Over 200 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) have signed up to the 6-month scheme, aimed at exploring the most appropriate collection technique, collection frequency and materials to collect.
” This trial is an ideal opportunity for us to improve trade waste recycling in Oxford and help businesses manage their waste more effectively “
– Peter Dobson, Oxford city council
In Manchester, EMERGE Recycling is collecting paper and cardboard from 150 offices, shops, pubs, clubs and restaurants. The social enterprise has already operated services for households and businesses in the area.
The kerbside collection service is provided twice a day, seven days a week, and mirrors the current waste disposal system.
Antony Quinn, business development manager at EMERGE said: “There was a gap in our market for regular collections of recyclables from bars and restaurants -businesses would receive a delivery on Tuesday and need to recycle the cardboard straight away.
The scheme has not taken off as rapidly as we were hoping but it has helped stress the importance of recycling.”
In Oxford, Oxford city council is providing a cardboard recycling service for 70 small retailers in the centre and Cowley Road area.
The local authority, which formerly serviced Oxford University Colleges and larger businesses, offers an optional paper, glass, can and tin collection.
Peter Dobson, waste and recycling development officer for Oxford city council, said: “This trial is an ideal opportunity for us to improve trade waste recycling in Oxford and help businesses manage their waste more effectively.”
Liz Morrish, SME recycling programme manager, said: “Businesses in city centre locations can find it particularly difficult to recycle their waste due to having lack of storage space and accessibility issues.
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“These two trials are providing flexible services for SMEs, with regular collections and without the need for a large storage container, making it easier and more convenient for businesses to recycle.”
The trials form part of a wider WRAP study of SME recycling and will be used to create a feasible system.
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