PFI will help meet recycling costs, says Shanks chief

These are the preliminary results of the Southampton Port Waste Minimisation Project which is looking at the attitudes of local businesses to waste production and minimisation.

The findings are the first stage in a 12-month project which is being run by a division of the Southampton Environment Centre (SIEnA). The project is being funded by RMC Environment Fund through the landfill tax credits scheme, with support from Southampton City Council and Marina Developments Ltd.

The project is looking at identifying and assessing the waste streams associated with various business sectors around the port and the opportunities for businesses to minimise their waste. The barriers which prevent companies from reducing or recycling more of their waste will also be assessed and the project will provide information on the conservation of non-renewable resources and benefits of waste minimisation.

So far, over 190 companies have been surveyed which shows that their knowledge of current waste legislation is very poor. Nearly half (47%) of respondents were unsure about the legislation or did not believe they had a legal Duty of Care for the waste they produce.

And cost is cited as a major barrier to waste minimisation despite the fact that the research shows that few of the companies questioned had thought of the real costs associated with waste, or the savings that could be made through effective waste management and minimisation policies.

Jon Eads, operations manager for Marina Developments, said that the initial findings show the need to raise awareness about waste amongst businesses. He said: “We are committed to the project, which has local and national implications in helping find solutions to the barriers in the uptake of waste minimisation.”

SIEnA provides information, advice and training in environmental issues affecting businesses in Hampshire and helps to show companies that the positive action on waste can bring commercial benefits by cutting costs, improving efficiency and boosting competitiveness.