Research has been released by drinks can recycling programme Every Can Counts that shows how retail outlets can prepare for the new Waste (England and Wales) Regulations.
From 1 January 2015, businesses including shopping centres and retail outlets in England and Wales will be required to separate waste paper, metal, plastic and glass for collection.
But research in a white paper from the organisation has shown that implementing Every Can Counts has helped to ensure over 80 per cent of waste is recycled by participating shopping centres, with retailers setting their own long term waste objectives to ensure staff recycle daily.
Across the UK, 12 shopping centres are registered with Every Can Counts, and the programme is working with centre management and retail tenants to educate almost 14,000 staff and 110 million shoppers about the importance of recycling drinks cans while at work and when on the go.
Grimsby’s Freshney Place shopping centre operations manager Neil Grice said: “Our aims for our recycling programme are simple: we want to maximise everything we do to improve both our environmental impact and reap financial rewards. As a result, we are constantly striving to improve our facilities and not only are we driving recycling heavily, we also actively encourage the reusing of materials.”
Every Can Counts executive director Rick Hindley added: “The introduction of the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations next year means that it is more important than ever for businesses to consider their recycling policies in order to achieve zero waste targets.
“By offering insight and advice, along with free supporting communication materials to create highly visible recycling points, we are working with shopping centres to improve recycling facilities, infrastructure, and education, ensuring that retailers and staff are well placed to comply with the new legislation.”
The white paper is available to view at www.everycancounts.co.uk
