With new regulations on how businesses dispose of their waste set to come into force in January 2014, it is time that local retailers looked at any changes they may have to make to their operations – it could save money, as well as ease the burden on the environment. by Iain Gulland
The current economic climate and tightening purse strings mean times are tough for everyone, including those within convenience retail. Given this, and the new Waste (Scotland) Regulations coming into force in January 2014, there has never been a more pertinent time for retailers to address issues of waste and save money in the process. With just five months to go until the new Regulations come into force, I would urge all retailers to seriously think about how they can actively cut the amount of waste going to landfill, reusing and recycling any unavoidable waste where possible. There is real value in our waste and it is estimated that businesses across Scotland could save up to £175m by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill and recycling as much waste as practicable.
At Resource Efficient Scotland, a programme delivered by Zero Waste Scotland, we are here to help retailers get to grips with what is expected and to give advice, guidance and support in order to help retailers comply with the new Waste (Scotland) Regulations when they come into force in January 2014. From this date, all businesses will be legally required to separate key recyclable materials – plastic, metal, glass, paper and card – for collection for recycling. In addition, food businesses which produce over 50kg of food waste per week must present it for separate collection. From 1st January 2016 the requirement to present food waste for separate collection will extend to all food businesses which produce over 5kg of food waste per week. Resource Efficient Scotland offers a range of support facilities to help businesses implement waste management practices and policies, including a directory listing operators of re-use and recycling services across the Scottish regions.
By the end of this year we will have committed almost a million pounds to help increase the availability of collection services to SMEs, as well as supporting collaborative approaches to recycling, helping small businesses to come together to be more efficient. A family business based in Blantyre, Mo’s Premier Convenience Store, is a prime example of a convenience store which has taken this to heart and implemented measures to recycle, reduce and re-use waste wherever possible. Prior to starting their waste management programme, the store disposed of three 1,200 litre bins of waste every week, most of which was sent to landfill. Through a comprehensive programme of waste reduction initiatives, the business has managed to reduce this to just one bin a week, slashing its monthly waste pick-up bill from £320 to £82 per month. As well as separating all cardboard and plastics and taking them to the local cash and carry for recycling, Mo Razzaq has also devised ways to ensure its food waste is kept to a bare minimum. For example, once the fresh bread which is baked off site is more than a day old, it is reduced in price the next day to encourage purchase and ensure it doesn’t go to waste.
Staff awareness is also critical for the waste management practices to work and all eight members of staff are encouraged to be forward thinking when it comes to sustainability and are rewarded for their efforts and ideas. Mo’s is also encouraging customers to recycle plastic bags and is actively promoting bags for life. Mo, is already reaping the financial benefits of his actions, achieving savings of £3,000 each year. The store has also been recognised nationally, receiving the SLR Award for Responsible Retailer of the Year. The store has put in place some great plans ahead of the new Waste (Scotland) Regulations and is definitely proving itself to be a leading light in the convenience sector. Mo and his team have worked hard to embed sustainable practice in the day-to-day running of the business and proven that substantial savings can be made through recycling. Generally, Scottish retailers are making positive progress in becoming more sustainable.
Waste is not a problem to be dealt with but a valuable resource which can help to cut business costs and meet customers’ growing expectations for sustainable products and services. It really is a no-brainer with the financial gains on offer by being more careful about the way in which we handle our waste. It makes complete business sense. I would urge all businesses within the retail industry in Scotland to check out the support on offer through Resource Efficient Scotland in order that they can implement waste management procedures to meet the requirements of the Waste (Scotland) Regulations in January 2014 and avoid potential fines. In doing so, convenience stores will undoubtedly enjoy significant financial returns. For more information on the new waste Regulations, please visit www.resourcefficientscotland.com/regulations. Alternatively you can email enquiries@resourceefficientscotland.com or call the helpline on 0808 100 2040.
