In the wake of an insightful report by The University of Manchester’s One Bin to Rule Them All project team; it has become increasingly apparent that the UK’s recycling system demands a substantial overhaul to effectively combat the mounting issue of plastic waste. Aiming to address this critical environmental concern head-on, Recycle City, based in Mitcham, London, emerges as a beacon of sustainable waste management, specifically targeting the prevalent challenge of construction and demolition (C&D) waste.

In the bustling landscape of London, where waste is an inevitable by-product of various businesses, the construction and demolition sector stands out as a substantial contributor to the waste stream. According to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) statistics, C&D waste, encompassing construction, demolition, and excavation activities, accounted for a staggering 62% of the total UK waste in 2018. This surpasses the 12% attributed to household waste, emphasizing the imperative need for a specialised approach to handle the unique challenges posed by construction-related waste.

In light of regulatory frameworks such as the Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2011, the Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005, and the Environmental Protection Act 1990, construction businesses, spanning builders, tilers, plumbers, plasterers, electricians, and others, bear a legal duty of care. This mandates responsible practices in the production, storage, transportation, and disposal of business waste, ensuring minimal environmental impact.