New business resource is launched
ENVIRONMENTAL organisation Zero Waste Scotland has launched a new online facility for food and drink businesses to help them cope with forthcoming changes in Scotland’s waste laws.
From January 1, 2014 all businesses and organisations will be legally required to separate materials such as paper and card, plastic, metals and glass for recycling collection.
To help business owners prepare for the new regulations, Zero Waste Scotland has launched the first in a series of online tools.
Launched last month, it lists a series of frequently asked questions about the new legislation and includes a postcode finder allowing users to search for waste management services in their area.
“With the countdown to regulations now underway, it’s important that Scottish businesses work towards compliance,” commented Iain Gulland, director of Zero Waste Scotland.
“The regulations are designed to enable businesses to further reduce waste, enable the recycling of quality materials, and be more resource efficient – all offering the potential for business cost savings and wider economic opportunities.
“Zero Waste Scotland will be building on this newly-launched online support over the coming months to help support all those businesses and organisations who would find this useful.”
The new regulations are part of the Scottish Government’s plans to have 70% of Scotland’s waste recycled every year and only 5% of waste sent to landfill by 2025. All businesses producing more than 50kg of food waste a week will have to present it for separate collection from January 1, 2014. From January 1, 2016 the regulations will extend to all companies producing more than 5kg of food waste, although businesses deemed to be in rural areas will be exempt.
The resource can be found at www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/regulations
Image – Companies will have to sort materials for recycling from January of next year.
