Businesses in the Humber region got together this week to discuss how they could benefit from an innovative "Waste Swap Shop".

The oversubscribed gathering at Hull's The Deep visitor centre, saw the launch of the Why Waste initiative, supported by Yorkshire Forward, a free online waste exchange, allowing registered members to advertise material they do not want or to advertise for material they do want.

The scheme is being run regionally by the Bradford Environment Action Trust (BEAT) and the team at the University of Hull's Environmental Technologies Centre for Industrial Collaboration (ETCIC) has been selected to administer and promote the scheme across the Humber region, together with Terry Lander from the Humber Resource Efficiency Centre (HREC). ETCIC's Commercial Manager, Dr David Calvert, comments, "We were delighted with the response to the launch of this initiative, with businesses coming together with other like-minded companies from across the entire Humber region. Interest was so high we are staging a further event to outline the scheme at the University of Hull on April 25 and would welcome any business which wants to find out more. Why Waste operates on the basis that one company's waste is another company's raw materials, bringing substantial benefits to business, whilst making a real contribution to increasing waste recycling and re-use."

Businesses, community groups and other organisations can simply register online at www.whywaste.org.uk and answer easy-to-follow questions about the type of waste material, how much waste there is and in which area. Buyers and sellers can them simply make the relevant contacts themselves and agree collection and price.

All entries will be vetted to ensure no unsuitable products are being advertised under the Materials Available or Materials Wanted sections of the website.

Any business interested in the second launch event on 25 April 2007 are asked to register by email or contact Fiona Hartnett on 01482 466 940.

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