Five points to remember
Waste disposal costs UK plc only 0.75% of its GNP. AS a result, waste is not generally a high profile management issue.
But, current trends indicate that waste disposal costs will double by the year 2000. Waste disposal will then have a significant impact on a company's bottom line, driven by landfill scarcity, transport costs and possible taxation policy.
Company directors seem unaware of the implications of the Environmental Protection Act and their liabilities under it even though they are personally liable and face substantial fines and/or imprisonment for failing to exercise their Duty of Care.
A company's environmental image among customers and employees is likely to become as important as its financial credibility. Major players in the sector are emerging to support that need, prepared to invest significant sums in a tightly regulated sector.
There is a clear need for companies to develop waste management strategies. As a nation we need to make adequate provision for waste disposal. And above all we need an accurate nationwide database on the type, amount and disposal methods used for the nation's waste output. This must involve a consensus of opinion at all levels so that any board room discussion on waste is founded on factual evidence-not prejudice.
