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WASTE HANDLING The commercial case for smarter waste handling There's no disputing the environmental benefits of carefully considered waste handling strategies. But would the industry adopt more resource-efficient business models, if there was increased appreciation for the economic and commercial advantages? UNTHA UK's Chris Oldfield offers his thoughts. he waste and recycling industry is experienc- ing something of a communications roller coaster at present. In December, for instance, there was uproar when the European Commission's Vice President, Frans Timmerman, announced that the Circular Economy package was being scrapped. Many professionals have since expressed fear that the proposals will be shelved altogether. However, we are told that the approach will be reviewed this year, ahead of a more ambi- tious strategy being launched in due course. If this is indeed the case, then this is reassuring – anything that supports the creation of more jobs, economic growth and resource security, should be wel- comed. It is just a pity that, following a time when the circular economy was becoming more mainstream – and policy was gradually being translated into prac- tice – the industry has yet again been hit with a clout of uncertainty. Once more we find ourselves experiencing an all too common 'let's wait and see' scenario. Only time will tell what the outcome will be, but there is an important point to be taken from this most recent indus- try spotlight. The continuing debate has sparked increased communication sur- rounding 'why' we work so hard to be 'green'. And I hope more people will sit up and pay attention to this. In the wake of the EC's announce- ment, for example, Friends of the Earth's executive director Andy Atkins was quoted as saying that: "Careful resource use is crucial for the long-term wellbeing of both our economy and environment. I agree. There needs to be more joined up thinking, when it comes to the fiscal and environmental benefits of smarter waste and recycling methodologies and closed- loop business models. The two are not mutually exclusive. 'A thriving economy' Yes, many people 'like the idea' of more environmentally-friendly think- ing. And they would love to continu- ally invest in more sophisticated waste handling technologies, in order to sal- vage valuable materials, and/or reduce their carbon footprint, and/or support the EU's recycling targets. But, in truth, how many firms are likely to change their behaviours purely for environmental gain? Of course there are many businesses who embrace environmentally-respon- sible principles, simply because it is an inherently 'good' thing to do. And, as more and more individuals adopt reuse and recycling behaviours in the home, I do believe they will increasingly mir- ror such patterns in the workplace, which should naturally drive progress. Legislation has a key part to play too, of course, although that is a different debate entirely. However, for many organisations, especially those that have battled through the difficult financial climate of recent years, being 'green' is nowhere near the top of their list of priorities. To some extent this is understandable. Having spent months, if not years, struggling to keep their heads above water, the focus for many companies continues to be sur- vival and compliance, and not much else. So, if we take legislation out of the equation, for now, what more can be done to fuel change? Industry commentary by Pinsent Masons' Associate Fiona Ross late last year, hit the nail on the head – if we are to become better engaged as a recycling society, we need to think more in terms of the circular economy. After all, raw materials are becoming increasingly scarce and costly. Greater resource security gives us some national fiscal comfort. The important thing, of course, is that we initiate more widespread commu- nication of these messages. Visitors to the 'Earth Day' website, for example, will see that the 2015 initiative is being positioned as the year in which econom- ic growth and sustainability join hands. This may be an American-led initiative, but as Earth Day celebrates its 45th anniversary, perhaps this is a sign that everything is starting to slot into place. Environmental protection is incred- ibly important, and that objective should remain at the core of our corporate social responsibilities. But the underlying prin- ciples of the circular economy – and indeed greater respect for modern waste management practices on the whole – can make good business sense too. I hope we stand firm on our commit- ment to the circular economy because, quite frankly, we must. Perhaps the con- cept just needs to have a bit more of a practical and commercial focus, rather than an academic one. Chris Oldfield is managing director of UNTHA UK. 18 Local Authority Waste & Recycling February 2015 T Chris Oldfield

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