Waste study targets tourism industry

A new study looking at the waste produced by Cumbria`s tourism industry is set to get underway.

Cumbria County Council, on behalf of the Resource Cumbria waste partnership, has commissioned Leeds-based environmental consultants Resource Futures to contact a wide range of organisations related to tourism such as hotels, B&B`s, restaurants and pubs to find out what waste they produce and how they deal with it.

The findings of the study, which will focus on the central lakes area, will be used to identify new recycling initiatives, opportunities for new services and new local jobs, with a view to making Cumbria`s tourism industry more sustainable and the area more attractive as a `green` destination.

It is estimated that the tourism industry in Cumbria produces around 37,000 tonnes of waste a year, and rising visitor numbers will increase this figure. The cost of disposing of the waste is also increasing and it is local businesses that will pay the price.

Cumbria County Council`s waste prevention manager Martin Allman said: "We are very pleased that this work is going to be carried out. It is targeting a really important business sector in our region that currently produces a lot of waste, most of which is going to landfill.

"If a recycling scheme could be introduced specifically for this waste, it will not only result in local jobs, but also make our tourism industry more environmentally friendly."

Janice Frost, project manager at Resource Futures added: "Resources Futures is delighted to be working in partnership with Cumbria County Council on this exciting new project.

"We have a lot of experience of working with businesses to identify recycling opportunities and to develop them. We are looking forward to contacting local organisations focused on tourism to hear their views on waste."