LOCAL BUSINESSES URGED TO REDUCE RUBBISH FOR ‘ZERO WASTE WEEK’

Local companies are being encouraged to go waste-free for Investors in the Environment’s (iiE) Zero Waste Week, which will be running across Yorkshire from 18th November.

Zero Waste Week will see a series of events designed especially to help businesses reduce waste and save money, as well as do their bit for the environment. The events will also provide valuable networking opportunities with like-minded businesses.

WRAP, the company set up to improve recycling, states that “around 600 million tonnes of products and materials enter the UK economy each year with only 115 million tonnes of this getting recycled.” This figure can be significantly increased just by improving waste processes.

Zero Waste Week is sponsored by Biffa, who has just signed up to become Investors in the Environment’s 50th member in the Yorkshire and Humber region.

“Zero Waste Week is the perfect opportunity to take another look at your business waste – in many cases it’s possible to drastically cut your waste costs, and even generate a revenue stream from waste you currently throw away,” explained Biffa’s Regional General Manager Anthony Holley.
Caroline Wilcock, iiE’s Zero Waste Project Co-ordinator, explains how businesses can benefit just by registering their interest:

“Simply by contacting us, businesses will get a free ‘how to’ guide plus loads of ideas on how they can work towards becoming Zero Waste for this particular week and in the future. They will also have the opportunity to join us at one of many waste events over the course of the week, to learn about best practice & network with other like-minded businesses. To take part, contact us at iie@energypartnership.org.uk or call 01904 545 020.”
To celebrate Zero Waste Week iiE is offering 10% off membership fees for those businesses that register to take part in the Zero Waste Week challenge before 17th November 2013.

The following events will be taking place:

What: York Zero Waste Litter Challenge. (FREE to take part)
When: Monday 18th November, 09.30-11.30
Where: Meet Tower House, Fishergate, York
Yorkshire Energy Partnership and Smarter York invite local businesses and members of the public to clean up litter alongside the River Ouse and take part in what should prove to be both a fun and rewarding challenge.

What: Tour of ReFood Anaerobic Digestion plant and guest speakers.
When: Tuesday 19th November,13.00-16.00
Where: ReFood Doncaster
Come and find out how your food waste is turned into energy. Also hear how Northern College manages their food waste for lower environmental impact & cost as well as tips for reducing waste through the Love Food Hate Waste campaign.

What: Yorwaste 'Don't Waste Waste' Tour and guest speakers
When: Wednesday 20th November,10.00- 12.30
Where: Harewood Whin Materials Recycling Facility, York
Come and see for yourself where your recycling goes and find out how Yorwaste ‘Don’t waste waste’.

What: An interactive 'Duty of Care in Waste' workshop delivered by the Environment Agency with guest speakers.
When: Friday 22nd November, 09:15- 12:45
Where: Leeds Metropolitan University
Join us for an interactive workshop on your ‘Duty of Care’ in waste delivered by planning and waste regulatory specialists from the Environment Agency. Also at this event, speakers from Biffa, Environmental Monitoring Solutions and Leeds Metropolitan University will be drawing on their experiences and successes to share their best practice advice and guidance in waste management.

Please contact Caroline to register your interest or to book your place at any of these events * Email: iie@energypartnership.org.uk or call 01904 545020.
Events are £25+vat and free for Investors in the Environment members

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For more information, high resolution images or to ask about the above events, please contact Nicky Kippax at Yorkshire Energy Partnership on 07878 385 969 or by email at nicky.kippax@energypartnership.org.uk
Take part in Zero Waste Week to...
• Save money (and its free to take part)
• Reduce waste to landfill
• Reduce what you actually use
• Increase Recycling / Reuse
• Create better behaviour
• Show stakeholders that you take your environmental responsibilities seriously
• Do your bit for the local community
• Comply with legislation
• We’ll publicise your good work
• Opportunity to attend a range of inspiring and informative events.