ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has responded to a consultation launched by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on Consistency in Household and Business Recycling in England, highlighting the impact that new regulations would have on the convenience sector.
As part of the Environment Bill, businesses will be required to separate their waste for collection from 2023. This consultation is seeking views on the:
- The types of waste materials to be included in the recyclable waste streams,
- The extent to which new duties should apply to different types of businesses; and
- Measures to reduce the cost of recycling and waste management for businesses and micro-firms in particular.
In its submission, ACS has outlined support for the proposed in-scope materials and waste streams given the sectors low volume of waste (glass, paper and card, metal, plastic and food waste). The submission also highlights the need for reporting obligations to fall upon the waste management company rather than the retailer to avoid placing any undue burdens on convenience retailers.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Local shops make a positive contribution to the communities that they serve, from providing recycling bins in stores to organising litter picks in their local areas.
“The Environment Bill is the opportunity to tackle increase recycling, reduce littering and tackle waste and we want to make these new measures workable for local shops. The Government must ensure that the types of recycling that must be separated is consistent across the UK to ensure clarity for retailers which operate in more than one local authority and/or nation.”
ACS’ full submission is available here.
