Waste & Recycling

The waste we produce has a huge impact on society, the economy and the environment. Waste from the tourism sector often varies seasonally according to visitor numbers and can put increased pressure on waste management facilities during the peak season. Any business can reduce this impact by minimising consumption in the first place and re-using and recycling as much as possible. From procurement choices to our own shopping habits, we can ensure that all products, from plastic cups to mobile phone parts, are sustainably sourced in the first place, used for as long as possible, and re-used or recycled efficiently at the end of their life. When we’re thinking about waste it’s useful to bear in mind the waste hierarchy which puts refuse at the top, followed by reuse, recycling and recovery, with disposal being the least favourable option.

Watch this introductory video from SWM to find out more about how you can minimise waste within your business.

Watch this case study from the nec in Birmingham to see how they have utilised innovative technology to minimise food waste within their catering establishments.

Birmingham Sustainable Tourism Hub: Waste Introduction

Birmingham Sustainable Tourism Hub: Waste Case Study ‘Kilo Ziro’