WEEE Compliance

A good waste management programme is paramount for any business operating today. A well thought out, well researched and correctly implemented programme has multiple benefits for all businesses, large and small. The use of landfill sites can aggravate problems such as pollution and emissions which in turn contribute to global warming. Businesses have a responsibility to their stakeholders to lessen their effect upon the environment and to take the necessary measures to ensure they have complied with legal environmental guidelines.

A waste management programme should be included in your businesses overall Environmental Management System (EMS). Companies with a good EMS will enjoy better business relations than those who do not. Many business and government organisations will only deal with companies who already have these policies in place. A company with a proven and well publicised EMS will benefit from an improved image. An awareness of good environmental practice is proven to increase morale among staff who can become proud of the company they work for.

The benefits of a good waste management programme are far greater to a company than the cost to themselves for not implementing good procedures. It is best to reuse where possible, the next option is to recycle or compost, the next best thing is to turn waste to energy. The final option is to use a landfill or incinerator, which is the most costly choice. The costs of using a landfill or incinerator to a company is set to rise as governments introduce more environmental targets. The more well established ones management programme is, the easier it will be to avoid these increases as they come because alternatives will already be in place. The government is also likely to introduce further guidelines and more incentives for better waste management in the future. Reusing is the cheapest and most environmentally friendly method of managing waste. For example, parts and spares can be used from equipment that is no longer used. Companies may even be able to sell on unwanted but valuable waste to other companies.

The implementation of a good waste management programme has much importance for a company. Increased environmental awareness and morale for staff, an improved image and many financial savings and rewards are all reasons to follow good waste management practices. Reducing your company’s carbon footprint will allow it to operate more safely and responsibly and by adhering to current governmental guidelines it will be easier to adapt when new and more stringent policies are introduced.