An international benchmark for organisations to compare how well they are managing waste is being created by the Carbon Trust.

The company says its new Waste Standard which is launching later this year will assess organisations on how they measure, manage and cut their solid and hazardous waste.

The Government estimates 11.2 billion tonnes of solid waste is collected each year and UNEP research shows the UK’s waste sector is responsible for 17 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year from decaying rubbish.

Firms will have to show they are reducing their waste streams every year, reusing and recycling items or bringing in energy recovery, which is converting non-recyclable items into heat of electricity.

Tom Delay, Chief Executive of the Carbon Trust said: “The new Waste Standard, combined with Carbon Standard and Water Standard, will help organisations take a more stringent approach to resources so they can operate in a more efficient, cost-effective way, as well as preserving global resources.”