Construction firms failing to separate recyclable materials more than six months after new waste regulations were introduced could be fined up to 10,000, William Tracey Group has warned.
The Waste (Scotland) Regulations, which were rolled out on January 1 2014, requires businesses in Scotland to take all reasonable steps to ensure separate collection of all dry recyclables, while those in urban areas producing over 50kg of food waste must also present it for collection.
While initial indications have shown the majority of businesses are complying with the regulations, William Tracey has said it will roll out a new Zero Waste Bag service to ensure its commercial skip hire customers are observing the new rules.
The firm is concerned that the operational nature of construction sites and cost pressures means that a multi-bin system for separating materials is rarely used, with most waste deposited in a single container.
William Tracey believes that the reusable Zero Waste Bags which are attached to the skips lifting lugs to be filled – will enable its customers to separate their dry recycling from general waste. The bags are then removed and placed on top of the skip for collection.
Priority
Robin Stevenson, William Traceys managing director for non-hazardous waste, said: The obligation for construction waste to comply with the new regulations is often overlooked and whilst there have quite rightly been areas of higher priority during the early months we should remember that failing to meet your obligation can result in a fine of up to 10,000.
The new Zero Waste Bag is the first of its type in the Scottish market and provides our customers with an easy, practical and low cost way to ensure legal compliance and improve recycling performance.
Charlie Devine, head of resource management at Zero Waste Scotland said: Its great to see William Tracey are also offering a solution to the construction industry to make sure its as easy as possible for businesses to make the necessary practical changes to how waste is managed.
He added: To ensure compliance, businesses should start by having a discussion with the company collecting their waste to establish a recycling service that complements your business. By contacting our Resource Efficient Scotland support programme, businesses can also access free advice and support, as well as sector specific guidance, to help them comply with the regulations.
Effect
Scottish businesses are already reporting that the introduction of the waste regulations has had a profound effect on the handling of waste north of the border. In June it was revealed that the amount of food waste treated at Scottish anaerobic digestion plants had increased by 10-20% on the previous year, which coincided with the new regulations (see letsrecycle.com story).
Register for free to comment