HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 cc583-4W
Ms Walley

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if she will list the amount, and proportion, of paper recycled by her Department in each of the last five years; [11564]

(2) what plans she has to introduce a waste minimisation strategy for her Department; [11562]

(3) if she will make a statement on existing targets set to minimise waste within her department. [11563]

Mr. Denham

One of our key aims is to promote policies that sustain the environment.

No record is kept of the amount of paper recycled. However, waste paper is sorted in all social security offices into two categories, "Confidential/Restricted" and "Other". All "Confidential/Restricted" waste is recycled and other paper is subject to best practices which includes reusing paper and the disposal of paper in green bins.

The Department has produced a green guide for use locally throughout its estate which includes guidance on the recycling of paper, drinks cans, glass, plastic, printer toner cartridges and batteries. In addition contacts have been appointed in each DSS business unit/agency who are responsible for promoting green issues.

There are no targets set to minimise waste. However, a benchmarking exercise to baseline current volumes and costs is scheduled to be completed early next year and we will be considering introducing targets when the accommodation and services contracts are re-let.