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SCOTLAND Fund to engage communities, raise awareness of recycling and ultimately increase the quantity and quality of recycled materials collected. We also encourage all organisations, including local authorities to sign up to Scotland's Resource Sector Commitment. A voluntary initiative through which signatories demonstrate support for Scotland's zero waste ambitions and state their commitment to delivering clearer and more flexible contracts, high-quality, innovative resource management services and resource efficiency advice. North Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Council are lead signatories to the initiative. There has never been a more pertinent time for businesses to address the issue of waste management and, in many cases, save a bit of money in the process. It is fair to say organisations will be looking at their waste from a completely new perspective this the year. There is real value in our waste and it is estimated that businesses across Scotland could save up to £192 million by reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill and recycling as much waste as practicable. From many years of working with Scotland's business leaders, we know what is at stake. Economic sustainability in all its forms is key if organisations are to reach their potential. We believe that resource efficiency is the beating heart of this economic progress. There is no doubt that Resource Efficient Scotland is the ideal vehicle to help businesses to sharpen their competitive edge while protecting our environment. Our research reveals that over a third of businesses expect to get information on waste regulations from their local authority and we expect that there will be a spike in the number of enquiries this month. All local authorities will have their own systems for dealing with enquiries about their own trade waste services but, for general Regulations' enquiries we offer a free online and information service through www. ResourceEfficientScotland.com/ Regulations. Iain Gulland is director of Zero Waste Scotland WE ARE HELPING A COUNTY COUNCIL TO IMPROVE MANAGEMENT CONTROL OF ITS FUEL USAGE As with all public bodies, operating costs are under close scrutiny. Diesel is an expensive commodity and better procedures are required to manage its usage. In addition to fuel economy, the data is being used to measure CO2 emissions and vehicle servicing requirements. " Merridale software provides more meaningful reports. For example, by comparing fuel usage for different makes of vehicles operating similar duties, we are now able to make better informed decisions about purchasing vehicles and how they are deployed. " Gerald Rowlands - Fleet Manager, Pembrokeshire County Council. For other fuel management success stories, visit: www.fuelmanagement.co.uk MERRIDALE> One Solution Fuel Management FUEL MONITORING SYSTEMS | FUEL PUMPS | FUEL TANKS | TANK GAUGES | MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE call 01902 350700 email sales@merridale.co.uk visit www.merridale.co.uk January 2014 Local Authority Waste & Recycling 9

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