Title: Drivers of solid waste minimisation in Finnish metal engineering SMEs: the role of Environmental Management Systems

Authors: Sisko Kvist, Eva Pongracz, Riitta Keiski

Addresses: Department of Process and Environmental Engineering, University of Oulu, FIN-90014, P.O. Box 4300, Finland. ' Department of Process and Environmental Engineering, University of Oulu, FIN-90014, P.O. Box 4300, Finland. ' Department of Process and Environmental Engineering, University of Oulu, FIN-90014, P.O. Box 4300, Finland

Abstract: The paper reports on a survey in Finnish small- and medium-sized metal engineering enterprises (SMEs) with certified Environmental Management System (EMS). Waste awareness has increased after certifying EMS and the treatment of solid waste has improved; source separation of solid waste facilitated the recovery of recyclables and their diversion from landfill. EMS has raised knowledge levels, in particular on recycling of solid waste, and the attitudes toward environmental improvements have improved. However, it is concluded that, while certified EMS brought positive changes in waste treatment, it did not promote waste minimisation and prevention.

Keywords: EMS; environmental management systems; solid waste management; waste legislation; environmental awareness; knowledge levels; motivation; small and medium-sized enterprises; SMEs; steering agents; metal engineering; source separation; waste recycling; waste treatment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2011.039475

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2011 Vol.7 No.3/4, pp.356 - 369

Published online: 24 Jan 2015 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article