Recycling and Sustainability
Our recycling and sustainability approach is built around practical action, local responsibility, and measurable environmental progress. We aim to support a cleaner, more efficient circular economy by setting a clear recycling percentage target and working steadily toward it across all our operations. Our target is to divert at least 90% of suitable waste from landfill, with a focus on improving sorting, recovering more reusable materials, and reducing contamination in mixed waste streams. This commitment sits at the heart of our sustainable recycling strategy and helps ensure that everyday waste is handled in the most environmentally responsible way possible.
In the areas we serve, local waste systems often reflect borough-specific approaches to separation, collection, and recovery. That means our recycling service is designed to support the way local authorities manage materials such as paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, glass, and organics. In boroughs where waste separation is especially well developed, we work to keep material streams clean and sorted correctly so that more can be processed for reuse. In mixed urban settings, the emphasis is on careful segregation at source, efficient handling, and reducing the amount of recyclable material that gets lost in general waste.
A key part of our environmental commitment is making use of local transfer stations. These facilities allow waste to be consolidated, sorted, and sent on to the most suitable recycling or recovery route, reducing unnecessary journeys and improving operational efficiency. By using nearby transfer stations wherever possible, we lower transport emissions and support a more streamlined recycling process. This approach also helps us improve traceability, so that materials can be directed toward recycling facilities best suited to process them responsibly.
We also place a strong emphasis on partnerships with charities, because sustainability is not only about recycling—it is also about extending the life of useful items. Through relationships with local charities and community organisations, we prioritise the reuse of furniture, clothing, books, household goods, and office items that still have value. Rather than treating these as waste, we help redirect them for redistribution or social benefit. This reduces disposal volumes, supports local communities, and strengthens the social side of sustainability and recycling. In many cases, items that would otherwise enter the waste stream can be given a second life through these charitable channels.
Our fleet of low-carbon vans is another important part of the plan. These vehicles are selected to reduce emissions compared with older diesel-only alternatives, helping us cut the carbon footprint associated with collection and transport. Where suitable, we use lower-emission or fuel-efficient vans for local collections, especially in dense borough areas where shorter route planning and frequent stops can benefit from cleaner vehicles. This supports a more responsible recycling operation and aligns with wider goals to reduce air pollution and improve urban sustainability.
We also recognise that different waste streams require different handling. For example, construction and refurbishment projects often generate materials such as timber, plasterboard, metal, packaging, and inert waste, each of which needs a tailored recycling route. Office clearances may produce large volumes of paper, IT equipment, and furniture, while household clearances can include mixed recoverables that must be separated carefully. Our recycling and sustainability model is designed to recover as much as possible from these varied streams while keeping disposal to a minimum. This is especially important in boroughs where waste separation rules are strict and contamination can reduce the value of recycled material.
We continue to improve by tracking performance and reviewing how materials move through each stage of the waste hierarchy. Reuse comes first, followed by recycling, recovery, and only then disposal where necessary. This method helps us maintain a high recycling percentage target and keep our environmental impact under control. It also encourages better decision-making at the point of collection, making it easier to identify what can be reused, what can be recycled, and what should be handled through a specialist treatment route. Every step is designed to support a more efficient and lower-waste system.
Local transfer stations, charity partners, and low-carbon vans each play a part in a wider sustainability network. Together, they help create a joined-up service that is practical, efficient, and environmentally conscious. By combining local infrastructure with responsible sorting and transport choices, we can support borough-level waste strategies and contribute to cleaner neighbourhoods. Our aim is to deliver a recycling solution that is not only effective today but also ready to adapt as materials, regulations, and community needs continue to evolve.
Looking ahead, we remain committed to expanding our recycling and sustainability outcomes year by year. That includes improving recovery rates, increasing the proportion of reusable items redirected to charity, and continuing to invest in low-carbon vans and smarter logistics. It also means working in step with local borough systems so that waste separation practices are respected and supported. With a clear recycling target, efficient transfer routes, and a strong reuse network, we are building a more responsible future for the materials we handle and the communities we serve.
