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ASSURANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY REPORTS: CONSOLIDATING A STRATEGIC DOCUMENT
WASTE MANAGEMENT
News
WHY IT’S ESSENTIAL TO PUT WASTE MANAGEMENT AT THE HEART OF YOUR ORGANISATION
May. 10 2024
ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) performance is increasingly a priority for business in all sectors. With growing awareness, enhanced demand from consumers and ever-changing legislation comes new responsibilities for organisations of all sizes.
ESG covers everything from energy efficiency to ethical supply chains, and one area that continues to grow in focus is proper waste management.
In rapidly evolving markets, it is more important than ever to measure, categorise, minimise and report on waste. Wherever you are on your waste journey, Bureau Veritas is by your side.
Highlighting the consequences of poor waste management
Poor waste management can have environmental, human and economic impacts, all of which pose serious business risks. Without an effective waste management strategy in place, you could be left at threat of reputational damage, paying unnecessary operational costs and liable to significant fines or penalties under complex waste regulations.
For example, in April 2024, a Manchester company was prosecuted by the Environment Agency and fined £870,000 for illegal waste exports, after failing to meet correct waste management protocols.
In December last year, the Government scrapped the £250,000 cap on Variable Monetary Penalties (VMPs), which can be imposed by the Environment Agency for a range of polluting offences including illegal discharges into rivers and seas, illegal or unpermitted waste offences, and permit breaches which contribute to air pollution.
Waste is notoriously costly and increasingly difficult to manage, but with evolving ESG priorities the rewards of effective management are better than ever.
Implementing a waste strategy
Appropriate implementation of the waste hierarchy, management of waste paperwork, sufficient audit trails, appropriate storage and use of licensed contractors can all help mitigate compliance risks, optimise waste management and deliver benefits for businesses. They can also support firms in moving towards a circular economy to reduce the burden on natural resources. However, these are difficult challenges for any business to navigate.
As independent experts with valuable experience and understanding of waste regulations, Bureau Veritas offers support. Our Environmental professionals can develop and/or improve your waste strategy, providing independent assessment and verification of your waste management programme. We can assess the accuracy of your waste data and the implementation of the waste hierarchy to support optimum waste management. We can inform and advise on the legal status and compliance of licensed/permitted third party contractors and assess your business waste management practices.
Understand your requirements – sign up to our webinar
As part of our ongoing programme of support and wide range of waste services, we are hosting a webinar on waste management. This free 30-minute session on 22nd May 2024 will reveal everything you need to know to start your waste journey, including relevant regulations and legislation for businesses like yours.
To sign up to join us, click here.
