ENVIRONMENTAL CODE OF PRACTICE
Waste Hierarchy
Reduce
Waste reduction and minimisation at source is high up in the
waste hierarchy as it avoids waste in the first instance.
Reduction in the amount of waste can be achieved through:
- Use of alternative raw materials
- Modifications to processes and plant
- Improved working procedures and housekeeping measures
- Redesign of products
Waste Minimisation is about reducing the environmental impacts of
waste by reducing the volumes that need to be treated or disposed
of. The reduction of waste at source is Waste Minimisation in its
purest form and can offer opportunities to save money.
Benefits of waste minimisation
The benefits of waste minimisation are clear and simple:
Cost savings - Production costs can be reduced through improved
resource efficiency. These savings add directly to the bottom
line
Compliance - A proactive approach ensures that the company
minimises the possibility of litigation and can anticipate
requirements of new legislation
Risk reduction - Control and reduction of risks and liabilities
not only reduce the likelihood of fines and bad publicity but can
also boost investor confidence
Market positioning - Eco-friendly products can give supply chain
confidence and improve customer relations
Reuse
Reuse provides similar cost savings to waste reduction as fewer
materials are being used, and in particular less waste is being
produced. Waste going to landfill is also temporarily
reduced.
Reusing waste comes in two forms:
- Conventional reuse: which is the repetitive use of the same
item,
- Or new life reuse, which involves using an item for a different
use to which it was originally intended.
New life reuse is uncommon as it is difficult to find new uses
for old items but it does offer a valuable opportunity for members
to manage their waste in an innovative manner. A classic example of
conventional re-use is glass milk bottles, which are used, then
collected and washed many times (on average 20 times), thus saving
money on raw material.
Closed loop schemes can be an effective means of reusing waste.
These mainly work where goods are regularly delivered from a
central facility to various outlets. Goods are delivered in
re-useable containers such as pallets or plastic crates. The
containers are then unloaded and returned with the delivery van
back to the store either on the same or on another trip. This
closed loop scheme saves materials and money, as fewer containers
are required due to re-use. It also entails next to no extra cost
in vehicle expenses.
When attempting reuse in the work place attention can be paid to
the following areas:
- Packaging
- Transport packaging
- Recovery of components
- Post-consumer reuse (recovering used items for future use e.g.
glass bottles)
- Reuse of any waste item for a new purpose
- Product design (Design a reusable product e.g. refillable
products)
Recycling
Recycling is one of the key ways to reduce the amount of waste
disposed at landfill. To respond to the ever growing need for more
recycling and less landfill use it is essential that all parts of
society contribute. As a waste generating business and a facility
for the public, the marine industry must be proactive and the need
for recycling and waste handling element in yacht marinas in
particular is not merely due to practicality but also because of
regulatory requirements and public perceptions. From a business
perspective, waste is going to become more expensive to dispose so
introducing such schemes will make economic sense in the long
term.
The following types of waste can be recycled.
Batteries - Need to be put in a covered area
where no acid can escape
Bottles (glass) - Do not place bottle storage
in an area that drains to surface water drains. Consult the
relevant authorityregarding drainage to foul sewer
Plastics - Some plastics are more difficult
than others to recycle. Check with the waste management company
what can and can’t be recycled
Cardboard & paper - Should be stored under
cover and boxes flattened to reduce volume
Ferrous & metal - Store different types of
metal separately as values between metals can vary
Oil - Tanks should be bunded and covered to
prevent water ingress
Oil filters - Should be stored separately to
other waste
Food - Non meat food waste can be
composted
- Companies should endeavour to install waste facilities that
encourage recycling and appropriate disposal
- Notices should outline the benefits of recycling as well as
give directions to the facilities which should be easy to access as
recycling will be more effective if it is easy to do
- Containers for the different types of materials should be
clearly labelled throughout the site
- Waste recycling facilities should be secured at night and
emptied frequently by an authorised waste contractor to prevent
over spilling and to ensure that there is always capacity for
people to use them