Biffa to quadruple recycling capacity

Biffa, one of the UK's largest waste management companies, will quadruple its plastic recycling capacity and halve its emissions as part of a new 10-year sustainability strategy.

The firm said that its proposals will unlock an estimated £1.25bn of investment in Britain's green economy infrastructure by 2030, improving recycling and recovery capability.

The 'Resourceful, Responsible' strategy outlines Biffa's ambition to drive the sustainability agenda within the UK waste management space for the next ten years.

“I am very proud of the great progress that we, and the wider industry, have made in recent years to grow recycling levels and drive significant reduction in CO2 emissions, but we recognise there is much more to do,“ said Biffa CEO Michael Topham

“We look forward to reporting on our progress in the coming years as we deliver this plan and the exciting investment opportunities that it presents to our business.“

Biffa said it has already reduced its CO2 emissions by 65% since 2002 and is targeting a further 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 through increased recycling and diversion from landfill and by improving collection route densities.

Medium-term plans also include the phasing out of fossil-fuelled collection vehicles as new electric collection vehicle technology comes on-stream and the installation of solar farms on the Group's estate of closed and restored landfill sites.

It intends to unlock £1.25bn of investment largely through expanding its low-carbon collection business, quadrupling plastic recycling capability and developing energy from waste Infrastructure, which it said the UK needs to manage its own non-recyclable waste more sustainably.

Topham said that its strategy ambitious but deliverable, based on proven technologies and is supported by our previously outlined investment plans.

“Resourceful, Responsible fully supports our strategic growth plans and long-term vision, defining the important role Biffa can play in delivering more sustainable solutions to help combat the UK's waste challenge,“ he added.

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