Three businesses strike gold in Zero Waste Awards

A further 22 businesses from across the UK also received Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended awards for their work. The awards scheme, which is run by letsrecycle.com, recognises achievements in waste prevention, reuse, recycling and energy recovery.

Approaching their first anniversary, the awards are open to all groups from the private and public sectors as well as communities and charities – anyone who produces or processes waste. The judging day took place on Wednesday (June 12).

Surface repair specialist Plastic Surgeon, printing firm Windles Group and packaging recovery specialists RPS were the three organisations to be honoured with the prestigious Gold Zero Waste Award.

Winners of the other awards included: the University of York; Innov8 Disposal; Alstom Transport; While Lion Walk Shopping Centre in Guildford; Printwaste Recycling & Shredding; and Network Rail with MITIE. For a full list of winners see table below.

Sponsorship of the Awards is by SAICA Natur and WasteCare.

Plastic Surgeon

Devon-based Plastic Surgeon impressed the judges with its innovative solution for repairing damaged surfaces including those made of glass, plastic, wood, brick and enamel without replacing them. Since 2005, the company has saved over 19,000 tonnes of waste from going to landfill by carrying out 750,000 repairs in new builds and existing buildings.

The firm has expanded from a one man band over 20 years ago to now employing a team of nearly 100 specially trained finishers. The solution was described by the judges as outstanding. Using a reporting system, VisbilITy, customers can carry out cost analysis and see savings made on each project.

Windles Group

Buckinghamshire-based printing firm Windles Group launched a company-wide recycling campaign which included all staff. It undertook analysis of its waste and collected a wide range of materials for recycling. Aluminium plates from the presses are collected for recycling and 70% of cardboard boxes are also reused for a second time and a further 15% for a third time before being sent for recycling.

The firm also chips damaged pallets which are then used to produce enough energy to heat its warehouse and packing machine area using its custom made burner. Additionally, the Eco Fuel produced is also sold to the local community. Going forward, Windles Group is looking to implement an on-site composting scheme. The judges were impressed with its wide-ranging solutions and staff and customer engagement.

RPS

Returnable Packaging Services (RPS), based in Middlesbrough, was awarded gold for its recovery and reuse of packaging. The firm offers reverse logistics on packaging such as pallets, steel and plastic drums and IBCs. The judges were impressed with its engagement with the community and with its customers. Working with one customer, RPS helped to divert 1,200 tonnes of waste from landfill.

Of the 650 tonnes per annum of waste handled on site, 94% is recycled or composted with the remaining 6% sent for energy recovery. Organic waste is composted using an on-site wormery. The majority of waste handled by RPS is wooden pallets which are either refurbished for reuse or sent to two local firms for heat recovery.

Fantastic improvements

Award submissions were judged by: John Holbrow from the Federation of Small Businesses; Sarahjane Widdowson, , waste management and resource efficiency lead at consultancy Ricardo-AEA; Amy North, features editor at letsrecycle.com, and John Woodruff chairman of the National Association of Waste Disposal Officers.

Commenting on the entries, Ms Widdowson said: I was very impressed by the standard of entrants to the Zero Waste Awards. Resource efficiency is evidently at the heart of the organisations taking part, and they clearly understand that it makes good business sense as well as providing fantastic environmental improvements.

It was particularly pleasing to read about organisations that are driving waste up the hierarchy: recycling activities were maximised and even challenging waste streams were targeted; reuse was championed and waste prevention activities prioritised. I believe there are best practice examples that we can all learn from and I look forward to the results being announced so that the organisations receive the recognition they deserve.

Mr Holbrow added: The FSB was pleased to see the quality and quantity of the entries for the zero waste awards. Most businesses had achieved a good standard of waste management often in challenging conditions with plans for further progress. We look forward to the next zero waste awards to see the further progress made. Well done to all entrants.

Recognition

If you think your organisation is worthy of recognition simply prepare and submit your own entry to the Zero Waste Awards. The next deadline for entries is September 2. The awards are open to any organisation or business based in the UK or overseas and full entry criteria and details can be found on the Zero Waste Awards website.

Recipients of a Gold Zero Waste Award will receive further recognition for their commitment to reducing waste to landfill, by being automatically entered into the Zero Waste Champion category at the Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management.

Table showing the winners from the latest round of judging