UK retailers have halved the amount of waste they send to the landfill over the past five years as businesses look to increase their recycling rates.
A report by the British Retail Consortium (BRC) has revealed that British firms now only send 23 per cent of waste to the landfill, compared to 48 per cent in 2005.
The BRC claim that a rise in recycling rates and awareness about recycling initiatives has contributed to the fall.
Stephen Robertson, BRC director general, said: "These remarkable achievements by retailers show their commitment to tackling climate change has not wavered, despite the tough trading conditions.
"Retailers have a proud record of delivering impressive environmental results on a voluntary basis – without the need for legislation."
The report also notes that more companies are sending organic rubbish to anaerobic digestion plants instead of landfill sites.
Tesco and Waitrose were among the businesses singled out for praise by the BRC, along with Homebase and Next.
Typical Guttridge equipment used in the waste recycling industry includes; elevators – bucket elevators – valves
