Category Archives: Waste and Recycling

Impact Environmental Group Appoints Zeus PR

IEG EMEA, a division of the Impact Environmental Group with operations situated strategically across the US and the UK, has appointed Cheshire-based Zeus PR following a group-wide tender process.

The agency will now support the entire organisation, including all four trading brands, working closely with the IEG EMEA board, including Managing Director David Williams who heads up the board, and Commercial Director Pete Dickson, to formulate and develop a reputation-building PR and content strategy.

The appointment follows hot on the heels of the IEG EMEA’s substantial expansion in 2023. Last year saw two further UK acquisitions cementing the group as a global waste industry category leader, as UK Container Maintenance (UKCM) and Capital Compactors and Balers (CCL), joined Container Components Europe (manufacturer of Duraflex lids), and Egbert H Taylor to sit within the IEG EMEA’s portfolio of aligned industry-leading brands.

 Anthea Fosti Managing Director of Zeus PR comments: “We will be showcasing IEG EMEA’s impressive service offering as the leading European operator in the provision of waste and recycling products and service solutions, and we are very much looking forward to working closely with the group and the four individual business centres on this far-reaching brief.

“We have already enjoyed a 10-year partnership as the retained PR provider for UKCM, and following their acquisition by IEG EMEA last year, we were very pleased to be invited to tender for, and subsequently be awarded, the group-wide brief.”

Pete Dickson, Commercial Director at IEG EMEA states: “‘As we develop the IEG EMEA brand and its recognition, a positive and creative PR partner is essential. On the back of its impressive work for UKCM over the last decade, we are pleased to have partnered with Zeus PR; and look forward to working with Anthea and her team.”

Founded in 1999, IEG as the parent organisation headquartered in Elgin, Illinois has rapidly grown into a global environmental products and services business, providing a comprehensive suite of new and replacement products for waste containers, collection and compaction equipment, and waste transportation equipment, and it is ambitious to expand IEG EMEA further where synergistic opportunities can enhance their customer value proposition.

The EMEA division, as with the wider global IEG organisation it resides within, plays an important role in the pursuit of a circular economy, providing products and services to the global waste and recycling industries. The business is a procurer of top-quality materials and a key advocate for sustainability, whilst maintaining competitive prices.

 

‘Taylor-made’… Mark IV Continental Container Revealed

Drawing upon its heritage, waste management solution provider Taylor, part of the Impact Environmental Group (IEG), has bolstered its market-leading range with the launch of the new and improved Continental Mark IV container.

In developing the best-in-class collection, over forty years since the launch of its Mark I container, the long-established firm has worked closely with customers and industry experts to respond directly to the requirements of the sector. Supporting Taylor’s wider product range, the new Mark IV Continental family which includes, 660ltrs, 700ltrs and 1100ltrs compliments an overall offering that spans from 500ltrs to 1700ltrs.

Driven by innovation, the Mark IV Continental container is built to last. The new containers offer a superior 1.7mm thick container base for additional corrosion resistance and robustness, and a rodent-proof drain plug situated at the front of the container for ease of access to the container’s improved drainage system. In addition to enhanced castor brackets to minimise stress points, highly durable castors and internal bash plates for reinforcement, the frontal receiver benefits from seven ribs for additional strength. The robustness of the container, alongside its readiness to refurbish, solidifies the firm’s commitment to the circular economy and its drive to reduce not only its own carbon impact, but its customers’ too. Danish-style handles, as standard, allow ease of operation.

Notably, the flagship Continental range is manufactured to the recognised European EN840 standard, giving customers confidence in both product quality and safety, delivering what the firm believes to be a great value product.

Mark Jenkins, UK and Ireland Sales Director at IEG EMEA commented: “With over 1.8 million units sold over the last forty years plus, and used by local authorities and private sector contractors across the length and breadth of the UK, we know a thing or two about containers. In our opinion, the Continental container remains the undisputed benchmark for waste and recycling containers. We are proud to introduce to the market this latest innovation which addresses the ever-evolving sector demands, by providing market-leading quality at a price point which we believe is competitive in the marketplace.

“Since it was established in 1962, Taylor has been on a remarkable journey and we look forward to continuing on that pathway as we create innovative solutions that meet today’s complex challenges, whilst developing waste technology solutions that stand the test of time.”

The UK’s leading provider of waste management solutions, Taylor has been shaping the global waste industry for over six decades. With a firm commitment to delivering industry-leading quality, the business has a suite of solutions that build on the basic foundation of waste collection whilst integrating the latest technology. Taylor’s manufacturing capabilities from its Oak Park site near Birmingham, its partners and extensive knowledge of the industry is the driving force in its ability to comprehensively service its customers’ needs.

Taylor is part of the Impact Environmental Group (IEG), a global environmental products and services business, providing a comprehensive suite of new and replacement products for waste and recycling containers, collection and compaction equipment, and waste transportation equipment. IEG EMEA’s brands include Duraflex™, UKCM, Capital Compactors & Balers and Taylor.

For more information on Taylor, visit https://egberttaylor.com/

The UK can have a thriving greensteel industry without the need for export impediments, says leading UK metals recycling trade association

The British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) has welcomed the recent news that the UK steel industry is looking to transition towards being an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF)-led steel industry, thus enabling it to compete on an equal footing with the rest of the world.

Following this news, the trade body that represents the steel industry, UK Steel, published a report entitled: Scrap: a strategic raw material for net zero report. BMRA supports some of the sentiments behind the report and looks forward to enabling UK Steel to achieve some of its objectives. In many cases, however, the metals recycling sector can already deliver on many of UK Steel’s policy recommendations.

BMRA considers the following points may go some way to assuaging any concerns.

 

Enabling a thriving UK steel industry

The UK metals recycling sector has long supported its colleagues in the steel industry both by fulfilling the entirety of its scrap metal needs and by backing its calls for better support from successive Governments to help level the playing field between the UK steel industry and its European counterparts. Only by working together will we achieve a true green steel economy and complete our journey to net zero.

 

Working together to foster an environment of innovation

Both metal recyclers and steel companies need the Government to foster an economic landscape that encourages investment in best available technology and skills to increase the quality and quantity of secondary materials. This includes an environment that recognises quality scrap as a secondary material and not a waste.

There is already evidence that partnership is possible such as through the RECTIFI project. RECTIFI partners, including BMRA member EMR, have invested over £10 million to create an innovative new supply chain for high-grade recycled steel. It is also looking at sustainable alternative raw materials for cement production. The project is supported by a £3.4 million grant from UK Research and Innovation as part of the Transforming Foundation Industries Challenge.

We also need a government that is willing to set policy issues that support the use of UK-produced steel that comprises high levels of recycled content such as through green procurement policies and tax incentives. This could also include underwriting contracts between the steel maker and the metal recycler to remove the issue of extended payment terms currently set by the steel makers.

 

Scrap steel volumes: now and in the future

The UK metals recycling sector is extremely effective at what it does. It produces, on average, 10.6 million tonnes of scrap steel every year. Having declined by as much as 70% over the past 25 years, the UK steel industry now consumes some 2.5 million tonnes of UK scrap steel. UK Steel has projected that, conservatively, the industry will need 70% more scrap. This would still only be 4.2 million tonnes.

While timelines may be a moot point, projecting ahead to 2050, even if all the proposed electric arc furnaces are switched on, the maximum demand for scrap steel is predicted by UK Steel to be around 7 million tonnes. Even at that level of consumption, it would still leave a surplus of around 3 million tonnes possibly without a home if exports are restricted. That could have a catastrophic negative impact on the price of scrap and jeopardise the viability of many metal recyclers.

The UK is not stripping itself of a resource through exports but simply maximising its collection and recycling levels. Any restrictions could lead to recycling levels being compromised.

Metal recyclers in the UK only export because the domestic market is not large enough. As domestic demand grows, metal recyclers will comfortably meet this demand; as long as the economics are there.

 

Environmental and social arguments

Currently, the UK’s biggest export market is Turkey, where it is mainly smelted in EAFs, a technology that has a lesser impact on the environment than the blast furnaces currently operated in the UK.

In addition, UK Steel states the exports should be governed around ‘better environmental regulations. However, under current regulations, waste can only be shipped to countries that operate to equivalent standards as those found in the UK and the European Union.

It is also surprising that UK Steel raises both environmental and social concerns about export markets, yet the UK is content to import from said countries. This is why any standards regarding sustainability must be applied across the whole supply chain.

There is also an assumption that exporting what it terms ‘lower quality scrap’ means that non-ferrous metals within that load are not recovered. This is perplexing as no matter where they operate, steel mills do not want large residual volumes in the mix. Even if these non-ferrous metals were recovered in the UK, much of these arisings would still be exported due to a lack of processors/foundries in the UK.

Economics

The UK Steel industry must recognise that scrap steel is a globally traded commodity with a price set on the international stage. The delivered quality of scrap is linked to the demands from the purchaser, be they domestic or overseas. Metal recycling companies would be willing to make investment in further innovation if it was clear the UK steel industry was willing to pay for these improved grades.

The UK scrap market cannot be compared to the majority of markets that have imposed export impediments, simply because they do not have the significant surplus seen in the UK. Any impediment to exporting could cause severe economic impact to the UK metals recycling sector, which could not only see the UK steel industry having to import scrap, but it could also reduce UK Steel’s net zero ambitions to ruins. Any reduction in scrap arisings due to the adverse economic effects of imposed impediments may also severely impact the investment being made by the UK Government in EAF technology.

Office waste collection peaks on 14th December as Christmas party prep doubles

This nation appears to be getting ready for one of the biggest nights of the year, as the office Christmas party prep is scheduled ahead of Thursday 14th December.

Clear It Waste has reported a significant rise in pre-Christmas party collections from offices and venues on the day before and the morning of Thursday 14th December, compared to the same time in 2022.

In fact – bookings have nearly doubled since last year as pre-office party clear-outs have increased by 95%.

The London-based waste collection and rubbish removal service has reported that Thursday 14th seems to be the most popular day for the office ‘do’ as clear ups are happening ahead of that evening, as opposed to a Friday as might be expected.

Josh Clarke, manager at Clear It Waste said, “We are pleased to see more offices than ever getting into the festive spirit, and it looks like this Thursday is set to be quite the night!”

“Many offices have a large clear out of clutter and unwanted furniture ahead of their Christmas Party, aiming to make the work space look its best and ensure it is ‘Party ready’.

“It seems like the fun is set to double this year as we are twice as busy as the same time in 2022. I look forward to hearing how our customers have let their hair down – although hopefully not so much that they get an email from HR!”

Forward triumphs, securing prestigious National Recycling Award

Leading Welsh environmental services specialist, Forward, has clinched a coveted National Recycling Award.

Forward emerged victorious in the Employee Training and Skills category at the ceremony in London on 16 November, the largest and most prestigious event in the recycling and resource management sector calendar.

Forward beat the competition thanks to its ‘bringing values to life’ project, set to reaffirm the company’s five core values: trust, preparation, thoroughness, creativity, and persistence. Over the past twelve months, Forward has actively revitalised these values, aligning them with the evolving work landscape post-Covid, inspiring existing team members and guiding new recruits.

Judges commented that “Not many organisations take the time and effort to instil their values, so it was excellent to see this business lead with and reinforce its values. The re-induction process was a key and valuable element to the success of this initiative”.

 

Lyndon Ward, the Founder and CEO at Forward, said: “Winning the National Recycling Award in the Employee Training and Skills category is a tremendous honour for Forward. This achievement underscores our dedication to excellence and innovation in environmental services.

“I am genuinely pleased that our ‘bring values to life’ initiative has not only been recognised but celebrated for its impact on our positive workplace culture. This accolade is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our team, and we are excited to continue making a positive impact in the recycling and resource management sector.”

 

Forward is the trading name of Forward Waste Management Limited, a Welsh environmental services specialist established in 2006, providing total waste management solutions for the manufacturing industry. The company also owns subsidiary Enviroquip, which was formed in 1998 and manufactures compactors, balers, containers and other handling equipment for waste and recycling applications across the UK. Enviroquip is the largest manufacturer and fabricator of waste handling equipment in Wales.

 

A2B Radio Cars paves the way in litter picking initiative

Birmingham’s biggest private hire operator, A2B Radio Cars, is setting an example for keeping the streets clean. In a bid to tackle cleanliness in the Midlands, the organisation has donated £1000 to Clean & Green voluntary community group and have co-hosted a community litter pick.

A2B Radio Cars, a regional brand of the UK’s fastest growing private hire technology platform Veezu, gathered a team of volunteers from their staff to litter-pick across the Smith’s Wood area of North Solihull with eight volunteers from Clean & Green on Thursday 16 November.

Clean & Green, founded by Paul ‘Pablo’ Sultana in 2016, is the largest litter-picking group in North Solihull, boasting a cohort of around 1,110 volunteers. Alongside the physical impact the group have had on the environment, they pride themselves on the impact they are having on attitudes towards littering.

Based on a council estimate that it costs approximately £50 in resources for every bag of litter that is removed from our streets, Thursday’s pick of 35 bags saved the council the equivalent of £1,750.

To combat the perception that taxi drivers were notorious for littering in the area, volunteers from A2B Radio Cars took the opportunity to become more involved with the community and show their support for the local area by joining the litter-pick. Their donation will also support Clean & Green’s community and environmental initiatives going forward.

 

Graham Hoof, Regional Operations Director for A2B Radio Cars, said: “The work of the volunteers of Clean & Green is hugely admirable in dedicating so much of their time to better their community. Their commitment and sense of responsibility is infectious and goes a long way towards encouraging others to do the same. We are keen to grow our partnership with Clean & Green and further support their efforts.”

 

Lee Browning, a leader at Clean & Green and councillor for Kingshurst, Solihull, said: “With the generous £1000 donation, we will invest in more equipment. This will include replacing boots, trousers and gloves for protection in woodland areas, and buying a supply of gloves and high vis jackets for existing and future volunteers. Any remaining funds will go towards a free community fundraiser we’re hosting on Saturday 16 December at our local church and community centre.”

 

Paul Sultana, founder of Clean & Green, said: “North Solihull is more deprived compared to Central and South Solihull which is much more affluent. There are high levels of unemployment here and we recognise the need for more resources which we just don’t have access to. It is great to have a national business like Veezu recognising the need for support in this area of Solihull, which is often overlooked.

“With their enthusiastic volunteers and generous donation, Veezu is setting the example for how any company, regardless of size or industry, can get involved in community work and support their local area.”

Local Student Thanks Jobs Growth Wales+ For Helping Ignite His Career

A dedicated young individual, from Buckley, is encouraging more young people to enter the world of work through the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme after it gave him the confidence, support and guidance he needed to land a full-time role in his dream industry.

From an early age, Dom Jones, 18, was driven by hands-on learning, but he felt unclear about his career path. The Welsh Government’s training programme which helps young people earn money, find independence and get on the career ladder, proved instrumental in guiding Dom on his career journey.

Under the nurturing umbrella of Jobs Growth Wales+, Dom cast his net wide in search of local employment. His determination and unwavering work ethic soon led him to a full-time position as a Waste Operative with Deeside-based builders’ merchant, Thorncliffe Building Supplies Ltd, who were quick to recognise Dom’s enthusiasm and potential.

Speaking about his journey from education into work, Dom said: “Joining the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme had an instant positive impact on my approach to work and my career.

“They encouraged me to retake my English and Maths GCSE qualifications where I was able to raise my grades, which helped boost the skills on my CV when applying for jobs.

“The interview preparation with the team at college really helped me build my confidence and make me realise that I had the technical and personal skills for the Thorncliffe role. I was called for an interview almost straight away after sending in my application, and just a few days after, I was offered the post.

“I recently went back to my college with individual cards for my tutors to thank them for helping change my life around for the better – I couldn’t have done it without them.”

Part of the Welsh Government’s Young Person’s Guarantee, Jobs Growth Wales+ is a training and development programme for 16–19-year-olds that equips individuals with the skills, qualifications and experience they need to get a job or further training. It is designed to boost confidence whilst providing tailored opportunities and support to help individuals, like Dom, reach their potential.

Driven by his passion for environmental causes, Dom prides himself on his contributions to Wales’ net-zero objectives through the recycling efforts required in his role.

 

He continued: “My main duty includes sorting recycling into different piles including metal, plastic, and glass.

“We recycle as much material as possible and turn what is left into a valuable resource to divert waste from landfill, which is helping to reduce the impact of waste on the environment.

“I love my job and the people that I work with – I have a really great team around me which makes me want to come to work in the mornings.”

 

Tracy Dyment, HR Manager Associate at Thorncliffe, added: “Since joining us, Dom has been a huge asset to the team. There’s a huge skills shortage in the industry at the moment so it’s brilliant to have someone as young and enthusiastic as Dom join the company and gain hands-on experience. I’d definitely encourage other young people who are unsure about their next steps to consider Jobs Growth Wales+.”

Despite being just four months into his role, Dom is thriving in his position and has already set his sights on further growth within the company.

 

Dom said: “I want to keep improving and moving forward in my career, and hopefully soon become a Machine Driver Operative or a Banksman where I can help guide the lorries arriving at the depot or relocate waste around our warehouse.”

Dom has one piece of advice for those thinking about what to do after leaving school.

He continued: “If you are struggling to know what to do next, don’t give up too fast. You don’t know what future you might have ahead of you, just put the work into your passion, keep your head down, and amazing things can happen to you.”

If you’re aged 16-to-19, living in Wales and have just left school or are looking for work, you may be eligible for the Jobs Growth Wales+ programme.

To find out more about Jobs Growth Wales+ visit www.workingwales.gov.wales/jobs-growth-wales-plus or call Working Wales on 0800 028 4844.

 

Green Careers Week: Why Encouraging The Next Generation Of ‘Green Workers’ Holds The Key To Meeting Our Net Zero Targets

ENCOURAGING more young people to embark on a green career is vital for the UK to meet its 2050 net zero targets, a leading recycling association says today.

As part of a new campaign to mark Green Careers Week, the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA) also outlined five reasons why a career in the sector can prove to be life changing.

The BMRA says a myriad of opportunities exist for those looking to enter the sector and that it doesn’t matter whether the person is a school leaver with minimal qualifications or a graduate with a BA, MA or even a PhD. 

Outlining why Green Careers Week is so important, James Kelly, CEO, BMRA says: “Metals recycling is a vital component if the UK is to meet its climate goals by 2050. By 2050, many of those working in the sector now will be long retired whereas those at school today will be well into their careers. Like all industries, metals recycling has felt the reduction in talent pool which is why it is even more important to encourage young people into the industry.” 

Mr Kelly added that even if people don’t have the relevant qualifications, many will have skills that can be transferred into the industry: “Metals recycling companies have traditionally been family-run businesses, but as the industry grows, ownership models have been changing and more people are coming into the industry with skills obtained in other sectors. We also don’t want people to be put off if they don’t have qualifications. The BMRA was a key part of the team that created the Metals Recycling General Operative level 2 apprenticeship. This approach is a simple solution to plugging that talent pool gap for employers and offers young people a structured route into a green career”. 

His comments come in the wake of a recent survey commissioned by British Gas for National Apprenticeship Week. It said that three quarters of respondents are seeking careers that have a positive environmental impact.  According to the survey, on average, respondents have been considering a career which makes a difference from as early as 10 years old.

One person who has seen the positive impact of a green career is Elliot Ashton, a Weighbridge Operator at Kuusakoski Recycling. 

Elliot, 25, who came to metals recycling from another industry added: “Don’t underestimate the possibilities or potential for personal development that are available through a green career. What may seem like a minor position can quickly evolve and build up to be a full-blown career with the possibility to achieve a multitude of licenses, qualifications, and training.”

The Metals Recycling General Operative apprenticeship develops an apprentice’s knowledge and appreciation of a wide range of processes, site administration, risk assessment as well as legislation relating to metals recycling. They will attain the skills to operate industry-specific and generic plant and equipment, such as a forklift truck, shear and cable strippers. Safety will form a key element of their role and they can select one of five specialist routes in which to train. 

The BMRA has also offered five reasons why you may want to consider a Green Career. 

  • Help sustain the planet. Metals are 100% recyclable and avoid sending a permanent material to landfill. It prevents natural habitat from being mined, and it saves energy, reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 80%.
  • A career for life. The metals recycling industry does not stand still. It is busy, vibrant, and hands-on. If you have passion and motivation, the pathway for you knows no bounds. With a multitude of entry-level options available to you, you will gain more experience and knowledge that can open up other roles within the sector.
  • A job for everyone. Whether you are degree educated, or left school with minimal or no qualifications, there is a green job for you. Within metals ecycling, there is a sector-specific apprenticeship which can train on the ground operatives, even assisting them with passing their GCSEs if required. If you have a STEM degree, the metals recycling industry will need scientists and engineers. The options are vast.
  • Metals recycling touches all parts of society. Energy, construction, automotive, food and beverage, households. There will be very few things that you use, or touch, which do not contain metal that can be recycled. Even the phone you might be reading these words on. The metals recycling industry is worth £7 billion to the UK economy, so not insignificant at all!
  • Variety in your day to day. Particularly if you work on a smaller site, you may get to do a bit of everything, from weighbridge, to using the forklift, to material handler operating. You will also meet a variety of people, ensuring that no two days are the same. 

Personal care manufacturers and brands get behind Plastic Free July to show commitment to sustainability

Leading manufacturer of solid format bases and natural ingredients for the personal care sector, Stephenson, is continuing in its drive to lead the way for limiting the use of packaging in personal care products.

Coinciding with the global Plastic Free July movement, the Yorkshire-based business continues to use product innovation and expert insight to help personal care brands and manufacturers address the problems associated with plastic packaging.

Research* carried out this year found that 61% of global consumers believe the increased use of plastic packaging is necessary since the COVID-19 pandemic for safety reasons. 72% of global consumers still believe plastic has average or above recyclability relative to other materials. 52% of consumers stated they would pay more for a product if it came in recyclable packaging.

 

Stephenson’s manufacturing focus on syndet production and solid formats provides the ideal choice for manufacturers and brands seeking gentler, more effective and environmentally friendlier cleansing products. Stephenson has launched four new Syndet products this year alone, adding to its established Syndopal syndet range, comprising a solid conditioner, cleanser, solid shampoo bar and premium solid shampoo bar.

The newest addition to the range, Syndopal SHC 600-MB is currently the only extruded solid conditioning base available on the personal care market. Created specifically for manufacturing ultra-mild luxurious solid conditioning bars, it is silicone free, cationic allowing for smooth conditioning and Certified Sustainable RSPO-MB.

 

More than five years of research and development led to the groundbreaking manufacture of Syndopal, a first for the global personal care market, resulting in the creation of the first ultra-mild, 100% soap free, pH 5.5 base noodle. The range of products introduced this year represents the first to be released since Syndopal 300-MB revolutionised the syndet market in 2019.

Syndets are environmentally friendly as they contain less water and can be packaged without plastic. They are also biodegradable, breaking down naturally without harming the environment.

 

Solid format products represent a much more eco friendly format than liquids. As solid format products are concentrated, they are made with very little water compared to liquids made using between 80-95% water. Liquid formats require plastic packaging, which can contribute to plastic waste. Solid formats do not require any plastic packaging and can be stored in reusable containers.

Following the launch of its first solid shampoo conditioning bar, Stephenson showed its commitment to sustainability in the personal care market. The bar is a ready-made solid conditioner base and a product innovation designed to help consumers reduce the use of plastic containers and use less water during hair washing.

 

Tim Pulleyn, marketing manager at Stephenson, commented: “Plastic Free July demonstrates that everyone can make a positive difference by examining buying habits and considering how to cut unnecessary waste at home. The bathroom is often the worst offender in the house with many products traditionally packaged in single-use plastics.

“Solid soap bars such as shampoos are growing in popularity yearly, mainly due to increasing consumer awareness and changing preferences for more natural and plastic-free personal care products. With this as a motivating factor, consumers seek to stop buying packaged shower gels and go for plastic-free alternatives like bar soaps and recyclable pouches. In an effort to reduce their carbon footprint, personal care brands are increasingly turning to concentrated and waterless products to help minimise environmental impact.

 

“Sustainability continues to be a key business driver for Stephenson as consumers continue to look at ways to limit their plastic packaging use and save water. Plastic Free July provides the perfect opportunity for us as a business to work closely with the personal care sector and consumers to remind them of their and our collective responsibilities.”

Plastic Free July is an initiative that aims to unite and educate about the effects of single-use plastics and how to get by living without them. The movement calls on manufacturers, businesses and consumers to work together to make communities cleaner, safer, and more enjoyable.

 

Find out more about Stephenson’s Syndopal range here.

New Cardiff hazardous waste transfer station officially opened

A new hazardous waste transfer station has been officially unveiled in East Moors Road, Cardiff, as part of an ambitious growth strategy by Welsh environmental services specialist Forward Waste Management.

The new facility, which serves many of the manufacturing giants across South Wales and the rest of the UK, is authorised to receive hazardous waste in both solid and liquid form, whether that be drummed or packaged, and has been opened to help meet significant demand for the service.

Forward delivers total waste management solutions specifically within the manufacturing industry, with services including collection, recycling and disposal and was established in 2006.

With a broad permit and capacity of 10,000 tonnes per annum, the new facility will allow the firm to process much of the hazardous waste they collect, prior to being sent on to specialists for further treatment, recycling, or final disposal. The site is operated by a highly skilled team, including degree qualified chemists, plant operators, and is supported by a fleet of qualified dangerous goods vehicle drivers.

Forward’s new hazardous waste transfer station has been in operation since August last year but was officially unveiled by President of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) Dr Anna Willetts last week (26th June).

Lyndon Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Forward Waste Management, said “There are very few hazardous waste transfer stations in South Wales, and many are full to capacity. This new site has been long in the making and will provide a much-needed additional service for our existing customers where we already provide hazardous waste collection, as well as new customers.

“Our hazardous waste specialists are supported by our substantial fleet of vehicles providing one-off or regular collections of all types of hazardous waste materials.

“We’re very pleased to have added this cost effective and extensive hazardous waste disposal solution to our portfolio and are confident that it will be hugely beneficial to the businesses we serve.”

Dr Anna Willetts, President, Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM), said: “I’m delighted to officially unveil Forward’s new site this morning. There is a great need for compliant hazardous waste and chemical waste disposal solutions in the area and I’m sure that this state-of-the-art facility will serve their customers very well.”

The company also owns subsidiary Enviroquip, which was formed in 1998 and manufactures compactors, balers, containers and other handling equipment for waste and recycling applications across the UK. The long-established waste systems manufacturing company moved to its 30,000 sq ft workshops on a one acre site at Atlantic Trading Estate in Barry in 2021.

For more information on the services provided by Forward Waste Management, visit https://www.forwardwastemanagement.co.uk/

 

Image caption: (L-R) Lyndon Ward, Chief Executive Officer, Forward Waste Management and Dr Anna Willetts, President, Chartered Institution of Wastes Management