Argos makes the grade

From the archive, first published Sunday 15th Apr 2007.

THE Argos distribution centre at Basildon has been accredited with the top international environmental standard.

Registration for the SO14001 Environmental Management System, audited by the British Standards Institution, is a recognition of Argos's programme to control waste.

Argos Basildon now recycles 93 per cent of waste. This is in line with its national target of zero landfill by 2010.

Alison Stewart, general manager, said: "The site is proud of this achievement. It follows 12 months of hard work by a dedicated team from all parts of the operation.

"With 16 fantastic volunteers from all departments, a full management and reporting system was introduced which captured the imagination of all 600 personnel.

"The site now recycles over 93 per cent of all waste generated, and the final 7 per cent remains a key target over the next two years.

"This follows hot on the heels of winning the Echo's Basildon and District Environmental Awareness Award for 2006."