UK manufacturers are being urged to review their woodwaste management policies following new research which shows that landfill and other waste methods are costing them up to 10% of turnover.

The research, carried out for the Waste and Resources Action Group (WRAP) by the Association for British Furniture Manufacturers, found some businesses are paying about £260 for landfilling a 35yd3 skip of woodwaste, while others receive up to £400 for recycling the same load.

It also suggested that waste costs were a major contributor to the decline of a number of manufacturers entering administration during 2002 and 2003.

&#8220There are alternatives to the disposal of wood waste to landfill. It has been shown that waste reduction, reuse and recycling initiatives can generate savings of at least 1% of turnover
”

Liz Morrish, WRAP materials project officer

Liz Morrish, WRAP materials project officer, said: “There are alternatives to the disposal of wood waste to landfill. It has been shown that waste reduction, reuse and recycling initiatives can generate savings of at least 1% of turnover.”