We are committed to promoting the prudent use of resources and re using and re cycling where feasible. We continue to engage in a range of waste management activities and are now developing a comprehensive waste management strategy.

The following are examples of just some of our waste management initiatives:

• Bicycles. As we replace our bicycles they are donated to charity for reconditioning and are sent to Africa, where they can make a difference to local communities. This is carried out in partnership with Re-cycle and in 2003 - 04 1,800 bikes followed this route out of our total fleet of 36,500.
• Uniforms. Old uniforms from our 160,000 Royal Mail staff are put to a number of uses, including re use in third world countries, padding for car seats or as wipes in print presses!
• Computers. Our computers are not sent to landfill, but are either refurbished for re use, or parts are recycled. Also a national scheme has been set up to recycle toner cartridges from our offices.
• E-initiatives. Many of our e-initiatives have environmental benefits. The signet project, which will provide drivers with a hand held device to replace existing paperwork, is estimated to be capable of saving over 50,000 sheets of paper per year that would eventually end up as waste.