The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) consulted on the planned Simpler Recycling in 2023 publishing the consultation finding earlier this year, stating that “reform to the recycling system which means that people across England will be able to recycle the same materials, whether at home, work or school, putting an end to the confusion over what can and cannot be recycled in different parts of the country.”

The survey sought views on the upcoming legislation, general levels of understanding and what plans were in place to prepare for the new rules, which aim to simplify and standardise recycling across businesses and households in England.

Encouragingly, 71% of respondents knew about the Simpler Recycling legislation, 90% felt they had good knowledge of what was required and 60% felt that they knew what they needed to do to prepare. However, 62% of respondents had yet made no provision at all for the new legislation.

Donald Ward, Operations Director at Ward, said: “In its latest update, the government stated that the new default requirement for most households and workplaces will be four containers for residual (non-recyclable) waste, food waste (mixed with garden waste if appropriate), paper and card, plus all other dry recyclable materials (plastic, metal and glass). These may be various container types, including bags, bins or stackable boxes.”

“As much as there is positive intention to simplify waste streams, improve recycling effectiveness and reduce waste to landfill, there are some practical considerations to businesses to adopting these measures. The top concern from the survey was cost, with 60% of respondents naming this as a main barrier. A further 39% said space constraints and 31% cited lack of time as other main factors that prevent them from segregating and recycling waste.”

“There are many ways businesses can address these issues, for example, a free and simple waste audit can quickly assess the volume and type of waste. From there, you work out a plan of the required container sizes and optimise collections to achieve the best value for money.  For larger businesses, using a provider which offers site visits to set up effective recycling areas and gives customers access to an online portal is a good way to monitor and evaluate different waste streams. From that management data, businesses are then able to make more informed decisions about recycling rates and ways to make improvements and adjustments to waste collections.”

Respondents also shared that some types of waste were more problematic than others to recycle. Hazardous was considered most difficult by 32%, closely followed by construction waste at 28%, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at 27% and food waste at 26%.

Head of Sales (Waste) at Ward, Heather Foo, added: “Depending on their size and type of activities, some businesses will be more affected than others with Simpler Recycling. A multi-premises business employing more than 10 full-time equivalent employees will be required to segregate residual waste, food waste, paper and card, and all other dry mixed recycling in four specific containers and arrange the appropriate collection services by 31st March 2025. Microbusinesses (those with less than 10 FTE employees) are currently exempt from these requirements until 31st March 2027, but as a wider sustainability measure it would be beneficial to implement in advance of legalisation.

“New guidance was issued by DEFRA in late November 2024, so now is a good time to start planning for Q1 2025 to get a solution for Simpler Recycling in place in time for the March 2025 deadline.”

A copy of Ward’s Simpler Recycling Report findings can be found here: https://www.ward.com/simpler-recycling/.

For more information about Ward’s innovative waste management solutions, visit www.ward.com.

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The new locator allows visitors to search for their closest bank by inputting their postcode, town or city into a search box or using the handy WARDRobe map.

A member of the Textile Recycling Association, Ward’s textile recycling operation, WARDRobe, provides a free nationwide textile bank collection service for good quality pre-loved clothing and shoes. Collecting from various locations across the UK, the team works closely with local authorities and organisations to maximise the recovery and reuse of textiles to minimise waste to landfill.

Textile banks are located in prime locations, including household waste recycling centres, office headquarters, school premises and on local council and private land. Sites receive payment for each kilo of textiles collected, which they can donate to charity or put towards local community projects.

WARDRobe also works in close partnership with local charities, including Sharewear, which focuses on reducing clothing poverty.

Clare Harby, Head of Textiles and Waste Brokerage at Ward said: “We are committed to supporting the Circular Economy while positively impacting the communities where we work and our textile banks are a great example of this.

“Through our regular textile collections, we can help others to limit their impact on the environment by minimising the amount of pre-loved clothing that ends up in landfill while supporting charities with regular donations.”

To find the location of your nearest textile bank, visit https://www.ward.com/wardrobe-map/

For more information about arranging a textile bank at your business, place of work or community group, get in touch with WARDRobe via textilebanks@ward.com

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The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is a voluntary accreditation scheme that is widely regarded as the highest benchmark for compliance and safety standards within the transport industry. Gold is the top level of accreditation and is only awarded to operators meeting strict targets on fleet safety, driver training and overall transport operations.

Ward has been FORS accredited for over five years, progressing from Bronze to Silver status before achieving FORS Gold accreditation last year.

By implementing FORS training and initiatives, Ward has seen significant improvements in its operations, including more efficient fuel use, a reduction in CO2 emissions, lower NOx and Particulate Matter emissions and a greater road safety record.

In addition, the team has benefited from FORS e-learning and Toolbox Talks to improve its overall training programme.

Min Bawa, Senior Transport Manager at Ward, says, “To retain FORS Gold accreditation is a real credit to everyone here at Ward. It’s incredibly hard to maintain the high standards expected from the scheme and, to do so shows how hard the team has worked to meet the strictest compliance and safety standards.

“As our fleet and operations continue to grow, implementing best practice across all of our operations will continue to be the highest priority as we strive to be the best in the business by delivering an exceptional service to our customers.”

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The scheme will see five department stores partner with Sharewear’s new ‘ReLived’ scheme – a clothing collection intiative which distributes pre-loved clothing to people experiencing poverty in the UK.

The trial invites customers to bring good quality new and pre-loved clothing and shoes for donation into the store. Working together, WARDrobe and long-term partner Sharewear then collect and sort the surplus clothing to be redistributed by the charity.

With the supply of clothing to Sharewear, people can attend interviews, leading to work and training, send their children to school and keep warm, dry and healthy. Referrals can also access other Sharewear support services, move out of hostile situations and rebuild their lives.

Last year the charity helped 26,000 people across the East Midlands, Yorkshire and North London.

WARDrobe general manager, Clare Harby with operations assistant Danny Knight at the launch of the ‘ReLived’ pilot with Sharewear.

Clare Harby, General Manager at Ward, says: “Here at Ward, we’re committed to forging sustainable relationships that support the local community and our long term partnership with Sharewear and the ReLived initiative is an excellent example of that.

“We are looking forward to making a genuine difference to supporting those in need while limiting the amount of textile waste that needlessly goes to landfill.”

Louise Cooke, CEO of Sharewear, says: “Bringing major retailers on board for our take-back scheme is an excellent result. We’re so grateful for this alliance and hope it will prove a huge success so that we will be able to help more people within the local community while reducing the impact of on the environment.”

It is estimated that 350,000 tonnes, or £140 million worth of used but still wearable clothing, goes to landfill every year in the UK – this equates to more than 30% of unwanted clothing.

ReLived clothing recycling scheme window displays in House of Fraser Nottingham

Fraser Group is one of several retailers who are hoped to take part in the pilot, initially launching in its Nottingham, Sutton Coldfield, Manchester, Solihull and Birmingham stores.

For more information about WARDrobe and its partnership scheme, visit: www.ward.com/business-waste/our-services/textile-recycling/ or call 0345 337 0000.

For more information about Sharewear, visit: www.sharewearclothingscheme.org.

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Sharewear is a charity scheme that provides emergency clothing, shoes and bedding to people experiencing personal difficulties or facing poverty. It has community franchises across the country, which aim to tackle clothing poverty.

As part of a bigger event with Sharewear volunteers, who are now studying at the university, the charity has been able to collect over 60kgs of good quality, pre-loved clothing to tackle clothing poverty across the country, through a textile bank provided by Ward.

Ward supplied and delivered the textile bank free of charge, which was situated next to the Roscoe Building, for students, university staff and the general public to easily donate clothing up to mid February. The WARDrobe team then picked up and delivered all the contents directly to Sharewear’s Nottingham-based national processing centre for sorting and onward distribution.

The WARDrobe team collects textiles from a variety of locations across the UK including a network of clothing banks, schools and community groups. Working with local charities, authorities and private organisations, WARDrobe focuses on the recovery and reuse of textiles that can be processed and shared with different outlets rather than being sent to landfill.

Sharewear is just one of several charity partners across Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, South Yorkshire and now Greater Manchester that will receive donations of quality clothing through WARDrobe’s textile collection and recycling services. These items will then be distributed amongst members of the community most in need.

Clare Harby, General Manager, WARDrobe, said:

“Our aim is to forge sustainable working relationships that directly benefit local communities. We are committed to supporting the local community and our partnership scheme is a testament to that. 

We’re really pleased to bring Sharewear on board as a new charity partner and work with them on this great iniative at the University of Manchester. We hope that by working together, we are able to support more members of the community while limiting the amount of textile waste that ends up in landfill.”

Louise Cooke, CEO at Sharewear says:

“As a charity, our ability to build partnerships with local businesses that can support our work is vital. Teaming up with Ward means we will be able to help more people living in poverty or struggling to afford quality clothing. We’re so grateful for this new alliance and to see out volunteers flying the flag in other parts of the country to help us achieve our aims.” 

For more information about WARDrobe and its partnership scheme, visit: www.ward.com/business-waste/our-services/textile-recycling/

For more information about Sharewear, visit: www.sharewearclothingsheme.org

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The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is a voluntary accreditation scheme for transport businesses which aims to raise the level of quality in operations. It recognises teams who are achieving exemplary levels of best practice in safety, efficiency and environmental protection.

Gold accreditation is only awarded to exceptional operators who have met exacting targets and is the top level of accreditation available. It enables the Ward team to promote its exemplary practice to customers, stakeholders and its supply chain partner.

Min Bawa, Senior Transport Manager at Ward, said: “This is an incredible achievement and we are so proud of our team for being awarded FORS Gold status. We’re one of only a few recycling companies that hold the ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 quality standards as well as retaining Investors in People accreditation and this additional recognition of best practice cements our commitment to quality even further.”

To achieve the accreditation the metal and waste management specialist had to evidence best practice across several areas including driver wellbeing, fuel efficiency, noise reduction and modal shift.

Min added: “Our fleet is under constant review. As part of our sustainability road map to 2030 we are committed to having a fleet that is 100% Euro 6 specification. By replacing older vehicles when the time comes and continually investing in the latest technology, we aim to reduce emissions, improve fuel efficiency and equipment safety, as well as supporting our drivers’ wellbeing with training and wider benefits.”

Operations Director, Donald Ward added: “We want people to know that when they choose Ward as their supplier they are guaranteed a low carbon footprint, high standards of sustainability, safety and great level of service. FORS Gold is recognition that we consistently achieve that.”

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Organised by the Society for the Environment ‘Pledge to Net Zero’, is the first industry commitment in the UK requiring science-based targets from its signatories to tackle greenhouse gas emissions within their organisations. 

The pledge recognises the need for organisations from the environmental services sector to take a leadership role in the transition to a Net Zero carbon economy.

Pledge signatories include the Chartered Institution of Waste Management (CIWM), Institute of Environmental Management & Assessment (IEMA), environmental service organisations and a range of engineering consultancies across the UK. Each one has committed to submitting key pieces of science-based evidence at various points over the next three years, marking their progress against targets set for greenhouse gas emissions in line with either, an encouraged, 1.5°C or well below 2°C climate change scenario – covering buildings and travel as a minimum. 

Ward is achieving the 1.5°C target by making reductions in energy use and implementing its sustainability road map to 2030, The Ward Way. Real, evidence-based greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced across the business, rather than purchasing carbon offsets. 

In addition, a partnership between Pledge to Net Zero and the United Nations Framework on Climate Change’s (UNFCC) Race To Zero campaign was officially announced ahead of COP26. Ward has also become a part of this, as its own targets are in line with the required 1.5°C targets for emissions. 

Race To Zero is a global campaign to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, investors and universities for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery that prevents future threats, creates decent jobs, and unlocks inclusive, sustainable growth. All members are committed to the same overarching goal: achieving net zero emissions by 2050 at the very latest.

Ashley Oates, Head of Sustainability at Ward said:

“We’re proud that our organisation is stepping forward with others in the environmental sector to be a leader and drive the changes required to meet the UK’s Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions 2050 target.

Many of our customers are also now looking for science-based evidence of our commitment to reducing emissions and contributing to tackling climate change. Through our sustainability roadmap to 2030, the Ward Way, we can provide this evidence, commit to the Pledge to UN’s Race to Zero and are eligible to join the UN’s Race to Net Zero too.”

Organisations must submit evidence including annual reporting of greenhouse gas emissions and progress against the target, as well as publishing one piece of research/thought-leadership each year on practical steps to delivering an economy in line with climate science and in support of net zero carbon. The next milestone for Ward is to report back on its progress to date, by 31st Jan 2022.

View all the other signatories here: https://www.pledgetonetzero.org/signatories.

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DE-Carbonise is an ERDF funded collaboration between University of Derby, Derby City and Derbyshire County Councils that supports local small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) to radically improve their energy and resource efficiency. It aims to help SMEs based in Derby and Derbyshire, in any industry, to reduce carbon emissions, save costs and become more sustainable through grants, technical support and free site surveys.

As part of this programme, Ward’s sustainability team is working with the University’s Business School to help decarbonise the local construction supply chain. By collaborating with a group of forward looking local contractors it is helping them to innovate and improve their waste practices, moving towards increasingly circular forms of resource management.

Joanne Upton, Environmental Officer at Ward, commented:

“With our extensive experience in bulk metal recycling and ISO accredited waste management solutions we are well placed to support building and construction firms to adopt zero to landfill approach. Ward is  committed to working directly with businesses to help them become more sustainable. This project is a fantastic way for us to engage directly with our local supply chain and SME’s to promote the circular economy, reduce emissions and improve environmental impacts across the region.”

The project offers free onsite carbon reduction surveys to identify ways to cut emissions at businesses. This could result in the implementation of more efficient lighting, insulation, heating/cooling systems, through to transport upgrades or cultural behaviour changes.

Grants for between £1,000 and £20,000 are also available to support any carbon reduction measures in Derby and Derbyshire, covering up to 40% of the total cost of works (excluding VAT), depending on the carbon saving.

In addition businesses can receive further technical support, consultancy and process improvements based on recommendations from the carbon reduction report.

Low Carbon Business Network Lead at Derby Business School, Associate Professor, Dr Fred Paterson, added: “The University of Derby is excited to be working with Ward and our DE-Carbonise construction cohort of SMEs to see what we can achieve.

“There is enormous goodwill amongst companies of all sizes in the construction supply chain to collaborate on making the essential shift towards a net-zero carbon economy and our national Clean Growth targets. Ward is a great example of this, and we look forward to working together to find practical solutions that help smaller companies, in particular, contribute to and benefit from the shift to a sustainable construction sector”.

The DE-Carbonise project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020. For more information visit: www.derby.gov.uk/decarbonise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5bj3DJVIqw&feature=emb_title

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The investment includes 21 new vehicles consisting of roll on/offs, skip and tipper lorries, articulated lorries, numerous trailers and four 8 wheelers designed specifically for Ward Special projects for supporting demolition and construction contractors nationwide. All vehicles are 21’ plate and ordered through local DAF, Volvo and Scania main dealers, part of Ward’s continuous improvement upgrades.

Donald Ward, Operations Director at Ward said:

“This is another significant investment and commitment to our ongoing sustainability strategy. We continually review our fleet, moving out older vehicles and bringing in more efficient replacements.

All these new vehicles have been specifically chosen for fuel economy and safety. We’ve been reviewing miles per gallon achieved by our fleet and each new vehicle has been specified to be as energy efficient as possible, in line with our green motoring policy as part of our sustainability road map to 2030.”

The new vehicles have various green features to reduce energy consumption, including higher wind deflectors to ensure the vehicles are as streamlined and aerodynamic as possible, technology to offer active feedback to drivers to improve driver behaviour and all engines are the latest Euro 6 specification. For safety, all are fitted with live 360-degree cameras and cycle safe systems. Plus, all are set up to meet the criteria for driving in and working within central London.

Ward has worked with local providers to brand the trucks with Ward and Ward Special projects livery. The first delivery was received in mid March and will continue into summer. 

As a multi-award winning, independent fourth generation family business, Ward has achieved silver accreditation as part of the voluntary code of practice the Fleet Operators Recognition Scheme (FORS). It continues to make significant investments across its business operations to uphold best practice standards of safety and sustainability and to be at the forefront of the bulk metal recycling and waste industry. 

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Ward, the Midlands-based metal recycling and waste management specialist, has helped to raise over £15,000 for two local hospices through its support of the annual ‘Treecycling’ scheme.

Over 900 Christmas trees were collected from across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire and recycled as part of the yearly recycling initiative, which grows bigger each January, thanks to the generosity of local business and volunteers.

The Treecycling project offers an excellent fundraising opportunity for both Ashgate Hospice in Chesterfield and Treetops Hospice Care in Risley, Derbyshire, while giving people the chance to responsibly recycle.

Laura McWha, Corporate Partnerships Fundraiser at Treetops, said: “Treecycling has been amazingly successful and has raised a record amount of money for the hospice – £10,500 to date. Without Ward’s skips and the 40 volunteers from local businesses – we wouldn’t have been able to collect all the trees without them so thank you so much.”

All the skips were provided by Ward to enable the teams to offer a collection and recycling service for unwanted Christmas trees in return for a donation to the charities. 

Kevin Deller, National Business Development Manager at Ward said: “The support that both hospices provide to local people is amazing. We’re proud to be part of it – raising money for great causes, while improving recycling rates. This year Maple Tree were on board too, they chipped the trees at collection points. The trees were stored in the low sided roll on roll offs which enabled easy access to load the tress and pull them out for chipping. This helped reduce the overall costs of processing and handling too.”

Sarah Green, Community Fundraiser for Ashgate Hospice agreed that the tree recycling had once again been a massive success with over 10 tonnes of trees being collected from around the Chesterfield area alone. She added: “We’ve managed to raise over £4,600 for Ashgate’s. We are so grateful to Ward for providing the skips and want to pass on our gratitude to everyone involved.”

Without the large skips from Ward, transport and drivers from Sandicliffe and volunteers from local businesses the scheme would not be possible. Skip hire for the Ashgate’s scheme would have been in excess of £4,900, making it cost prohibitive for many charities to run without donations.

Treetops and Ashgate hospices provide respite and end of life care for local people with illnesses such as cancer, motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis. They also support carers and families, with all services provided free of charge, with funding largely from charitable donations and fundraising events.

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