The DETR has published guidance to help companies measure their waste and report on their environmental performance to shareholders. Environmental reporting is becoming more important as companies increasingly bear the environmental costs of their waste management. Landfill tax, for example, is currently rising at £1/tonne per year.

The DETR is also keen to stress the economic benefits of good waste management. Companies may be underestimating the purchase cost of discarded raw materials and the value of rejected products, as well as the commercial advantages of being seen as an environmentally friendly company. Future legislation (for example on Producer Responsibility and the EC Landfill Directive) will make it even more cost effective to manage waste properly.

To obtain a copy of the guidance, please e-mail us at asset.info@easynet.co.uk The guidelines are also intended to help companies measure environmental impacts as part of their ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems.