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|  FIFE BUSINESSES COUNT THE COST OF WASTE
Businesses and commercial organisations in Fife generate around half a million tonnes of waste each year, much of which goes to landfill at an ever-increasing cost. Yet current information on how much waste is produced, what it comprises of, where it goes and how much it costs Fife businesses is presently insufficient to allow the problem to be seriously addressed. | According to Fraser Thomson, Fife Council’s Head of Environmental Services: “The lack of reliable waste data has restricted Fife Council's ability to plan the infrastructure needed by the business and commercial sectors to deal effectively with their waste.”
The Scottish Waste Awareness Group (SWAG) is hoping to change this by carrying out a survey across the Fife business sector to gather information on the waste that they produce and how it is managed. This information will be used to help businesses realise cost savings through reducing, reusing and recycling their waste. The results of this study will also be used to make recommendations on expanding existing waste management facilities in Fife and to help identify the most effective routes for diverting business waste away from landfill.
Dr Nicki Souter, SWAG Campaigns Manager, said: “Businesses of all shapes and sizes can reap the bottom line benefits of managing their waste more effectively. This survey will not only help us to identify and address the waste management problems facing businesses in Fife, but ultimately help in the Scotland-wide efforts to divert the volume of waste going to landfill sites.”
She added: “I would encourage all businesses in the Fife area to take part in this survey. In return, they will receive advice and guidance on how to manage their waste – a practice that will result in both short and long term business benefits.”
The survey is part of a programme launched in Fife this year to raise awareness within the local business community of the true cost of their solid waste and to help businesses and organisations realise the economic and environmental benefits of waste reduction, reuse and recycling. The programme is jointly funded by Fife Environment Trust, Fife Council and SEPA and is also supported by Scottish Enterprise Fife, Fife Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Small Businesses.
The survey will be posted out to businesses on the 10th August and will also be available to complete online at www.wasteawarescotland.org.uk. For more information on the programme please contact the Project Officer, Anna Graham on 01592 776910 or anna.graham@sepa.org.uk.
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