Astley-based waste management specialist Fresh Start Waste Services has been honoured for its commitment to environmental innovation, securing a top award in the Environmental Services sector for Environmental Improvement. The company’s winning entry, titled “Fresh Start is leading the industry by doing what others wouldn’t,” highlights its proactive approach to waste recovery and sustainable processing.
The award recognises the company’s significant investment in a £750,000 state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) located in Swinton. The facility processes approximately 15,000 tonnes of dry mixed recycling annually, serving as the cornerstone of the company’s push toward more efficient waste management. By implementing enhanced separation technologies and rigorous quality control measures, Fresh Start has successfully increased its recycling recovery rate from 41 per cent to over 60 per cent.
Material that cannot be recovered through standard recycling processes is shredded onsite and repurposed into refuse-derived fuel. This process is central to the company’s “zero-to-landfill” commitment, ensuring that minimal waste is sent to traditional disposal sites.
Sean Martins, director at Fresh Start Waste Services, attributed the success to the collaborative efforts of the entire workforce. “This award belongs to the whole Fresh Start team,” said Mr. Martins. “We chose not to wait for legislation or accept that mixed recycling was too difficult. We invested ahead of demand because our customers deserve clear evidence, transparent reporting, and the best environmental outcome we can achieve for every tonne.”
The company’s dedication to transparency is reflected in its operational practices, which provide clients with digital compliance records, onboard weighing data, and comprehensive, detailed reports regarding their recycling performance.
Looking toward the future, Fresh Start is doubling down on its long-term processing strategy with a further £1.5 million investment. The firm has already purchased an adjoining building and submitted a planning application that, if approved, would significantly increase its processing footprint. This expansion is intended to facilitate further technical upgrades, including the installation of advanced bag-splitting technology designed to extract additional recyclable materials from bagged waste streams.
“Our current MRF is already recovering more valuable materials and keeping the remainder out of landfill,” Mr. Martins added. “Subject to planning, the next phase will give us the additional space and technology to build on that performance.”
In recognition of these achievements, Fresh Start has been invited to attain Green World Ambassador status. Furthermore, the company’s award-winning paper is set to be featured in The Green Book, an internationally recognised guide documenting environmental best practices. This accolade underscores the company’s position as a forward-thinking player in the UK waste sector, demonstrating that aggressive investment in recycling technology can deliver both improved environmental outcomes and increased operational efficiency.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
