The service has been developed by the region's Enworks partnership which is supported by the North West Development Agency with funding from the Single Regeneration Budget and the European Social Fund. The programme is being implemented by Groundwork.
The website, www.wasteworks.org.uk,
aims to provide a route for companies to exchange materials as well as buy and sell, although Groundwork plays no part in any commercial arrangements.
Jamie Bearman, project co-ordinator for Waste Works, said: “The aim is to match companies who produce waste with companies who can re-use or recycle – creating a profitable win-win situation for all parties. It's surprising just how much valuable product companies are throwing away every day – products that someone somewhere needs to run their business. Our role is to encourage companies to profit from their waste and this service produces a waste supermarket where companies can search for what they need and log their own waste on the database.”
A paper version of the service has been in operation for three years and has had many successes. These include plastic drums from a company in Lancashire being reused as compost bins.
Companies using the Waste Works service have access to a team of local business advisers who are available to give advice and support on waste and recycling and other environmental matters.
Eventually, “Waste Works” may be launched on a national basis.
www.wasteworks.org.uk
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