Local businesses asked to "wake up to waste"

Local businesses are being asked to play their part in a new waste survey launched by the DOE Environment and Heritage Service.

The aim of the survey will be to determine the waste management policies of local businesses, and over 12,000 companies will soon receive a questionnaire through the post regarding their waste disposal practices. A total of six surveys are being carried out as part of the overall research, covering issues that include disposal of used tyres, construction and demolition waste and end-of-life vehicles.

The information will be used to monitor progress towards achieving the NI Waste Management Strategy targets, and will be crucial for the development of an integrated network of waste management facilities to best meet the needs of business.

Companies are being advised that the survey provides a good opportunity to carry out a waste audit if they have not already done so, in order to assess their compliance with existing and forthcoming legislation.

Commenting on the launch of the survey, Trevor Knipe of Invest Northern Ireland, said: "This survey is extremely important and I would impress on businesses the importance of participating in gathering this vital information about the volume of waste and its management. Fundamentally, if we don't measure it, we can't manage it."

Pamela Patterson, from the Environment and Heritage Service, added: "Many of the large businesses have already made substantial cost savings through good waste management and we hope that the work we are undertaking will help point the way to small and medium-sized businesses as well."

The results of the waste survey will be published in the autumn, with all responses dealt with confidentially.

(CL)