Sustainability
Zero Waste To Landfill – Reducing Waste, Reducing Costs
With Landfill Tax still rising and greater legislative focus on waste, zero waste to landfill certification offers a range of benefits. Emily Hare, Waste and Resource Traceability Manager at Valpak by Reconomy, explains the process.
Do you know, without checking, how much of the waste produced in your workplace is sent to landfill? If you’re not sure, you’re not alone. But it might be time for a second look, as even those who regularly receive updates from their waste contractor may be missing a trick.
In 2020, commercial and industrial businesses in the UK generated over 33 million tonnes of waste – 21 per cent of the UK’s total*
. Every business produces waste but, whatever
the shape or size of your operation, there are likely to be areas for improvement. Monitoring is the first step to efficient waste management, but zero waste to landfill (ZWTL) certification can help you to cut costs, safeguard the environment and meet customer expectations.
Why ZWTL?
When it comes to costs, it’s a no-brainer – less waste means fewer collections and, therefore, lower bills. For some, diverting valuable materials to recycling can even generate an additional source of revenue. And, with Landfill Tax standing at £103.70 per tonne and set to increase to £126.15 by 2025/26, avoiding sending waste to landfill makes even more financial sense.
Beyond the financial incentives, many businesses are driven by reputational concerns. Customers increasingly expect companies to demonstrate a serious commitment to sustainability. Being able to provide third-party certification that your business is sending zero waste to landfill can serve as solid evidence of your environmental efforts.
Although ZWTL is not yet mandatory, policy shifts are pushing businesses
towards more sustainable waste
practices. From April 2025, for example, businesses will be required to separate mixed dry recyclables and food waste, with flexible plastics added in 2027.
Following the waste hierarchy – which prioritises the most eco-friendly ways to deal with waste – is not only an ethical responsibility for businesses but also a legal requirement under the UK’s Waste Regulations. Reducing waste sent to landfill also supports global environmental initiatives, including the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
* 10 fmuk management Contractors play a key role, so it is helpful to write your
expectations into contracts. In cases where contractors are uncooperative, businesses can use the audit process as leverage to ensure compliance.
In some instances, contractors may claim that waste was not sent to landfill, only for an investigation to reveal otherwise. In this case, remember that businesses have a legal duty of care to ensure that their waste is managed responsibly; it is your right to ask for full transparency about the destination of your waste.
Committing to ZWTL may require careful planning and collaboration with waste contractors, but the long-term rewards – both economic and environmental – make it a worthwhile pursuit for businesses of every size and industry.
With the right support, zero waste to landfill is achievable. And as this rare win- win scenario shows, the benefits extend far beyond sustainability to the very heart of your business’s financial success. Good luck!
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-waste-data/uk-statistics-on-waste#waste-from-commercial-and-industrial-ci-activities\ Emily Hare, Waste and Resource Traceability
Manager at Valpak by Reconomy. Achieving Zero Waste To Landfill
Many certification bodies offer tiered systems, such as gold or silver levels, but genuine ZWTL involves the diversion of all waste from landfill. It is important to be clear, businesses where ZWTL isn’t feasible due to logistical challenges, such as those in remote locations, Zero Waste Avoidance to Landfill may provide an effective alternative.
The foundation of any ZWTL certification is a clear audit trail. To prepare, you will need to gather documentation, such as the types and amounts of waste produced, who collects it, and how it is treated. Some audits will include a visit to your site to observe waste management in practice, check compliance with waste regulations and ensure that there is a robust system in place for managing recycling and by-waste.
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