UK DIY firms smash recycling and waste targets
Posted on 02 September 2013 by Priyanka Shrestha
Major retailers including Argos, Homebase and BQ have smashed both waste to landfill and packaging targets as part of the Home Improvement Sector Commitment (HISC).
The voluntary agreement set a 50% target to reduce waste sent to landfill by DIY firms compared to 2007 levels of 108,908 tonnes and cut own-brand and direct-sourced packaging by 15% from 2007 levels of 113,627 tonnes.
However, last year the companies surpassed the targets and sent 14,810 tonnes of waste to landfill, representing an 83% cut and managed to reduce packaging to 74,632 tonnes – a 25% fall.
Environment Minister David Heath said: “Cutting waste is not only good for the environment but can help businesses save money and boost economic growth. It’s fantastic to see DIY businesses working together to cut waste and unnecessary packaging and exceeding the challenging targets set in this agreement.”
The four year HISC was set up by the Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) to help the DIY sector cut waste and help consumers recycle more. Other retailers involved in the agreement include Wickes, AkzoNobel UK Decorative Paints, Crown Paints and Henkel.
Statistics from the Government show around 228 million tonnes of waste is generated in England alone every year.
Earlier this year retailers including Aldi, MS and Waitrose refreshed their pledge to cut food and drink waste.
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Article source: http://www.energylivenews.com/2013/09/02/uk-diy-firms-smash-recycling-and-waste-targets/
