Local authority business
commitment press release
template Please insert local details
[Add date]
For immediate release
[Add local authority name] signs commitment to improve business
recycling and rubbish collections
[XX council] has today, signed up to a national Commitment to ensure businesses in
XX area/district receive a waste and recycling collection service which meets their
needs and represents value for money.
[Suggested quote] XX of XX said: “By signing up to the Business Recycling and
Waste Services Commitment XXX council is reinforcing the message of commitment
to both service and value to local businesses. The Commitment makes it clear what
businesses can expect from our service and we hope it will improve satisfaction.”
Government’s Review of Waste Policy in England recognised the important role local
authorities can play in providing access to waste and recycling services for
businesses; whether that be services they provide directly themselves, or ensuring
businesses are aware of services that are available locally.
Research has identified a range of barriers to greater participation in recycling by
small businesses, including a lack of awareness of recycling services, a perception
that contracts are inflexible, and doubts as to whether materials are being recycled,
or just end up in landfill.
[Suggested quote] XX of XX local trade body said: “Most small businesses would like
to be able to recycle at work as they do at home, particularly as the costs of sending
waste to landfill is becoming ever more expensive. This Commitment will help to
improve recycling services, reassure people that their efforts to recycle are not
wasted and ultimately save businesses money.”
The commitment was drawn up by a steering group which included representatives
from a number of local authorities with waste collection and disposal responsibilities,
the Local Government Association, the National Consumers’ Federation, the Waste
and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) and Defra. The Commitment also has the
support of representatives of the business community - the Federation of Small
Businesses.
The Business Recycling and Waste Services Commitment says:
We are committed to making recycling easy. If you choose to have your waste and
recycling services provided through us, you can expect the following.
1. Reliable and regular collections
2. A collection service tailored to meet the needs of your business
3. Clear information about our recycling service
4. Support you to recycle your waste
5. Contracts managed by following the principles of best practice
6. Reasonable and clear fees
7. Guidance on your responsibilities for managing waste
8. A directory of local waste and recycling services
9. Help with donating unwanted items for reuse or buying quality second-hand
products
10. A sensible approach to enforcement
11. Easy ways to give us your feedback
12. A commitment to continuous improvement
More information on the collection services available in XX council area can be found
at XX or by calling XX. More information on the Commitment can be found at
www.wrap.org.uk/xxxx
Ends
Notes to editors:
Insert relevant details of local authority’s waste and recycling policies if desired.
For further information contact:
Insert relevant contact here. This could be from your press office, or could be the officer or
member who has brought in the scheme.