Novel baler solution cuts waste and saves money |
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Having discovered each
skip that leaves its sites contained on average 40% of void space (fresh air),
Lovell Midlands has embarked on what is thought to be an industry first. It has
purchased two baler machines to help compact waste.
By segregating and compacting waste, Lovell has reduced disposal costs and environmental impact simply by getting more waste into each skip. The reduction in costs has been so dramatic that the first baler Lovell brought to trial at a site in Wellingborough paid for itself within just two months. The success of this site led to the trial being extended recently to an additional site in Sandwell. At the Sandwell site, the baler produces 6-7 bales per week, making an immediate saving of at least two 8-yard skips per week @ £125 each (£250 per week) – not to mention the reduced journeys and fuel costs. At the Wellingborough site, Lovell has been able to reduce the size of the skips from 40 yard to 20 yard skips, and at the same time increase the weight in each skip being returned. This is because the lighter, bulkier items that are traditionally in mixed skips such as packaging, cellophane and cardboard are now being baled. This means more inert material going into skips which weigh more, including bricks, timber and demolition/strip-out material, which is improving the pound per tonnage disposal rates. All baled material is collected free of charge by a recycling company. Carl Yale, Managing Quantity Surveyor at Lovell Midlands, has overseen the baler project. He comments: “Using these skips has been a great success, demonstrating benefits to Lovell, our clients and above all, the environment. I can only see their use increasing across the company. We will continue to monitor waste records including quantity and type of skips used, weight of skips and content of skips in order to continue reducing waste leaving site altogether or, when waste is inevitable, recycling as much as possible. Reducing void space in the skips is a significant factor in improving our performance. “On top of the practical and environmental benefits, the site compounds now look tidier because cardboard and paper are stacked neatly for recycling, and there are dedicated bays for operatives to segregate waste ready for it to be baled. The balers have been well received by operatives who have been delighted with how easy it is to use.”
The innovative baler solution came following a review by Lovell Midlands
of its waste management procedures and waste streams. The baler is just one of
various options identified that could improve recycling performance, reduce
waste disposal costs and decrease its carbon footprint. |