A pilot project will be launched on Stafford Park Industrial Estate to encourage companies to recycle cardboard, and reduce the amount of waste they send to landfill.

Backed by Telford & Wrekin Council, BESST, Transforming Telford, Ricoh, and Telford & Wrekin Services, the project’s partnership approach should bring real results.

Helen Ridler, commercial waste project officer at Telford & Wrekin Council, said: “In the current economic climate, saving vital cash is a priority for everyone, and making environmental improvements can lead to crucial savings being made.”

The service will be aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, and organisers are now looking for firms who would like to take part.

Helen said the pilot project would enable companies to tailor the service to their individual requirements.

“The companies will be given the opportunity to set the frequency of the collections to suit their needs, and they could even share the collection with a neighbouring business if the volume of cardboard they produce does not reach the required amount.”

Through the scheme, firms will be able to recycle up to 1,000 litres of clean, uncontaminated cardboard (the equivalent of a one tonne builder’s bag) for a charge of £5 per collection.

“There will be no need for the companies involved to change their current waste service provider, as this pilot is an additional service targeting purely commercial cardboard. But by taking part in the trial, businesses should be able to reduce the number or size of landfill bins they are currently using, enabling them to pay for the recycling collection from the savings they make,” said Helen.

After collection by Telford & Wrekin Services, the cardboard will be taken to Ricoh who will bale it at their recycling centre.

Andy Whyle, chairman of BESST and environmental officer at Ricoh, said: “As part of our social responsibilities as a company, we wanted to work together with local SMEs to divert waste from landfill, with the aim of establishing a recycling project that could be rolled out in other areas.

“This pilot scheme will help our neighbours to reduce the impact their company has on the environment, cut costs, and comply with environmental targets.”

The project is part of a BREW funded programme co-ordinated by Shropshire County Council, Telford & Wrekin Council, and Transforming Telford. Any companies in the Stafford Park area who would like to take part should contact Helen Ridler on 01952 374203 or email helen.ridler@telford.gov.uk

The BESST group is a partnership of local and private sector businesses including Transforming Telford, Ricoh, Maxell, Simmonsigns, Denso, Telford Extrusions, and Lyreco. It offers free advice to all companies focusing on resource efficiency and minimising waste.

l To find out more visit www.telfordbesst.co.uk or call 01952 567567.