New A - Z Guide offers help to reduce reuse and recycle waste

by Kath Blackwell

The new A - Z Guide is packed with hints and tips that will help anyone taking up the reduce, re-use and recycling way of life and doing their bit to help divert their waste from landfill. By all taking responsibility for our waste we can help to save the Earth's natural resources, save energy, reduce the risk of climate change and reduce the need for landfill.

The free 40-page A-Z guide has been produced by Perth & Kinross Council and the Scottish Waste Awareness Group to help both businesses and households to reduce the amount of waste they throw away.

Many businesses across Perth & Kinross have already recognised the importance of looking at their waste in a different way and this is reflected in figures that show the recycling and composting rate for Perth & Kinross businesses has risen from 13.18% in 2003/4 to 24.74% to 2004/5.

The guide not only gives details of what businesses can recycle from the kerbside but also lists examples of local projects and organisations that make use of a whole variety of unwanted objects including computers, furniture, paint and CD's. It also gives an indication of the types of recycled products available and the new goods that recyclates are made into, for example plastic bags being used to make soles for shoes.

If your business has a type of waste that isn't listed in the A-Z guide, we still may be able to help you find an alternative to sending it to landfill. Please contact the Commercial Waste Minimisation Offer through the Environment Services Helpline for further information.

The Reduce Reuse Recycle A-Z Guide - as well as regular updates - are available from libraries, leisure centres, Recycling Centres and many other outlets or by contacting the Environment Services Helpline on 01738 476476 or emailing recycle@pkc.gov.uk. Alternatively the guide is available to download or use online at www.perthshire.com/wasteandrecycling