AUTUMN 2018 WASTE PACKAGING FEED THE CAN Dont let waste cost your business money Whenever there are big occasions, festivities or public holidays, its a great opportunity to stock up on goods and, hopefully, make some money. Its easy to forget, though, that the more stock a business buys, the more packaging and waste will be generated. So, where do you store the excess waste if it wont fit JOZPVSCJO PSJGZPVSXBTUFDPMMFDUPSEPFTOUUVSOVQ DO: DONT: nArrange additional collections, taking nBlock fire exits, alleyways or staircases nLeave waste where vandals could set into account the amount and type of waste, bank holidays and the weather fire to it nMinimise waste by crushing boxes, plastic containers, cans, and so forth nSpeak to suppliers about reducing the waste packaging they use nEnsure the containers/bins used are labelled clearly and correctly, suitable for storage and transport, and designed to prevent leakage, contamination or nLeave waste where it may attract rats, mice or other pests nBe tempted to give waste to an unknown/unregistered person for a few quid, in case it gets fly-tipped nBe tempted to dump the waste in someone elses bin or a litter bin spoilage of the waste nPrioritise disposal of waste that can rot or smell to prevent a nuisance to sta, customers and neighbours Businesses of all sizes have a duty of care for the waste they produce, store or transport as set out in the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and associated Codes of Practice. Failure to comply with the law is an oence subject to an unlimited fine on conviction. Duty of care doesnt just apply when a business has waste at its premises, but also when it: n Passes the waste to a properly authorised person n Can show where the waste is being taken and that it has arrived there. No-one likes to see a shop or restaurant with great piles of waste outside it, so duty of care also extends to preventing a business losing control of its waste. Waste should only be given to an authorised person. This means: n Someone who has a valid registration as a carrier, broker or dealer of waste n A waste-management operator who has permission to accept waste. Any responsible company will be able to supply you with evidence of their permit or authorisation, and a Waste Transfer Note for the waste that they take from you. The Environment Agency also has a public register of authorised waste carriers. As with all elements of business, having good procedures, reliable contractors and a back-up plan for when things may go wrong will help save you time, money, reputation and in the worst cases a hefty fine for non-compliance. Credit: David Elrington, regulatory services manager Image: istock / ShowVectorStudio; istock / Peter Horrox For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service