Commercial waste falls

Total commercial and industrial (C&I) waste generation in England in 2009 was 48 million tonnes, a 29% decrease from the 67.9 million tonnes recorded in the previous national survey of business waste, which was held in 2002-03.

Over the same period, the number of businesses has grown by 10%. Industrial waste is down by 36% compared with 2002– 03, while the amount of commercial waste in the waste stream has fallen by 21% over the same period.

During that time, the number of industrial businesses in England declined by 18%. By contrast, the business population in the commercial sector was up 12%.

Recycling rates have also improved. Fifty-two per cent of C&I waste was recycled or reused in England in 2009, compared with 42% in 2002–03.

And, whereas 41% of C&I waste was sent to landfill in 2002–03, less than one-quarter (23%) went to landfill in 2009.