What is waste minimisation?
 
The Environment Agency defines waste minimisation as:  “the reduction of waste at source, by understanding and changing processes to reduce and prevent waste.  This is also known as process or resource efficiency.  Waste minimisation includes the substitution of less environmentally harmful materials in the production process"
  
Waste Minimisation: An Environmental Good Practice Guide for Industry, Environment Agency (1998)

How can minimising waste benefit my business?

Minimising the amount of waste produced will save your business money and reduced production and disposal costs.  Its good business practice to implement efficient systems and processes in order to avoid wasted time and resources, waste management is simply applying this principle.

 Who can help?

Envirowise is a government-funded programme that offers UK businesses free, independent, confidential advice and support on practical ways to increase profits, minimise waste and reduce environmental impact.

Every year, the Envirowise Programme helps thousands of businesses across the UK improve profits.  It has published more than 70 best practice guides and, in the last year alone, saved British businesses more than £100million.

Envirowise can help businesses in the UK through:

	The Envirowise and Energy Helpline - Up to 2 hours of free advice from Envirowise experts
	Publications - Free guides and case studies written by experts provide up-to-date information on waste minimisation issues, methods and successes
	Fast Track Visits - Free, one day on-site waste reviews with Envirowise consultants to help you identify and realise savings quickly (for companies with <250 staff)
	Events - Seminars and practical workshops offer an ideal way to find out about waste minimisation issues, and to discuss opportunities and methodologies
	Tools - a range of free CDROMs, Powerpoint presentations, spreadsheets and databases to help you implement waste minimisation successfully

To find out more about Enviroswise visit: