A brand new ballot from waste administration firm Biffa means that over four-fifths (85 p.c) of UK companies consider that recycling and waste administration are important in minimising the consequences of local weather change. Furthermore, nearly 9 in 10 (88 p.c) see waste administration as central to being a sustainable enterprise. The survey of over 1000 UK enterprise decision-makers, performed by YouGov, explored attitudes in direction of sustainability and the round financial system. The outcomes showcase the clear significance positioned on waste administration within the battle to fight local weather change.
The ballot additionally means that companies are performing on their claims. When requested how they measure sustainability, nearly two-thirds (60 p.c) of companies confirmed utilizing at the very least one waste stream to trace their progress in opposition to inexperienced targets.
Over 4 in 10 (44 p.c) respondents say they measure sustainability by ‘reductions basically waste’, tying with ‘discount in carbon emissions’ as the most well-liked technique of measuring sustainability. In the meantime ‘enhance in recycling volumes’ emerged because the third hottest metric, utilized by 39 p.c of companies surveyed.
The robust optimistic perspective in direction of waste administration and recycling in sustainability are largely mirrored throughout enterprise sizes, although giant companies have been simpler than smaller enterprises in embedding waste metrics into their sustainability methods.
Over 4 in 5 (85 p.c) of small companies consider that waste administration and recycling are essential to stopping local weather change, according to 87 p.c of huge companies. Nevertheless, lower than half (44 p.c) use at the very least one waste stream to measure their sustainability compared with 67 p.c of bigger enterprises.
Maxine Mayhew, Chief Working Officer – Collections and Specialist Companies, Biffa, commented on the findings: “Through the years, companies have proven an actual dedication to lowering their environmental influence via accountable waste administration and recycling practices. It’s clear from Biffa’s analysis that SMEs are dealing with challenges in stepping up their recycling.
“Final yr’s Recycling Tracker Report by WRAP revealed that whereas recycling is an on a regular basis behaviour for 89% of individuals, there are nonetheless clear limitations for companies. It’s comprehensible that price is taken into account the largest barrier, however being extra sustainable does have monetary advantages – from attracting eco-conscious expertise and prospects, to incurring decrease charges for lighter bins as a consequence of separating recyclables.”
