Plastic Expert partners with DSG, a small skip hire company based in Stroud, Gloucestershire, to maximize their recycling potential.
Before a working relationship with Plastic Expert began, DSG used to have a lower specification baling machine and produced LDPE and mixed rigid plastic bales. When China introduced their ‘Green Fence’ policy, which relates to the quality of material they can import, DSG were left scratching their head about what to do with the plastic waste.
Dave Skinner, the owner of DSG, found Plastic Expert earlier this year and sought our help to make positive changes to their waste practices. We conducted a full waste audit and cost benefit analysis. The result found that the most efficient route to take was the installation of a new mill sized baler to deal with the materials entering the business through their 150-200 weekly skips.
As part of the agreement with DSG, Plastic Expert promised to offer full training and education on maximising the potential monetary value from their waste through baling. Dave Skinner estimates that they produce roughly one bale weighing 400-500kg each day. Baling this material saves over £400 per week in landfill tax, transport and landfill costs. This figure hasn’t even accounted for rebates available for the various sorts of plastic and cardboard.
Storage is an issue for DSG as it’s not desirable to have bales sat around taking up space; because of this, Plastic Expert are able to take a split load. We’ve also helped improve the quality of the mixed rigid bales. Because of this improvement, the bales will remain valuable even when the market drops, protecting DSG from a repeat of the situation which occurred when China began their Green Fence policy.
DSG are proud to say that they are now recycling more, which is not only great for the environment, but also attracting business and impressing recurring customers. In the skip hire industry, many customers look to the recycling rates for an indication of responsible disposal behaviour.