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Report points to recycling opportunities in Southampton

Just one-fifth of the waste generated at the Port of Southampton is being recycled or re-used, a report by a local ‘green business’ club has found.

In research backed by landfill tax credits from the RMC Environment Fund, SIEnA found that the 700 businesses in the port produce around 7 per cent of Hampshire’s industrial and commercial waste.

That is the equivalent of 3.29 tonnes of waste per full time employee, compared with one tonne produced annually by the ‘average’ family.

Awareness of waste legislation and its implications was poor, with only 48 per cent of respondents aware that they have a duty of care regarding the waste.
Paper and card was the largest waste stream by weight, at approximately 2,200 tonnes, followed closely by wood on 1,900 tonnes.

A particular issue is the disposal of dunnage, the wood off-cuts used in transporting goods.

Although 80 per cent of material was sent for disposal, some companies had found innovative uses for their waste, such as the transfer of sawdust to a stable for re-use.

Companies employing fewer than 15 staff were the least likely to engage in waste reduction or recycling, or even to monitor their waste costs.

George Padelopoulos SIEnA’s projects manager, said: “The project has shown that there are considerable opportunities for businesses to reduce the waste they generate, thereby reducing their disposal costs and legal liability”.

SIEnA has now secured further funding to help deliver some of the quantifiable savings to businesses across the Solent through waste reduction waste reductions.

SIEnA provides information, advice and training in environmental issues affecting business across Hampshire and helps companies gain commercial benefits through taking action on waste.

Further information: george.padelopoulos@environmentcentre.com

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