Businesses in the south have shown there is a keen interest in looking to reduce the waste they produce.

A War on Waste seminar, held in association with the Southern Daily Echo’s Business South publication at Southern Newspapers headquarters in Redbridge, Southampton, was attended by a range of companies from across the spectrum including those from the service and manufacturing sectors.

One of the delegates was Neil Sawbridge, a Tax Principal with Southampton based chartered accountants Deloitte & Touche. Mr Sawbridge is in a position to advise his clients and he said: "We were offered a fascinating insight into the real cost benefits associated with waste minimisation and recycling - apart from the environmental considerations which are compelling in themselves. There are also two implications to consider now that Landfill Tax will become increasingly punitive".

Introducing the seminar was Bob Lisney, Project Director of Project Integra, a joint initiative between the county, district and unitary authorities of Hampshire and the private waste contractor, Hampshire Waste Services.

Project Integra runs the War on Waste campaign and Mr Lisney was delighted with the turnout:

"We have a strong message to get over to the business community. While War on Waste is principally aimed at the domestic sector it’s vitally important that the commercial world exercises good practices. There are many things businesses can do and we have a whole raft of advisers in place to ensure they are well supported".

One of the key speakers was Tony Miles, Commercial Manager, with Hampshire Waste, an Onyx Aurora company, which offers a comprehensive and integrated approach to waste management a ‘one-stop’ shop of expertise and solutions. He said: "Services include advising businesses on waste reduction and recycling together with the collection and disposal of waste".

Offering further support to the War on Waste seminar was the Southampton Environment Centre (SEC), a registered charity, which began developing its business programme for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in 1992.

A testament to the impact a strong waste minimisation policy can have was borne out by John Boardman of Hampshire based IGT Industries Ltd, a membrane switch manufacturer. A number of impressive successes include:

• Substituting non-organic solvent inks/UV inks for conventional inks and the use of non-clean solders has reduced the release of solvents by 12% (from 2.5 to 2.2 tonnes/year).

• Improved cutting processes have reduced production wastes by 13% from 38 to 33 tonnes/year. Product yield from raw materials has risen by 10%.

Mr Boardman added: "All the measures we have introduced have reduced our total solid waste generation by 23% by volume (1500m3 to 1150m3). I’m delighted to report that overall IGT is saving in the region of £15,000 over three years which is a significant reduction". 

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