Businesses are being encouraged to share their hints, tips and best practice in dealing with waste on a new and improved website relaunched today (Monday). The website, www.wastematters.org.uk, covers issues such as preventing and dealing with fly-tipping, advice on reducing waste and expert advice from regulators like the Environment Agency on waste legislation.
Arwyn Jones, Programme Manager for the campaign at the Environment Agency, said: "The website, www.wastematters.org.uk, was originally launched in October 2005 and has become an essential source of information for those involved in the waste industry.
"Over 500 registered members including businesses who produce waste and waste regulators have made it the success it. So much so that we needed to redevelop the site to meet the needs of business waste producers as they began to see waste as a valuable resource."
New features include an online forum with specific threads for different business interests, an advice centre with up to date information on legislation and useful resources, and a 'spotlight' that highlights topics and organisations of interest to business.
Arwyn Jones added: "Members had the opportunity to suggest what they'd like out of the website. They wanted more advice to address hot topics and practical issues, as well as information on using waste as a resource, helping to cut costs.
"With environmental crime playing a major negative impact on lawful business, the forums also assists bodies like the Environment Agency whose duty it is to regulate waste operations and fight waste crime."
The website is funded by Defra's Business Resource Efficiency and Waste (BREW) programme and operated by the Environment Agency under its Waste Crime project. The project focuses on delivering innovative and technical outreach and enforcement campaigns in areas designated as high risk for illegal activity such as fly tipping.
Visit the new and improved Waste Matters website at www.wastematters.org.uk