfill tax is currently (2006/7) £21 per tonne for active wastes and £2 per tonne for inert (inactive) wastes. In line with the tax escalator already in place, the Landfill Tax for active wastes will be increased by £3 per tonne to reach a medium to long term rate of £35 per tonne (Source HM Treasury).‘‘
The Business Waste Framework followed a public consultation and input from the National Business Waste Steering Group which includes representatives from business, local authorities, the community sector, waste management industry and business support organisations.
The Business Waste Framework is divided into seven sections. Each section discusses relevant issues and identifies work currently underway and future work. The future work is summarised in an on-line action plan detailing responsibilities and timescales.
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