Business waste minimisation is about the introduction of practical ways to systematically reduce office waste production. The aim is to reduce dependence on landfill disposal, diverting waste resources instead for reuse (wherever possible), maximise recycling, and make efficiency savings.
Waste hierarchy
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Eliminate
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Reduce
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Re-use
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Recycle
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Disposal
To help prioritise how waste is handled, businesses can use the framework shown above, called the "waste hierarchy", to set out the most environmentally preferable waste management options.
Why bother?
Council Services are leading the way to minimise waste and practice recycling for the following reasons:
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European and Scottish Executive landfill regulations and targets - heavy financial penalties can be imposed if targets are not met. Scottish Executive targets are that we should be recycling and composting 25% of Municipal Solid Waste by 2006, 30% by 2008 and 55% by 2020. MSW is any household waste and any other waste under the control of local authorities (or contractors acting on their behalf)
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the Council policy of Sustainable Falkirk, and the Forth Valley Area Waste Plan
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the Council has a duty to demonstrate community leadership by example at a time when local householders are now participating in recycling.
Business waste minimisation
If you are a commercial waste customer of Falkirk Council and would like to find out more about ways your business could reduce, reuse and recycle waste, please contact on (01324) 504444.
Local businesses are invited to attend the Forth Valley Resource Efficiency Forum which promotes awareness of good practice environmental management, including current and future legislative issues, waste management, energy efficiency, water and effluent, recycling, process improvement and cleaner product design. The Forum meetings, which are inclusive of a buffet lunch, are held between 12.00- 2.00p.m. on the last Thursday of the month. Attendance is free of charge. Different venues within Forth Valley are selected for each meeting. The format involves key speakers with specialist knowledge and industry speakers with practical experience of implementing good practice, and provides development and networking opportunities for local businesses.
Further details of Forum events are available from Helen Lewis at Scottish Enterprise Forth Valley on 01786 451919.
FAQs
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What facilities does Falkirk Council provide for businesses to recycle trade waste?
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Will Falkirk Council introduce kerbside recycling to trade waste customers?
1. What facilities does Falkirk Council provide for businesses to recycle trade waste?
The Council operates 2 Recycling Centres: Kinneil Kerse, Grangemouth and Roughmute, near Bonnybridge. Commercial users may recycle glass cans, oil, cardboard, textiles, gas containers, green waste and scrap metal at these facilities, but must obtain a small traders tipping permit.
2. Will Falkirk Council introduce kerbside recycling to trade waste customers?
The Council has no plans currently to extend the 3 bin kerbside recycling collection to businesses but will review this position over time and post updates on this website.
