R M Starling Sweepers Ltd - Lorry Suction Sweeping, Gully Emptying, Bowsers

R M STARLING SWEEPERS LTD – RECYCLING STATEMENT

R M Starling Sweepers Ltd, is committed to the protection of the environment. We consider the environmental impacts of the service we provide and look to extend the range of "green" materials that are available where practicable.

Our policy is an active one, being an integral part of our business plan and we have made the following commitments:

  • To prevent pollution and reduce waste where possible
  • To continually improve our own environmental performance

Recycling

Recycling of waste is attracting considerable interest and is often the most cost-effective solution of disposal. By managing waste streams many have seen a positive financial benefit. Below are some of the items that can be recycled easily. Recycling is good for the environment but remember that what is best for the environment is if the waste is not produced in the first place and that re-using an item for another purpose is even better that recycling it.

Batteries

  • Use rechargeable batteries where possible. Normal batteries contain toxic metals and take 50 times more energy to make than you can get out of them.

Cans

  • Both steel and aluminium cans can be recycled and can save a lot of energy compared with making the cans from the raw materials. Please dispose of in the green bin.

Cardboard

  • All types of cardboard are recyclable. Please leave in the recycling area.

Computers

  • End of life computers are recyclable and many can be refurbished for use by other organisations. Please arrange for the office to have these collected for recycling.

Fluorescent Tubes

  • Fluorescent tubes contain a small quantity of mercury. Please arrange for the office to have these collected for recycling.

Glass

  • Re-melting glass uses 40 - 60 % of the energy used to make new glass. When using bottle banks remember to keep coloured glass separate from clear glass and remove labels and lids. Don't forget that glass jars can also be recycled. Attractive new products such as wall tiles and paving blocks made from recycled glass are now available.

Newspapers/magazines and journals

  • Rather than everyone having their own copy why not circulate journals, magazines and newspapers, where possible.

Paper

  • Where possible, limit the amount of paper used. To dispose of paper please use the paper recycling facility.

Plastic

  • Buy products made from recycled plastic and recycle plastic where possible.
  • Please dispose of in the green bin

Metals

  • All metals are recyclable. Please dispose of in the recycling area.

Mobile phones

  • These can be recycled, and currently Lawford Pre-School Ltd, a local charity, has the facilities to do so.

Printer Ink Cartridges

  • The majority can be recycled, and currently Lawford Pre-School Ltd, a local charity, has the facilities to do so.

Product Life-Cycle Considerations
Consider environmental criteria for each stage of the product life-cycle.

Reduce the usage of a product.
Reuse old or redundant products.
Consider using more recycled products to reduce the use of raw materials.

RAW MATERIAL EXTRACTION

Consider extraction processes that conserve energy and water and minimise the generation of hazardous waste.
Consider the use of raw materials from sustainable sources and practices.

PRODUCTION

Consider the levels of energy and water used.
Consider the levels of pollution produced during production and also the amount of by-products.
Consider hazardous or problematic ingredients.
Consider the level of packaging used.
Consider transport levels.

PRODUCT UTILISATION

Consider the number of accessories which are included with a product.
Consider products which are long life or low energy.

DISPOSAL

Consider products which can easily be separated into recyclables or have practical second uses.

GENERAL

Consider suppliers who have:
An environmental policy.
An environmental management system.
A recognised environmental standard.
Been involved in an environmental project, community project etc.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The use of electricity in appliances needs to be considered. Many appliances are now sold with energy efficiency information provided. Whole life costs of equipment need to be taken into account before purchasing: for example, a machine with a low capital cost but high on-going energy costs can work out more expensive than an energy efficient machine which has a slightly higher initial outlay. Staff need to be encouraged to switch off appliances overnight or when not in use for prolonged periods.