WRAP has Launched Open Tender for SME Recycling Demonstrations

The aim of WRAP’s SME recycling programme is to increase and improve recycling services for SMEs. SMEs have historically found it difficult to recycle the waste they produce, and WRAP’s work is developing services that make recycling at work easy, convenient and cost effective.

The SME recycling demonstration trials will replicate and evaluate four good practice models, which have been developed following the completion of a series of feasibility trials. The models to be replicated are focused on particular types of recycling services for particular SME sectors, and are:

• Good practice model one - a multi material recycling service for a range of SMEs, but primarily offices. This general recycling service should consist of multi-material collections from commercial and industrial businesses in urban areas, focusing on offices as the primary audience.
• Good practice model two - a glazier and window installation recycling service. This service should consist of the provision of drop off facilities in urban areas to encourage SMEs in the glazing and window replacement sector to deposit recyclable waste (window glass, wooden, metal and uPVC frames) at designated waste transfer stations/sorting depots for segregation and recycling.
• Good practice model three - a glass container collection service for hospitality businesses. The service should consist of glass container collections from hospitality businesses, particularly licensed premises including pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, sports/leisure clubs (for example golf, tennis, cricket, football).
• Good practice model four - a city centre cardboard and paper collection recycling service. The service should consist of city centre/high street collections primarily from retail businesses, offices and hospitality businesses, focusing on cardboard and paper and where appropriate, plastic bottles and cans.

The good practice models include the key principles of the service, for example, pricing structure/contracts, recruitment of SMEs, sales and marketing approaches and the sustainability of the service. Tenderers are expected to select one of these models and replicate the recycling service.

A feasibility study report of the first phase feasibility trials – along with a summary of the trials, key findings, effectiveness of approaches, as well as conclusions and recommendations - will be available from November on the WRAP website.