Trade waste recycling collections double as local authorities respond to business demand
02 August 2010
Some 43% of local authorities now offer a trade recycling service² compared to 23% in 2007 – reflecting increased demand from businesses to dispose of their waste responsibly, and recycle at work as they can at home.
The percentage of local authorities offering a residual trade waste service³ has also increased from 56% to 65% in the last three years, while there has been a 6% increase in the number providing resource efficiency advice to businesses (from 51% to 57%) in the last year.
The number of authorities providing residual waste services, but not recycling services, is reducing. However, 37% of local authorities that provide residual trade waste collections still do not provide a recycling service.
Phillip Ward, Director of Local Government Services at WRAP said: “Recycling at home is now a way of life and people quite rightly expect to be able to continue this practice in the workplace and elsewhere. It is very encouraging to see that more local authorities are introducing recycling services to help businesses avoid sending all their waste to landfill. This increase in recycling services reflects the support authorities provide for their local businesses, by providing services that meet their needs and help them reduce landfill costs.
“There remains a gap between the percentage of authorities providing residual waste services and those providing recycling services as well and there are clearly opportunities to close this gap.”
Case studies and tips for developing trade recycling services are available on the WRAP website. WRAP is also in the process of developing comprehensive guidance for local authorities who are developing trade recycling services or looking to improve the efficiency of existing services. Training courses will also be on offer from Autumn of this year. Interested authorities should contact Helen Bird for more information on 01295 817856 or email lgs@wrap.org.uk.
- Every year the BREW Centre for Local Authorities conducted a survey of all local authorities in England to monitor the provision of trade waste and recycling services. In April 2010, the activities of the BREW Centre were incorporated into WRAP's local government programme, which is why WRAP is publishing the survey.
- This incorporates both collection and/or bring services
- This incorporates both collection and/or bring services
Editor's notes
- WRAP’s vision is a world without waste, where resources are used sustainably. We work with businesses and individuals to help them reap the benefits of reducing waste, develop sustainable products and use resources in an efficient way.
- Established as a not-for-profit company in 2000, WRAP is backed by government funding from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
- More information on all of WRAP's programmes can be found on www.wrap.org.uk
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