The rising cost of disposing of ever increasing amounts of refuse (packaging, waste, litter etc.) and a desire to reflect customers' concerns on environmental issues, led to examination of how refuse was handled and disposed of. The objective was to identify ways to handle and dispose of waste more efficiently and cost effectively for the benefit of our tenants and the environment. This is an ongoing project, constantly looking for improvement and greater savings.

The introduction of waste separation allowed for card, paper, plastic and other recyclable material to be deducted from the general waste sent to landfill sites. In sufficient quantities, recovered materials can then be sold, the income being used to finance the cost of card and plastic balers, forklift truck, and labour costs. The whole process has been outsourced to our service partners, Vanbrugh Cleaning & Support, which leases all the equipment required, supplies labour etc. from the proceeds of sold recyclables. This solution is made possible through the economies of scale resulting from many businesses acting co-operatively.

• Of the total refuse produced each month (between 70 and 85,000Kg) over 50% is currently recycled.
• Reduced Landfill Tax and disposal costs means savings for Whitefriars' tenant businesses.
• Revenue from recovered recyclable materials offsets costs of compacting equipment and staff - eventual aim of scheme is to become cost neutral.
• Revenue gained by service delivery partner covers key costs - surplus income shared with employees as incentive to greater gains.
• Whitefriars and its tenant businesses are seen to be in step with the environmental concerns and aspirations of customers.
• Collectively, all involved can make a contribution towards reducing Whitefriars' and Canterbury's environmental footprint.