Business needs more support to reduce waste, says CBI
June 29th 2007

Businesses are working to reduce waste but new processing plants are stuck in the planning system, the CBI has commented in response to the Government's Waste Management Strategy, published 24 May.

“Reducing waste is an increasing priority for businesses, which know that using fewer resources brings both environmental and economic benefits. No doubt, the doubling of the Landfill Tax by 2010 will serve as an added incentive," CBI Deputy-General, John Cridland has commented.

“But of course firms can only divert more waste from landfill if new waste facilities are available and many of these - too small to benefit from this week’s planning reforms - are bogged down in the planning system. It is a question today’s waste strategy fails adequately to address.

“In the four years to 2003, businesses' waste fell, showing much has already been done by firms to curb waste levels. Today’s strategy includes a range of sensible proposals to enable business to make further progress.

“Firms are already devising innovative ways to package goods and reduce waste - before it even reaches the dustbin. Use of new materials, and simpler packaging helps make goods easier to recycle. New governmental proposals in this area will be welcome, as long as they are kept simple and non-bureaucratic,” concludes Cridland.

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