FIRMS have saved a staggering £3.6 million by cutting down on waste.

The 21 East Lancashire companies have taken part in ELIMINATE - a waste minimisation scheme led by the environmental organisation Groundwork.

The project aimed to save £1 million when it was launched two years ago but has been much more successful.

"These fantastic results show the high level of commitment and determination displayed by the 21 participants," said Paul Dumble, project manager.

"They are reaping the benefits of taking an active approach to environmental management and making long term bottom line savings as a result."

As well as improving the environment the projects aimed to increase the competitiveness of firms taking part and to pass on their experiences to hundreds of other firms in the area.

The project was funded by European cash and backed by the East Lancashire Business Environment Network, the Environment Agency, Government Office North West, Environmental Best Practice Programme, Northern Technology, and the Blackburn, Burnley, Haslingden and Pendle SRB projects.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.