Welcome to the Westminster City Council Commercial Waste Services policy update, where we bring you the latest news and initiatives which could impact your business. In this edition, we highlight key developments that you need to be aware of, including:
- Mandatory food waste segregation
- Plastic recycling and why we need your help
- Sustainable vaping and what’s in store
- Biomanufacturing and how this might help the future of sustainability
- Fly-tipping prevention and how we’re tackling it
Join us as we delve into these important topics and explore the actions being taken to shape a greener future for our community.
Update on Guidance for Food and Drink Waste: Prioritising Sustainability
DEFRA has recently published comprehensive guidance aimed at businesses and organisations involved in the production, handling, treatment, or disposal of surplus or waste food and drink. This includes farmers, producers, manufacturers, retailers, hospitality and food service providers, as well as local authorities.
One important aspect highlighted in the guidance is the introduction of mandatory food waste segregation for all businesses.
We can help you ensure compliance by providing tailored food waste services designed to meet your specific needs. Our expert team will work closely with you to develop a comprehensive food waste management plan, including efficient collection, transportation, and environmentally responsible disposal or recycling of your food waste.
By partnering with Westminster Commercial Waste Services, you can streamline your food waste processes, reduce your environmental impact, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can assist you in meeting these new requirements and achieving your sustainability goals.
Plastic Tax Review to Boost Chemical Recycling
The HM Treasury has announced plans to review the PPT, aiming to encourage investment in chemical recycling.
Chemical recycling involves transforming plastic waste by altering its chemical structure, turning it into raw materials suitable for creating new plastics or other plastic products. It goes beyond traditional mechanical recycling, which mainly involves sorting, melting, and shredding plastic items made from a single type of plastic (like a shampoo bottle).
What sets chemical recycling apart is its ability to break down plastic waste at a molecular level, making it possible to recycle products made from a mix of different plastics (such as plastic bags).
Why do we need you? In order to fully explore the potential of this innovative recycling method, the government will launch a consultation later this year which will involve feedback from businesses like yours. For more information, read our article.
A Greenprint for Sustainable Vaping
We are pleased to highlight the release of the “Greenprint for Sustainable Vaping” by the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA). This comprehensive report, developed through an industry-wide consultation, outlines a 22-point action plan for the vaping sector.
The Greenprint proposes various initiatives to minimise the environmental impact of vapes, particularly disposable vapes. One of the key proposals is the establishment of recycling facilities in locations where vapes are purchased and commonly used, such as pubs, clubs, transport hubs, and offices. By promoting responsible disposal and recycling practices, we can reduce the environmental footprint of the vaping industry.
For full details of the action plan, please see here.
Funding for Enhancing UK Sustainable Biomanufacturing
We are thrilled to announce the funding provided by Innovate UK, the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to advance sustainable biomanufacturing in the UK.
With an investment exceeding £2 million, this joint initiative will support 34 feasibility studies in key sectors, including agriculture, construction, fast-moving consumer goods, textiles, and healthcare. The ultimate goal of these projects is to make UK biomanufacturing more sustainable, resource-efficient, resilient, technologically advanced, and digitally driven.
This is a great step forward in ensuring all commercial waste is being treated as efficiently as possible which could make your businesses more sustainable. Read more about the partnership here.
Funding Grants to Combat Fly-Tipping
It has been announced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) that there will be funding grants for local authorities in England to crack down on fly-tipping.
Grants totalling £775,000 have been allocated to twenty-one local authorities, supporting a variety of projects aimed at tackling fly-tipping head-on. These projects encompass innovative approaches to address this issue effectively.
Councils will have six months to implement these initiatives and evaluate their effectiveness. Sharing the practical outcomes of these projects will enable other councils to learn from their experiences and develop similar schemes in their own communities. These new grants build upon the successes of the initial round of projects, which provided £450,000 to 11 councils last year.
This is a great opportunity for us to help businesses avoid fly-tipping and improve the local areas so that we are all living and working in a clean, green environment.
What next for businesses in Westminster?
Overall, the May 2023 policy updates highlight the ongoing commitment of various government bodies to drive sustainable practices and protect our environment. You can read the full policy update here.
Remember to explore our wide range of waste management services and take action towards a greener future today.
