Cutting Waste Collection by 80%, Achieving 75% Recycling, and Reducing Carbon Emissions for 1 Million Visitors Annually
Background
A prominent heritage site in the UK, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a historic attraction with an annual footfall of approximately one million visitors. The site includes three restaurants, hospitality venues, a bottling plant, and extensive grounds that host year-round events such as Christmas markets and conferences. Given the scale and diversity of its operations, waste management presented significant challenges, including health and safety concerns, high transportation emissions, and low recycling rates.
Challenges
- Disorganised Waste Collection
- Inefficient Waste Processing
- Lack of Reporting and Visibility
Solutions Implemented
1. Centralised Waste Management System
- Conducted an in-depth site audit and waste composition analysis.
- Designed a centralised recycling hub with two compactors (for general waste and dry mixed recycling) and three balers (for cardboard, flexible plastics, and rigid plastics).
- Introduced small electric vehicles to collect waste from bin stores and transport it to the central hub.
2. Improved Waste Segregation & Signage
- Established dedicated waste streams for general waste, dry-mixed recycling, food, and glass.
- Installed IBC tanks for liquid waste disposal, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and reducing weight-related costs.
- Signage implemented across the site both internally and externally to help both staff and visitors differentiate between the correct different outlets for waste and recyclable materials.
3. Staff Training and Ongoing Support
- Provided comprehensive training for staff on proper waste segregation and equipment use.
- Worked with leadership to form an internal onsite eco-team to oversee sustainability initiatives.
4. Sustainability Partnership:
- Supported the site in analysing the lifecycle of materials, promoting the use of recyclable products.
- Collaborated on event waste management to ensure all waste streams were integrated into the centralised system.
5. Comprehensive Reporting:
Delivered monthly reports detailing
Waste volumes
- Recycling rates (e.g., 75% recycling rate achieved)
- Carbon impact
Reports included traffic-light indicators to highlight performance and identify areas for improvement.
Testimonials and Long-Term Impact
The strategies and technology implemented at this customer’s site had provided them with a strong base to continually improve on, ensures compliance and an environmentally focussed thought process moving forward.
Conclusion
The tailored waste management solution delivered by Wastetech significantly improved the site’s operations, sustainability, and cost efficiency. Highlights include:
- 75% recycling rate achieved
- Carbon emissions were drastically reduced
- Up to quarterly collections for recyclables
- Increased revenue through recyclable material sales
This partnership showcases the potential of innovative waste strategies to create lasting environmental and financial benefits.
For more details or to explore similar solutions, please contact us.
