Help notes: CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Does your organisation have processes which support a circular economy?
This question is about having systems in place which keep waste to a minimum and keep products and materials in use for as long as possible. This is sometimes called the circular economy. It is related to the principles of ‘reduce, reuse, recycle’.
In the traditional ‘linear’ economy, we take materials from the Earth, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste – the process is linear. Switching to a circular economy tackles climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution.
What is a ‘Yes’ for me?
By answering ‘yes’ to this question you are saying that you are set up to do the following things related to the circular economy, as relevant to your organisation:
- minimise creation of hazardous waste
- minimise general waste to landfill
- minimise energy waste
- design goods to be repaired, reused and easily recycled locally
- maximise the use of recycled materials
Does this question apply to me? Is this a regulatory requirement?
This question applies to all suppliers.
The circular economy covers a range of areas so there is no single regulation that applies here. However many areas of regulation, either existing or in development, are related to the circular economy. e.g. the Environment Act 2021; Waste Regulations 2011; Plastic Packaging Tax; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR); Right to Repair Legislation.
Examples for small businesses
Below are some examples relevant to some types of activities you might be involved in; there are many others.
Minimise creation of hazardous waste
- Consider whether you could switch to lower toxicity alternatives of products like paints, cleaning products and glues
- Consider how you dispose of products hazardous to the environment
- Only buy/ use as much of products as you need
- Understand your obligations around hazardous waste specific to your industry (government guidance)
Minimise general waste to landfill
- Set up recycling facilities in offices
- Repurpose materials
- Minimise packaging or use biodegradable packaging
- Implement site waste management plans for recycling or reuse rather than landfill
- Switch from paper documentation and invoicing to digital
- Partner with local waste management firms or businesses (e.g. craftspeople) who might be able to use your specialist waste
- Understand your obligations around taking waste direct to landfill (government guidance )
Minimise energy use and waste
- Use energy efficient equipment, appliances, lighting etc
- Upgrade insulation, windows, and doors with energy-efficient options to reduce heating and cooling needs
- Consider installing renewable energy solutions like solar panels, heat pumps or biomass systems
Design goods to be repaired, reused and easily recycled locally
- Use durable, high quality materials, or offer clients these options
- Incorporate features that are easily repairable or replaceable rather than disposable
- Provide or point to services to repair or maintain the goods you make
- Offer ‘take back’ schemes
- Offer lease or subscription models instead of selling a product
- Offer incentives for recycling or repair
Maximise the use of recycled materials
- Use recycled office materials like paper, or paper products
- Consider what resources you could source second hand e.g. office furniture
- Use salvaged materials from existing buildings, demolitions, salvage yards or specialised suppliers
More information about the Circular Economy
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