The role of waste-to-energy (WtE) plants and alternative fuels is becoming increasingly important. 18 million European citizens receive electricity from WtE each year, and the UK government and private sector are now investing heavily in WtE infrastructure as part of its broader commitment to sustainability and net zero – an investment that is only expected to grow. But what are waste-to-energy plants, and how do they contribute to sustainable waste management?

What are waste-to-energy plants?

Waste-to-energy (WtE) plants are facilities that convert non-recyclable waste into usable energy, typically in the form of electricity or heat. This dramatically reduces the volume of waste sent to landfill and contributes to our national energy supply. 

This most common WtE method is incineration. Municipal solid waste (MSW) is burned at high temperatures to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. Emissions are carefully controlled to ensure that harmful pollutants are captured before they enter the atmosphere. Many of today’s incineration-based waste-to-energy facilities operate under strict environmental regulations, making them a cleaner and more efficient option than traditional landfill waste disposal.

But waste incinerators aren’t the only WtE solution – gasification and pyrolysis are also gaining traction. This involves using a combination of heat and chemical processes to break waste down into a gas that can be used as fuel. These methods create fewer emissions than conventional incineration, and can be adapted to process a wide range of waste materials.

Understanding alternative fuels

Alongside WtE plants, alternative fuels derived from waste are becoming a major focus area for the industry. Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and solid recovered fuel (SRF) are two key examples. Made from processed waste such as plastic, paper, and textures, they are often used in industrial furnaces, cement kilns, and power stations as a replacement for fossil fuels. These fuels not only reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels but also help to lower overall carbon emissions, making them an attractive option for industries looking to improve their sustainability. 

Another major alternative fuel is biogas, which is produced by breaking down organic waste through anaerobic digestion. This process captures the harmful greenhouse gas methane and converts it into a renewable energy source. Biogas can be used to produce electricity and heat buildings, or it can be further refined into biomethane as an alternative to diesel. 

Challenges and considerations

While waste-to-energy plants and alternative fuels offer clear benefits, they’re not without challenges. WtE facilities require significant investment, and public concerns about potential emissions and air quality mean that new developments must meet stringent environmental standards. Plants must use advanced filtration and emission monitoring systems to ensure compliance with these regulations, adding to the overall cost and complexity of these projects.

From a waste hierarchy perspective, waste reduction and recycling should always come first. WtE should be seen as a last resort for non-recyclable waste, rather than a replacement for effective recycling and reuse initiatives. As technology continues to advance, WtE plants must evolve to integrate more sustainable solutions, such as carbon capture and storage (CCS) or hybrid models that combine WtE with renewable energy sources. These innovations can improve efficiency and further reduce emissions.

Improve your waste management strategies with McCarthy Marland

At McCarthy Marland, we are committed to helping businesses take a more sustainable approach to waste management. With landfill tax costs set to rise in the UK from 1st April 2025, it’s more important than ever for businesses and local authorities to reduce their reliance on landfill and make the most of materials that would otherwise go to waste – and we offer a wide range of tailored solutions that can help you do just that. 

We work with top industry specialists to divert non-recyclable materials away from landfill and instead direct them towards waste-to-energy plants. In terms of alternative fuels, we ensure that all combustible waste is processed into refuse-derived fuel (RDF) solutions. We also work with GENeco to convert food waste into biogas, helping to create renewable energy from materials that would otherwise decompose in landfill. 

Do you need help improving your business’ waste management systems? Get in touch with our expert team today and get ready to turn waste into a resource rather than a problem.

A new era in waste management has arrived! Westcombe Waste, Valley Trading, and Aasvogel are now officially trading as McCarthy Marland, combining their years of industry expertise under one trusted name. This move strengthens McCarthy Marland’s position as a leading waste management provider across the South of England. 

When three became one

Westcombe Waste, Valley Trading, and Aasvogel are all highly experienced in providing waste management solutions to businesses and households across the region.

Established in the South West with a reputation for reliable waste collection and recycling services, Westcombe Waste became part of McCarthy Marland in 2017. Gloucestershire-based Valley Trading then followed suit and became part of McCarthy Marland in 2022, before Oxfordshire-based Aasvogel joined the family in 2024. 

Now, all three businesses are fully integrated into the McCarthy Marland brand, allowing us to provide industry-leading waste management services to four distinct regions across the South of England (Bristol, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Somerset).

What this means for our customers

Customers of Westcombe Waste, Valley Trading, and Aasvogel can continue to expect the same high-quality service from the same trusted teams – just now under the McCarthy Marland name. This transition brings several key benefits to our customers, including:

• Coverage – a greater presence across the region with a larger fleet of vehicles and improved service capacity
• Services – more options for our core waste management services, including wheeled bins, skip hire, and roll-on roll-off (RoRo) containers
• Sustainability – increased investment in recycling infrastructure and waste reduction initiatives to help your business manage waste in an eco-friendly manner

At McCarthy Marland, we’re committed to delivering exceptional waste management solutions to businesses and households across the South of England. Get in touch with your local team for more information on our range of services.

From 1st April 2025, the UK government is set to introduce an increase to the landfill tax, which will mark one of the biggest jumps in landfill tax since its inception in 1996. With the new rates expected to impact businesses across multiple sectors, it’s essential that your company understands the changes and begins to improve its waste management strategies. We delve into everything you need to know about the increase in landfill tax for 2025 below.

What is the 2025 landfill tax increase?

The landfill tax is an environmental tax per tonne that is issued to all businesses and waste providers for waste disposed of in landfill sites. This government incentive was implemented back in 1996 to discourage waste from being sent to landfill. This is because as organic waste decomposes, landfills generate the harmful greenhouse gas known as methane, which is responsible for around 30% of the current rise in global temperature. 

The current rates of landfill tax are:

• Standard landfill tax rate – £103.70 per tonne
• Lower landfill tax rate (for inert waste including certain soils and rocks) – £3.30 per tonne

As of 1st April 2025, the new landfill tax rates will be:

• Standard rate – £126.15 per tonne
• Lower rate – £4.50 per tonne

Why is landfill tax increasing in 2025?

This significant rise in landfill tax is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to align with the UK’s net zero goals. Along with the simpler recycling legislation, which aims to improve recycling rates for businesses and households, this increase will reduce the environmental impact of landfill waste and prompt businesses to adopt more sustainable waste management practices.

The new tax rate aims to:

• Prioritise recycling and reuse by encouraging businesses to divert waste from landfill and opt for more sustainable options such as recycling and composting
• Support the circular economy by driving businesses to think about their waste as a resource that can be repurposed rather than disposed of
• Reduce environmental damage such as soil and waste contamination, as well as harmful emissions from landfill waste decomposition
• Encourage businesses to explore alternative waste treatment methods such as waste-to-energy solutions and anaerobic digestion

How can your business prepare for the landfill tax increase?

1) Conduct a waste audit

Start by conducting a waste audit to understand what types of waste your business generates and how much of it is currently going to landfill. Identifying your current waste streams will help you determine where improvements can be made to your waste management strategies. 

2) Improve your recycling rates

Recycling is a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to landfill. Ensure that your business has appropriately labelled recycling bins and that all staff are trained on which materials can be recycled. We offer a range of recycling and recovery bins that can help support your recycling efforts – check out our guide on wheelie bins for businesses for more information.

3) Consider a zero waste approach

Working toward a zero waste business model can help you avoid landfill costs altogether. This approach prioritises the 5 Rs of waste management: refuse, reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle. Discover more in our blog on becoming a zero waste business in 2025.

4) Work with a responsible waste management provider

Partnering with a reliable waste management company like McCarthy Marland ensures that your waste is handled in the most sustainable and cost-effective way possible. By offering a comprehensive range of waste collection, recycling, and disposal services, we can help your business reduce its reliance on landfill. 

Tailored waste solutions to help you navigate the 2025 landfill tax increase

With landfill tax rates set to rise significantly in April 2025, now is the time to take action. By implementing eco-friendly waste management practices, your business can not only reduce landfill costs but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

Our friendly team at McCarthy Marland are committed to helping your business navigate these changes with ease. We offer a wide range of commercial waste management services, including wheeled bin hire, skip hire, and roll-on roll-off (RoRo) hire, that are specifically designed to support your waste reduction goals.

For more advice on preparing for the landfill tax increase, speak to one of our team members today.

Did you know that the UK generated 40.4 million tonnes of commercial and industrial (C&I) waste in 2020? With the UK producing such high volumes of waste, it’s essential that your business manages its trade waste in a responsible manner. Professional trade waste management can help you maintain health and safety standards in the workplace, whilst also complying with environmental regulations such as those set out under The Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011. 

We are proud to offer comprehensive commercial waste collection services across Bristol, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, and Somerset. Discover more about our extensive range of waste management solutions below. 

Tailored trade waste management solutions

At McCarthy Marland, we understand that every business has unique waste management needs. We offer a wide variety of flexible and reliable trade waste solutions that are specifically tailored to your business’ needs, including:

Wheeled bin hire

Our trade waste bin collection services are ideal for businesses that generate regular waste. We offer bins in various sizes (from 240L up to 1100L) and types (recycling & recovery, food, and glass) to accommodate different types of waste. Each bin also features a lockable lid for added safety and hygiene.

Skip hire

If your business has more substantial waste disposal needs, our skip hire services offer an excellent solution. Available in sizes ranging from 2 yard (mini) skips to 12 yard (open or closed) skips, our skips are perfect for managing waste from construction or industrial projects.

Roll-on roll-off (RoRo) collection

If you expect to generate more waste than our standard 12 yard skip can handle, consider opting for one of our RoRo containers. Available in various sizes, RoRo containers provide an efficient and cost-effective way to manage substantial waste loads from construction sites or manufacturing facilities. 

Compaction systems

We also offer portable waste compaction systems for businesses who generate large quantities of dry packaging waste, including cardboard, paper, and plastics. They provide an efficient and hygienic disposal solution for businesses dealing with increased waste volumes.

Grab hire

Our grab hire services are suitable for construction and landscaping businesses who wish to quickly dispose of substantial volumes of waste. Our grab lorries can remove soil, stone, and any other dug-out materials directly from your site, helping to minimise downtime and maximise operational efficiency.

Trade waste collection service areas

We provide reliable commercial waste collection services across several key locations in the South of England, including:

Bristol

Our Bristol waste recycling centre is centrally located in Albert Quay. Each year, the site processes approximately 80,000 tonnes of waste, including mixed municipal, construction, and industrial waste. We use a mixture of mechanical and manual sorting processes to recover the maximum amount of recyclable material possible.

Gloucestershire

Situated near Tetbury, our Gloucestershire waste recycling facility provides comprehensive waste solutions for both domestic and commercial clients. Our Gloucestershire team prides itself on handling your waste both professionally and responsibly, and we can even offer next-day skip hire for all your urgent disposal needs.

Oxfordshire

Our Wantage waste recycling centre facility delivers professional waste collection and disposal services to businesses across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Wiltshire. We ensure that all commercial waste is handled in compliance with the latest environmental regulations, and our Oxford waste collection team are proud to achieve an average recycling rate of 95%.

Somerset

Located near Somerton, our Somerset waste recycling facility is a front end transfer station with a landfill attached. It is equipped to handle a diverse range of trade waste, including wood, cardboard, rubble, soil, plasterboard, green waste, metals, plastics and residual waste. We offer both pay-as-you-go and credit account options, providing flexibility for businesses with varying waste disposal requirements.

Why choose McCarthy Marland for your commercial waste collection?

McCarthy Marland provides professional and reliable commercial waste collection services that are specifically tailored to your business needs. Our facilities are located in key areas across the South of England, including Bristol, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Somerset. We ensure that all trade waste is managed in compliance with all the relevant regulations, so you can focus on doing what you do best – keeping your business running smoothly. 

Sustainability is at the core of everything we do. We recycle an average of 95% of all waste we process, helping to divert significant volumes of waste from landfill. When you partner with McCarthy Marland, you can rest assured that your waste is being disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. 

Contact us today to arrange a free trade waste management consultation. 

Commercial and industrial waste management is a key issue facing today’s factories and manufacturing companies. Industrial processes generate large amounts of waste – the latest government statistics estimate that England alone produced around 33.6 million tonnes of commercial and industrial waste in 2022. It’s vital that your business manages its commercial and industrial waste in a safe and responsible manner to help reduce these shocking statistics.

However, effectively managing commercial and industrial waste presents several challenges for businesses, specifically regarding costs and environmental impact. We explore all things commercial and industrial waste management, and share some top tips on how to effectively manage your waste materials. 

What is commercial and industrial waste management?

Commercial and industrial waste management refers to the collection and disposal of waste materials produced by manufacturing processes, including solid waste, liquid waste, chemical waste, and hazardous waste. Responsible commercial and industrial waste management practices involve recycling, reducing, and reusing materials wherever possible, allowing organisations to preserve our environment for generations to come.

Why is proper commercial and industrial waste management important?

Considering the fact that industrial waste can be hazardous, it’s crucial for businesses to practise responsible commercial and industrial waste management. This ensures that the waste materials your business produces do not cause human or environmental harm. Commercial and industrial waste management can help your business:

• Minimise pollution by preventing the release of harmful substances into our environment
• Conserve resources through recovering and reusing raw materials, reducing the need for new material creation
• Reduce its carbon footprint by using less energy and fewer resources throughout the production process
• Save money through the reduction of waste treatment and landfill tax costs
• Comply with legal regulations including The Controlled Waste Regulations 2012 and The Environmental Protection Act 1990

Our top 5 commercial and industrial waste management tips

Conduct a Waste Audit

A waste audit is a key step to improving your commercial and industrial waste management efforts. It allows you to assess the waste that your industrial setting generates during normal daily operations. We highly recommend measuring the amount of each type of waste that your business produces over a set amount of time, and pinpointing which area of your operations generates this waste i.e. manufacturing or packaging. This will then allow you to identify opportunities for waste reduction and recycling.

Prioritise Waste Reduction

Once you have conducted a waste audit, you should start considering ways to reduce the amount of waste generated at the source. For example, you could invest in newer equipment that is more efficient and produces less waste materials, or cut down on the amount of packaging your business uses. Regardless of which waste reduction strategies you choose, you should always train your employees on the latest processes to make sure everybody is on board.

Segregate & Recycle Your Waste

Properly segregating your commercial and industrial waste streams ensures that as much waste is recycled as possible and reduces the amount sent to landfill. You should install separate, clearly-labelled bins for each type of waste your business produces i.e. hazardous waste, recyclable waste and non-recyclable waste. Educate your staff on the importance of waste segregation and conduct regular reviews to evaluate the success of these practices.

Ensure Safe Storage & Handling

Safely storing and handling your commercial and industrial waste benefits both environmental and human health, helping to prevent accidents and reduce contamination. Each bin that houses your waste should be robust and leak-proof, preferably with lockable lids. This is especially important when storing hazardous industrial waste. Make sure that you have a clear emergency plan in place for dealing with any accidental spillages, and regularly inspect your waste storage areas for contamination.

Partner with a Commercial and Industrial Waste Management Provider

Working with a certified commercial waste management company like McCarthy Marland is crucial for guaranteeing the responsible disposal of your waste, especially when it comes to hazardous waste management. Make sure that your chosen partner complies with all the current regulations, and has an up-to-date waste management and waste carriers licence. Assess their overall reputation by reading customer reviews and case studies, and don’t be afraid to get in touch if you have any questions about their services.

Discover McCarthy Marland’s commercial and industrial waste management services

Here at McCarthy Marland, we are committed to helping businesses improve their sustainability efforts. We offer a wide range of cost-effective commercial and industrial waste management services that are specifically tailored to the unique needs of your premises, including wheelie bin hire, skip hire, and waste collection. Our team of experts ensures the safe and compliant removal of hazardous waste, leaving you with one less thing to worry about. 

By choosing McCarthy Marland as your commercial and industrial waste management partner, you can rest assured in the fact that you are helping protect our environment for future generations to enjoy. Contact us today to discover how we can help manage your commercial and industrial waste materials.

It’s sad but true that Christmas is the most wasteful time of the year. Businesses and households in the UK generate much more waste at Christmas than any other time of year – from single use packaging to food leftovers, and everything in between. 

But hope isn’t completely lost. By making a few small changes, we can all reduce the amount of waste we produce this Christmas time. In today’s blog, we outline some of the most shocking Christmas waste statistics in the UK, and share some top tips for reducing waste over the festive period.

Christmas waste statistics UK

Christmas Decoration & Tree Waste Facts

• A hefty 12,500 tonnes of Christmas decorations are discarded in landfill each year.
• In terms of Christmas fairy lights, we can expect to find the equivalent length of 70,000 miles thrown away this year.
• Approximately 40 million Christmas crackers will be chucked on Christmas Day.
• Tinsel is made of single-used plastic so cannot be recycled, meaning it will inevitably end up in landfill.
• UK citizens cut down 8 million trees for Christmas each year. Unfortunately, around 6 million of these will find their way into landfill.
• As they decompose, Christmas trees emit 100,000+ tonnes of methane gas, which is a key contributor to climate change.

Christmas Wrapping Paper Waste Facts

• We anticipate that around 108 million rolls of wrapping paper will be thrown away this Christmas. This equates to 75% of the overall wrapping paper sent to landfill each year.
• If you take out all the Christmas wrapping paper waste and lay it out flat, it would stretch to 238,855 miles – the same distance of the Earth to the moon.
• Most wrapping paper isn’t suitable for recycling. It often contains glitter, is laminated, or is extremely thin, which means it can only end up in landfill.
• 50,000 trees are cut down to make Christmas wrapping paper each year, greatly contributing to deforestation.
• UK households will use approximately 40 million rolls of sellotape to wrap their Christmas presents this year.

Christmas Packaging Waste Facts

• The majority of Christmas packaging waste ends up in the landfill. Frustrating, over 114,000 tonnes of recyclable packaging waste is wrongly placed in the general waste bin over the festive period. 
• If you weighed the amount of plastic waste discarded during Christmas each year, this would equal the weight of 76,000 giraffes.
• When it comes to food packaging, we can expect to see 125,000 tonnes of waste thrown away this Christmas.
• 4,500 tonnes of tin foil will be used to cover leftover Christmas food in Britain this year. However, most tin foil is single-use, meaning it will find its way into landfill.
• We consume around 1 million mince pies each festive season, which creates an entire tonne of aluminium waste.

Christmas Food Waste Facts

• Wondering how much food is wasted at Christmas? Approximately 42 million plates worth of food waste will be generated this year.
• The average UK household spends £169 on food shopping in the lead up to Christmas. However, 7 in 10 people admit to buying more food than they actually need.
• 10 million turkeys are bought for Christmas dinners each year, but the majority of these will not be fully eaten.
• 263,000 entire turkeys will be thrown away this year, either from being spoiled, contaminated, or damaged.
• In terms of trimmings, 17.2 million sprouts, 7.1 million pigs in blankets, 9.8 million cups of gravy, and 9 million carrots will find their way into the bin.
• When it comes to after-dinner treats, Brits are expected to waste 7.5 million mince pies, 2 million kg of cheese, and 740,000 portions of Christmas pudding this year.

Tips for minimising waste over the festive period

One of the best ways to reduce waste this Christmas is to be mindful of what you’re purchasing. Think about whether you actually need to buy every item on your list, and consider how your actions may impact the environment. Some of our specific tips for reducing waste over the festive season include:

Minimising Christmas Decoration & Tree Waste

• Switch to zero waste Christmas decorations instead of tinsel this year, such as reusable festive garlands and colourful bunting.
• If you have unwanted decorations that are still in working condition, take them to a charity shop instead of throwing them in the bin.
• Replant your Christmas tree in your garden so you can reuse it again next year.
• Alternatively, you can take your Christmas tree to your household waste recycling centre for shredding and composting.
• If you’re opting for an artificial tree this year, dispose of it in the small appliance or plastic reuse containers at your local recycling centre.

Lowering Wrapping Paper & Packaging Waste

• Try eco-friendly wrapping paper alternatives this Christmas, such as brown paper with string and sprigs of holly.
• Ask for and give items to others that use less packaging. Consider making some homemade gifts or purchasing from a sustainable packaging company.
• Check whether your wrapping paper is recyclable before throwing it away. If it holds its shape when you scrunch it into a ball, it is recyclable. If it springs back open, it cannot be recycled.
• Remove any plastic bows and ribbons before recycling your wrapping paper. These can be easily reused for future wrapping.
• If you use glitter for your Christmas packaging, do not tip it down the sink as it can pollute our landfills and oceans. Instead, purchase eco-friendly glitter that can be stored and reused again.

Reducing Christmas Food Waste

• Plan ahead when purchasing food for Christmas. Think carefully about what you will realistically eat over the festive period and don’t buy more than you need.
• Buy loose fruit and vegetables rather than larger, cheaper bags that you are unlikely to get through.
• Get inventive with your Christmas leftovers and think about how you could reuse your trimmings in sandwiches, soups, and stocks.
• If you find yourself with extra food that your family is unlikely to eat, freeze it for a later date.
• Invest in a compost bin for disposing of your peelings and leftover fruit and vegetables.

Wrapping up

Christmas is a time for giving, which includes making a positive contribution to our environment. By choosing more sustainable options and being mindful of your consumption, you can give the gift of a greener planet this festive period. 

McCarthy Marland can help UK businesses and households reduce waste this Christmas. Our expert team can handle all your festive waste management needs – from skip hire and wheelie bins, to flexible Christmas waste collections. Get in touch today to discover how we can help support you this festive season.

Coming across asbestos can be daunting; it doesn’t matter if you are a homeowner doing DIY or a contractor working on a commercial job; asbestos can put a hold on any work, so getting it sorted effectively and efficiently is important. 

Below, we will discuss the different types of asbestos, what to do if you come across it and what you should do to get rid of it. 

What is asbestos & what are the two categories of asbestos? 

Asbestos is a term used for a group of naturally occurring mineral fibres. These fibres are resilient against heat and chemicals, strong, and neither dissolve in water nor evaporate. Asbestos fibres are categorised into two main sub-groups: 

1. White Asbestos

Also known as chrysotile, it is the most common type of asbestos used, its flexible fibres were ideal for roofing, flooring, and insulation. Its resistance to heat made it common in brake linings and fire-resistant textiles, significantly utilised due to perceived lower health risks than other forms.

2. Brown and Blue Asbestos

Two types of asbestos, known as amphiboles, are said to be the more harmful asbestos due to their fibre’s effects on the lungs. They are known for their insulation and fireproofing applications

What are the dangers of asbestos? 

Whilst it is possible to have asbestos on your property and not be in danger, it has to be said that there is no safe level of asbestos to inhale. 

Any exposure to asbestos can cause long-term and life-shortening health issues, and the risks of developing these health issues grow with more and more exposure to the hazardous material. 

Breathing in asbestos at high concentrations or over a sustained period mainly affects the lungs with a disease called Asbestosis, where it becomes difficult to breathe, and the heart can become inflamed and enlarged. Asbestosis is not instant and can take many years to develop; you can also have a higher risk of cancer. If you are exposed to asbestos in low concentration but over a sustained period, you can suffer the thickening of the lung lining, which, whilst not fatal, may make you more susceptible to lung cancers. 

When was asbestos banned in the UK?

Due to the health issues associated with asbestos, it is banned in the UK. This started with the ban on Brown and Blue asbestos in 1985 and then on White asbestos in 1999. 

Why was asbestos used so much? 

Asbestos was used so much because of its inherent properties. Not only is it cheap to make, but it is strong, offers great heat insulation and is resistant to fire, water, and chemical substances. 

As a building material, it seemed the perfect choice. It has been used in various applications, from insulation for boilers and pipes to adding cement to create roofing sheets.

Before 1999, using asbestos as a building material was commonplace, and this means that we are still dealing with it today

How many buildings have asbestos?

It was thought to be a great building material and was first used in the UK around the 1870s up until it was banned in 1999. There are an estimated 1.5 million buildings that are thought to contain some asbestos still. This includes homes and many public buildings, such as schools and hospitals.

What should I do if I find asbestos? 

When intact and undisturbed, asbestos-containing materials present minimal risk. However, the danger escalates when these materials are damaged, releasing asbestos fibres into the environment.

This release primarily occurs during activities such as demolition, building repairs, maintenance, and, notably, do-it-yourself (DIY) projects within buildings that contain asbestos. It is during these times that you must exercise utmost caution to prevent exposure.

Exposure to asbestos can occur in various ways. Inhalation of airborne fibres is the most common route, posing significant health risks. Although less common, individuals may ingest asbestos fibres if they enter the soil or water supply. This could happen through erosion from materials such as asbestos-cement. Nevertheless, it’s important to note that, to date, ingested asbestos fibres have not been conclusively linked to health issues, according to existing evidence.

The likelihood of exposure is significantly heightened for those working in areas with a high risk of disturbing asbestos-containing materials, such as demolition, asbestos removal, or building maintenance. In such scenarios, following stringent safety protocols to minimise airborne fibre release is crucial.

What should you do if you are exposed to asbestos in your home?

If you encounter intact asbestos materials that are not likely to be disturbed, they generally do not pose a threat. However, should you come into contact with asbestos fibres, immediate steps should be taken to minimise exposure. Avoid any actions that could make the fibres airborne—such as shaking out clothes or brushing off dust—as this increases the risk of inhalation.

If fibres are present on your skin or clothing, carefully wipe them off with a damp cloth using a gentle patting motion. Any contaminated clothing should be carefully removed (avoid pulling over the head) and sealed in a bag along with the used damp cloth. It is then essential to seek advice from your local authority regarding properly disposing of these materials.

In the event of health concerns following exposure to asbestos, consultation with a healthcare provider or contact with NHS 111 for guidance is advised. Such measures ensure that potential risks are addressed swiftly and appropriately, safeguarding your health and well-being.

How to dispose of asbestos? 

Disposing of asbestos takes specialist equipment and techniques to reduce exposure to harmful fibres that do not go into the air, causing harm to the person disposing of the asbestos and any people in the surrounding area. 

The only safe way to dispose of asbestos is to hire a specialist removal company to ensure that all asbestos and any asbestos-contaminated materials are cleared away from the area. 

Specialist teams use protective overalls and ventilators to stay safe whilst working and will douse the asbestos in water before starting working to stop fibres from becoming airborne. They will continue to use water sprays whilst working in batches until they can get the asbestos into the specialist skip and ready to be transported away. 

What happens to asbestos once it has been disposed of? 

All asbestos is classed as a hazardous material and is legally required to be disposed of in a way that ensures it is disposed of at minimal risk to the public and its surroundings. 

All asbestos disposed of is taken to a special asbestos landfill site. These sites are clearly signposted, away from any area that the general public could stumble across. All containers housing asbestos are clearly bagged and labelled to ensure they are not accidentally opened.  

Call in the asbestos specialists

If you are in the South West and discover what you think is asbestos, our qualified team of specialists can help you legally and safely dispose of it. So you don’t have to worry about coming into contact with it and breathing in any of its harmful fibres. 

To find out more about our asbestos disposal service or any of our other hazardous waste disposal services, you can reach out to your local team at Gloucestershire: 01453 701230 Bristol & Bath: 0117 941 2555 Somerset: 01458 274654, or simply email customerservices@mccarthymarland.co.uk and one of our specialists will help talk you through the process. 

We all throw things away, but have you ever stopped to think about the fascinating world behind that discarded banana peel or plastic bottle? The waste management industry is more than just garbage trucks and Skips – it’s a complex ecosystem overflowing with surprising facts and innovative solutions. So, let’s dig (figuratively, of course) into some fun waste facts!

• Half of all food produced globally goes to waste! That’s a staggering 3,000 pounds of food chucked every second in the US alone.
• Love your plastic water bottle? Well, it might take up to 1,000 years to decompose!
• The Great Pacific Garbage Patch isn’t just a legend. This monstrous floating island of plastic trash in the Pacific Ocean weighs a whopping 80,000 tons, and it’s growing.
• Glass might seem like a recycling winner, but it can take over a million years to decompose! Luckily, it’s also infinitely recyclable, so go ahead and crush those bottles with gusto!
• E-waste, the fastest-growing waste stream, is full of hidden treasures. Recycling just one ton of smartphones can recover gold worth more than 120 times the amount mined from a ton of rock! Talk about turning trash into treasure!
• Biogas made from food waste can power homes and fuel cars. So, that discarded apple core could take you on a road trip one day! Visit GENeco to find out more as this is exactly what they do! https://www.geneco.uk.com

These are just a few of the many fascinating facts that lurk in the shadows of the waste industry. So, the next time you toss something away, remember the journey it takes and the impact it has. Maybe you’ll be inspired to reduce, reuse, or recycle with a newfound respect for the hidden world of waste management!

Waste management, an often overlooked aspect of our daily lives, plays a crucial role in protecting our environment and fostering sustainable practices. It encompasses the collection, transportation, processing, and disposal of waste materials, ensuring their proper handling and minimising our impact on the environment.

Different types of Waste Management

Waste management encompasses a wide range of strategies and techniques to effectively manage waste streams. Here are some key aspects of effective waste management:

Waste Segregation: The first step in waste management is segregation, separating recyclable materials from general waste. This allows for efficient recycling and significantly reduces the volume of waste destined for landfill.

Recycling: Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new products, reducing the need for extracting raw materials from the environment. This not only conserves resources but also minimizes energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Composting: Composting is the process of organic matter breaking down into nutrient-rich soil amendments. This method diverts food waste from landfills, preventing methane emissions and producing a valuable soil conditioner.

Waste to Energy: A facility that recovers the energy within the waste by combusting the leftover materials to create steam in a boiler, which is converted into electricity.

Hazardous Waste Management: Hazardous waste requires specialised handling and disposal due to its potential to harm human health and the environment. Proper hazardous waste management protects public safety and prevents environmental contamination.

How Much Does it Cost to Dump Commercial Waste in the UK?

The cost of dumping commercial waste in the UK varies depending on the type of waste, quantity, and disposal method. For general waste this typically costs from £80 to £150 per tonne. Recycling and composting services also have associated fees, but they often provide cost savings.

Some waste types can even be free of charge to tip in such as scrap metal. At McCarthy Marland’s disposal sites we can take commercial waste to be tipped in. If you would like to know more about our prices for tipping please get in touch!

Tips for Minimising Waste Costs

Conduct a waste audit: Identify the types and quantities of waste your business generates to develop a targeted waste reduction plan.

Implement recycling and composting programs: Encourage employees to segregate recyclable materials and compost food waste.

Purchase reusable products: Reduce disposable items, such as water bottles, cups, and utensils, to minimize waste generation.

Fix and repair equipment: Prolong the lifespan of equipment to reduce waste from discarded items.

Choose eco-friendly packaging: Opt for recyclable or compostable packaging materials to reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal.

Efficient waste management is not just about minimising environmental impact; it’s also about saving money and reducing operational costs, such as choosing a local Waste Company to reduce transport costs and emission’s. By implementing sustainable practices and engaging employees in waste reduction efforts, businesses can reap the environmental and financial benefits of effective waste management.

If you would like to speak to a member of our team on to how to improve your waste management get in touch today! 0117 941 2555 or email customerservices@mccarthymarland.co.uk

In today’s world, reducing our reliance on single-use plastics is crucial for environmental sustainability. At McCarthy Marland we are committed to recycling plastic waste and transforming it into valuable resources through an efficient and sustainable process.

Step 1: Collection and Transportation

McCarthy Marland collects plastic waste from various sources, including homes, businesses, and industrial facilities. The collected plastic is transported to our Waste Transfer Stations in either Bristol, Gloucester, Somerton, or Oxford, where the journey towards recycling begins.

Step 2: Manual and Mechanical Segregation

Upon arrival at one of our Waste Transfer Stations, the plastic waste undergoes a thorough process of manual and mechanical segregation. Experienced staff sort through the waste, removing non-recyclable items like metal, glass, and contaminated materials. Mechanical separators then further refine the plastic stream, separating different types of plastics based on their density and physical properties.

Step 3: Baling and Bulking

The sorted plastic is compressed into large bales to maximise storage efficiency and facilitate transportation to recycling facilities. These bales are then transported to our processing partners, who further break down the plastic into granular or pelletized form.

Step 4: Reprocessing and Upcycling

At these processing facilities, the plastic undergoes a series of chemical and mechanical treatments to transform it into new products. PET bottles, for instance, can be recycled into new bottles, fibers for clothing or carpets, or even food-grade packaging. HDPE containers can be repurposed into new containers, garden furniture, or construction materials.

Step 5: Market Placement and End Use

The recycled plastic pellets or flakes are then distributed to manufacturers who use them to create a wide range of products, reducing the demand for virgin plastics and their associated environmental impact.

By partnering with recycling facilities and manufacturers, we contribute to a circular economy, where plastic waste is not discarded but given new life, reducing our environmental footprint and fostering a more sustainable future.