SMALL builders working in tough economic conditions could unlock valuable cost benefits by using a new waste-saving guide from sustainable business experts Envirowise.

The free guide – available online at www.envirowise.gov.uk/EN922 – outlines a step-by-step review process which can help businesses identify the main causes of waste around their site and save as much as 40% on waste disposal costs.

With around 11.3m tonnes of construction waste generated across the North West each year, the cost-saving potential for the region runs into hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Savings could be achieved by making simple low-cost or no-cost changes, such as segregating waste at source.

Envirowise regional manager for the North West, Nick Ward, said: “The Federation of Master Builders’ latest State of Trade survey shows that economic conditions for small builders in the UK continue to be very challenging.

“However, reducing waste costs is a straightforward, effective way to help improve the bottom-line and this new guide demonstrates how to secure significant cost savings with no up- front investment required.

“Running a resource- efficient business can also help builders to better manage their potential liabilities.”