By Plasteurope.com correspondent

While small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK see sustainable operating practices as a top-three concern, along with cost efficiency and revenue growth, 42% do not know how published plans for a ‘Simpler Recycling’ policy will impact their business, if enacted.

A major survey published by UK-based waste management and recycling group Biffa (High Wycombe; www.biffa.co.uk) found that when asked about the legislation, originally proposed by the former Conservative government, only 58% of firms selected Simpler Recycling as a policy that would impact their business; 36% said it would have no impact.  

The proposals claimed that reforms to household and business bin collections would simplify the process, while “a crackdown on unscrupulous waste carriers would boost recycling rates and protect the environment”.

The new Labour government is understood to be reviewing government policy on the collection and processing of the same recyclable waste streams from every household and business in England. It plans to update local authorities and other waste collectors to confirm the next steps as soon as possible.

Related: Biffa calls for rethink around waste management

While there is uncertainty around specific legislation, SMEs responding to the Biffa survey were open about needing to create a more circular economy. Roughly 83% of business decision makers in such companies said they strongly or somewhat agreed it was important to their day-to-day business. This compares with 78% for larger businesses.

And 91% of those SMEs polled reported they had a formal sustainability survey in place and that it was implemented, planned, or in progress.

In a foreword to the report, Biffa’s chief operating officer Maxine Mayhew said, “It has never been more important to understand how SMEs are approaching sustainability and their circular business practices, what they are prioritising, and what support they need.”

SMEs in the UK account for around three fifths of total employment and half of the GBP 4.5 tn (EUR 5.3 tn) turnover generated annually by the country’s private sector.