Much of this is avoidable! We need to redefine what we call waste, in fact, much of what we throw away is not waste at all, and by throwing away less (by reusing off cuts for example, or innovating in the design processes) we would be saving money and supporting the environment, both from needing less to be produced in the first instance, as well as not sending resource to landfill sites.  Landfill sites also release methane, a gas that contributes to climate change. Badly managed landfill sites can also pollute surface and ground water and cause problems with odour, vermin and flies. (Source: SEPA)

Opportunities

By using resources more sustainably and minimising their waste, Scotland's businesses can reduce their costs and operate more efficiently and cost effectively.

There are additional economic opportunities for business through adding value to the resources they recover by turning them into new high quality products, and by developing and marketing the technologies for these processes. This will contribute to sustainable economic growth and enhance the competitiveness of the Scottish economy, particularly as resources become more expensive in the future.

Top Tips
Your business can save money by reducing, reusing and recycling its waste. For example you can:

• Reduce the amount of landfill tax that you pay. The current standard rate of landfill tax is £48 per tonne, but this will increase by £8 a year until April 2013. By reducing the amount of waste you produce your business can typically save between 4-5% of its turnover because you will be paying less landfill tax.

• Reduce your costs for managing and handling your waste.

• Attract new customers and win contracts by showing yourself to be environmentally responsible.

• Need more

You can often make these savings through little or nocapitalinvestment. They are often not just one-off savings, but could save your business money year after year.

Who is doing what:
For more information on reducing your waste visit www.zerowastescotland.org.uk

What we are doing:
Mayday in Scotland can help your business measure, manage and ultimately reduce your waste; helping you to save money, win contracts and become a better business for a better Scotland, to join the Mayday Network click here

To see what waste initiatives other Mayday Businesses have implemented and to learn from their successes click here. For a full list of all Mayday Case Studies click here

To see the latest waste legislation click here. With details of Scotland’s Zero Waste policy and a full list of environmental reports, publications and other resources to ensure your business is future proofed click here