MHW Magazine News and stories from the Materials Handling Industry
Creating savings for business takes the Environment Agency and the Waste & Resources Action Programme to the National Business Awards finals
The Waste Protocols Project, a joint initiative by the Environment Agency and the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP) has gained finalist status in the Better Regulation category at the UK’s premier, cross-industry awards, the National Business Awards.
The accolade will be presented to the organisation that, in the opinion of the judging panel, is making the biggest difference to business by helping them comply with the law as simply as possible. The winner must demonstrate it delivers better outcomes and creates a more effective operating environment for UK businesses through better regulation practices.
The Waste Protocols Project involves the examination of a series of "waste" materials which currently have to comply with tight waste management controls. They are largely disposed of – expensively and often unnecessarily – to landfill. The project defines a series of protocols for each material to allow it to lose its "waste label" and instead be reclassified and recycled into quality products such as building aggregates and compost.
"We’re delighted to be shortlisted for this award, it’s great for business and for the environment", says waste protocols programme manager Suzanne Laidlaw. "We currently have 21 materials within the project and are working alongside industry to achieve some high targets. Over 10 years, the first 11 quality protocols could result in 17m tonnes of waste being diverted from landfill, saving the businesses involved over £400m."
Mervyn Jones, WRAP’s joint project executive added: "The Waste Protocols Project bolsters business by reducing costs associated with waste regulation. It sets simple steps to produce quality material and capitalises on the joint WRAP – EA expertise in market development to increase demand for the final products. It’s fantastic news all round and we’re really pleased the project has achieved this recognition."
The winner will be announced on 10 November at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
