Although there were improvements through the year, particularly in terms of the facilities made available and in raising staff awareness, unfortunately during 2007 we did not meet the target of recycling 30% of waste produced. The waste performance increased month on month from 10% for the month of March, when the new contractor was appointed, to 17% by the end of the year. This meant that just over 65 tonnes of waste was diverted from landfill in 2007.

During 2007, we reviewed our waste and recycling contract, which manages our waste and a new contractor was appointed in March 2007. A key consideration for the new contract was ensuring more waste types could be recycled, rather than being sent to landfill. As a result, we can now recycle more items than ever before. Typical recyclable items include paper, cardboard, magazines, plastic bottles, steel and aluminium cans, glass bottles, ink cartridges and mobile phones. Additionally, large quantities of “inert” rubble and soil wastes, which are produced during construction activities, were sent for re-use and recycling.

Other initiatives include:

• New recycling bins in offices
• Individual desk recyclers for staff to help contribute to recycling
• A recycling launch and awareness day was held to engage staff
• Working with key business partners to encourage recycling, and how to use the waste facilities correctly
• New mixed recycling facilities installed in the terminal, and existing bins were re-used with fresh new signage.

Additionally, large quantities of “inert” rubble and soil wastes, which are produced during construction activities, were sent for re-use and recycling.