Quedam Shopping Centre wins Business Environment Award
The Quedam Shopping Centre, Yeovil is celebrating winning the Environmental Award in the Western Gazette 2010 Yeovil Business Awards.
The Centre won the prestigious award for its recycling scheme, which is operated in alliance with Dougland Support Services (cleansing services) and futur (waste and recycling services). In its submission for the award, the Centre underlined the collaborative nature of the scheme, to work it requires the active involvement of not only futur and Dougland Support Services, but also 50 individuals each week.
Although the Centre already had a recycling system in place, significant changes made in summer 2009 saw a reduction of 35% in general waste in the year ending April 2010 when compared to the same 12 months ending April 2009. The revised system introduced baling for cardboard, polythene and even coat hangers. Food recycling was also introduced and the Centre made it easier for retailers to participate by providing clearly labelled containers for recyclates.
David Mills, Manager of the Quedam Centre , said ‘What we did was not revolutionary, but we made sure basics, which are often forgotten in such strategies, were covered. We went to great lengths to make sure the bins available to shop staff and the signage relating to separation was as good as we could get it. We also closely monitor recycling levels so if we spot something, we can put it right immediately. Both Dougland Support Services and futur were full partners in this matter. Without their enthusiasm, expertise and advice, we certainly would not have achieved anywhere near the levels of recycling we have and with their continued help, we will do more! Everyone connected with Dougland, futur and the Quedam Centre – particularly the cleaning team – can feel proud of playing a big part in this achievement’.