In the loop

Businesses take up paper ‘laundry’ service Offices in London are enjoying a laundry service with a twist. They leave out their bags of used paper… and get back reams of recycled stationery at a reduced price. The architect of the scheme, environmental group Bioregional, explains that it’s even cheaper for small businesses to recycle paper through the kerbside collection (at 55p a sack) than it is to throw it away in council waste sacks. ‘The Laundry’ is also about creating a ‘recycling loop’ - stimulating the market for recycled goods by encouraging the offices to buy back the Evolve paper. So far, five London boroughs have had their whites done by the scheme - which received a special commendation from the National Recycling Awards last autumn - and BioRegional is looking for partners around the country to join the circle. - Hannah Bullock

15 March 2005

Hannah Bullock