Apr 12 2006
Businesses in the glazing and window replacement sector are the latest to benefit from a series of WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) trials to improve recycling services for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
Axion Recycling, a consultancy specialising in developing and implementing technology solutions for the waste management industry, has been awarded WRAP funding to trial recycling services to SMEs operating within the glazing and window replacement sector. Many SMEs in the sector do not currently recycle their waste, and the aim of this trial is to identify convenient and effective ways to divert the material from landfill.
In terms of volume, the majority of the material collected for recycling will be flat glass and PVC, but by collecting other materials, including metal, paper, plastic film, cardboard and wooden pallets, it is hoped that the recycling services will be more attractive to businesses.
The trial involves two approaches:
Collection points at waste transfer stations
Four waste transfer stations in Manchester and Liverpool will participate in the trial and provide dedicated collection containers for SMEs to use.
Businesses will be able to drop off materials on completion of installation work and the transfer stations will be responsible for segregating the waste into different material types and also deconstructing window units. This approach will be targeted at smaller SMEs who don’t have the capacity for dedicated collection containers at their own premises, due to lack of space or the low volumes of material they generate.
Collection containers at SMEs
In addition larger size SMEs, also in Manchester and Liverpool, will be provided with collection containers at their premises for recyclables. This approach focuses on larger SMEs who have space for containers and will be generating larger volumes of waste for recycling.
Liz Morrish, SME Recycling Project Manager, said: “This trial is aiming to identify convenient and effective methods of enabling smaller businesses in the glazing and window replacement sector to recycle. The services provided will collect a wide range of materials for recycling and by doing so make it easier for these businesses to deal with their waste sustainably.”
Roger Morton, Director of Axion Recycing, said "We are really keen to make this trial work as a demonstration for other companies in the windows sector. There is strong consumer interest in recycling and in addition the PVC industry has established the Recovinyl initative (www.recovinyl.com) which provides cash incentives to encourage PVC window recovery. We hope the WRAP trial along with these other factors will encourage more UK window companies to realise the benefits of recycling."