Your Skip Waste and Recycling: Where Does It Go?

At Towens, one of our key principles is ‘making sure that waste isn’t wasted, and our objective for over 25 years has been to recycle or reuse as much waste as possible, to avoid trips to landfill sites.

To back these pledges up, we’ve invested in four elite recycling facilities and managed to reuse over 90% of the 50,000+ tonnes of waste we typically receive per year.

We recycle all types of materials, including plasterboard, metal, plastic, hardcore, aggregate soils, and wood – meaning if you choose Towens for skip hire, you can have total peace of mind that you’re playing your part in the planet’s sustainability.

This page sheds light on just what happens to skip waste once you wave goodbye to your hired Towens skip.

What happens to your collected skip waste?

Collect from your property

The cost of skips from Towens includes ten days of hire. Once you’re ready for it to be returned, give the Towens team a call and we’ll arrange collection. Our experienced team will arrive in one of our fleet of trucks, safely removing the skip.

Return to the depot to weigh

From there, the load will be transported to one of our depots to be weighed. Weighing the skip helps us monitor the types and quantities of waste we handle, which enables us to optimise our recycling processes and identify potential ideas for growth.

Waste taken to transfer station

After being weighed, the contents of the skip are then transferred to our state-of-the-art transfer station. This state is specially designed to handle various types of waste, and is staffed by our team of experts who are dedicated to maximising our recycling rates.

Put through our picking belt

The next stage is to place the waste onto our advanced picking belt. When it’s on, our skilled operatives carefully sort through the materials by hand. They are highly trained to identify valuable recyclables such as metals, plastics, paper, and cardboard, removing them from the main waste scheme.

Separated into different bays

As the waste moves along the picking belt, our team separates it into different categories. Each type of material is directed into its own designated bay. This meticulous sorting process is vital for ensuring that each material can be recycled effectively.
We have separate bays for materials such as: – Wood – Metal – Cardboard and paper – Plastics – Aggregates (like concrete and bricks) and Green waste.

The results

The Towens team are incredibly proud of our recycling achievements, which we’re constantly striving to better and improve upon. We’ve invested heavily in our machinery, facilities, and staff to help us in our goal of preserving our planet, backed up by the results our brilliant team have achieved. In total, so far, we have managed to achieve a remarkable recycling rate of over 90%. This means that less than 10% of the waste we handle ends up in landfill, significantly reducing our environmental impact.

The materials we recycle are put to good use in various industries. For example: – Recycled wood can be used in the manufacture of chipboard or as biomass fuel – Metals are melted down and reused in manufacturing – Cardboard and paper are pulped to create new paper products – Plastics are processed into new plastic items or used in textile production – Aggregates are crushed and used in construction projects.

Skip Waste FAQs

What range of skip sizes do Towens offer?

Our reliable skip hire is in high demand, and we provide eight-yard, ten-yard, and 12-yard skips to hire.

What other waste management services are on offer?

We’re proud to offer a full range of waste management and consultancy services, with our belief that the key is treating waste as a resource.

We provide a full range of recycling, waste management, disposal, and haulage services as well as the consultancy expertise to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

What types of waste can be recycled or reused?

Many types of waste can be recycled or reused, including wood, stone, soil, metals, plasterboard, and most plastics. At Towens, our friendly team are always on hand to discuss waste removal and the best steps for your situation.

How are hazardous materials disposed of?

Hazardous materials like paints, solvents, and chemicals require special handling. They cannot be placed in a standard skip. You should contact your local council for advice on proper disposal.

What happens to scrap metal from skips?

Scrap metal is a valuable resource. It’s collected and processed into new metal products, significantly reducing the need for mining and saving energy.

Can I dispose of electrical items in a skip?

No, electrical items (electrical goods) contain hazardous substances and valuable components. They should be taken to designated recycling centres for proper disposal and recovery.

How does waste disposal impact the environment?

Improper waste disposal can harm human health, pollute air and water, and contribute to climate change. Recycling and reducing waste are crucial for environmental protection.

What is the role of waste transfer stations?

Waste transfer stations act as intermediaries, collecting waste from various sources including our skips. They sort and process waste, sending recyclable materials to recycling centres and non-recyclable waste for disposal.