Turning Waste into Value: How Kersia Lockerbie Is Compacting Its Way to a Cleaner, Greener Future

At Kersia UK, our commitment to "People, Planet, Profit" isn’t just a motto, it’s the foundation of everything we do. A recent initiative at our Lockerbie site is a powerful example of this ethos in action.

Eddie Elder, Operations Team Leader at the Lockerbie site, has spearheaded a waste reduction project that not only addresses a long-standing logistical and environmental challenge, but also brings Kersia closer to our sustainability and ISO 14001 goals.

 

The Waste Challenge

Over time, the volume of waste generated onsite; particularly lightweight materials such as plastic and cardboard; presented both practical and environmental considerations. Standard wheelie bins were filling quickly, leading to more frequent collections and higher disposal costs.

Because collection charges are based on the number of bins rather than weight, this meant we were paying for underutilised capacity. The additional storage of waste also took up valuable yard space, and there was little opportunity to recycle these materials under the existing system.

This created a clear opportunity to rethink our waste management approach and find a solution that was more space-efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.

 

A Smarter, More Sustainable Solution

Recognising the potential for improvement, Eddie and his team explored a more efficient approach, and found it in compacting technology.

By investing in a compactor, the Lockerbie team completely transformed their waste management process. Now, all plastic and cardboard waste is compacted into neat, manageable bales within 24 hours. These bales are stored tidily onsite and collected free of charge, with Kersia receiving payment for the materials.

 

The Results Speak for Themselves

The benefits of this new system are impressive:

• Reduced costs: Bin disposal costs have dropped by approximately two-thirds.
• Streamlined collection: Waste collection has decreased from five days to just two per week.
• Landfill reduction: Recyclable waste is now diverted from landfill, contributing to a more circular economy.
• Tidier, safer workspace: A cleaner yard has boosted morale and improved overall housekeeping.
• Motivated teams: Colleagues are more engaged and proactive in waste sorting, knowing their efforts directly impact the environment and the business.
• Optimised space: Compact bales require significantly less storage space than bulky bins and skips.

This initiative is also a key step in helping Kersia UK meet the requirements of ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management systems. It demonstrates a clear commitment to reducing environmental impact, increasing operational efficiency, and continually improving our sustainability practices.

 

People. Planet. Profit.

Eddie’s leadership and the team's engagement have shown how practical innovation can support all three pillars of Kersia’s mission. This project proves that making life easier and cleaner doesn’t have to come at a cost; in fact, it can save money, improve working conditions, and protect the environment.

It’s a win-win-win and is just one example of the positive initiatives ongoing at our Lockerbie site.