Following the launch of Almac’s new recycling initiative in May 2012, the amount of recycled waste at the company increased dramatically from 19% to 70% in just a couple of months, and has since remained at around 70%. Almac’s environmental set-up now consistently saves the company £6,000 per month.
Almac’s environmental set-up now consistently saves the company £6,000 per month
Thanks to a dynamic approach to recycling, Almac’s Antrim-based subcontractor McQuillan Envirocare manages all waste on site and new materials have been added to the recycling list, such as aluminium. Unsightly open skips have been replaced by 100 different wheelie bins and mini ‘recycler’ trains travel up and down the yards, keeping them in optimal condition. Beyond making Almac a ‘greener’ place to work in and to live close to, haulage fees and landfill tax have decreased, encouraging further savings.
‘We work in partnership with Almac to ensure their environmental and sustainability obligations are met through current and innovative waste management techniques,’ said McQuillan Envirocare’s Technical Manager, Neil McCauley.
‘As our largest client, Almac helped to create new jobs by the employment of dedicated McQuillan Envirocare staff and indirectly by securing several jobs already within our organisation. We value this close working relationship and look forward to continued success over the coming years.’
Almac is keen to carry out its environmentally-friendly initiative successfully not only in terms of its production waste, but also in terms of office and household waste
Almac, one of Northern Ireland’s largest employers, is keen to carry out its environmentally-friendly initiative successfully not only in terms of its production waste, but also in terms of office and household waste, leading by example by involving each of its employees in the process. Recycling bins are available in offices and staff are actively encouraged to use them and to change their environmental behaviour at work and hopefully at home.
Wayne McMeekin, Almac Group HSE Manager said: “Back in April 2012, Almac was recycling 19% of its waste. The original target agreed within our new environment initiative was to reach 40% in December. We are delighted that all our hard work has paid off to the point of reaching 70% waste recycling in June 2012 and maintaining a steady performance since, saving Almac £72,000 per year.
‘This is a fantastic result, which benefits not only the company in terms of savings but also Northern Ireland and its residents in terms of enjoying a better a quality of life and a solid reputation in terms of caring for their environment.’
