Read Time: 5 min read

Introduction

At Greenford Skip Hire, we’re committed to environmental responsibility. Here’s the transparent truth about what happens to your waste after we collect your skip.
Many customers ask what happens to their waste after skip collection. At ZM Skips, we ensure that all collected waste is transported to licensed recycling facilities, where materials are sorted, recycled, or disposed of responsibly in line with UK environmental regulations.

Our Recycling Commitment

We achieve 90%+ recycling rates across all our skip collections:

✓ Fully licensed waste transfer station
✓ Environment Agency approved
✓ Certified waste carriers
✓ Transparent recycling reporting
✓ Zero waste to landfill target

Every skip collected from Greenford is processed at our local facility in Ealing, where materials are carefully sorted and directed to appropriate recycling channels.

The Journey of Your Skip

Step 1: Collection (Day 1)

• Skip collected from your location
• Transported to our waste transfer station
• Initial visual inspection
• Weight recorded for reporting

Step 2: Sorting (Day 1-2)

• Manual sorting by trained staff
• Materials separated into categories
• Magnetic separation for metals
• Screening for recyclable plastics

Step 3: Processing (Day 2-3)

• Each material sent to specialist recyclers
• Metals sent to metal merchants
• Wood to biomass or chipboard manufacturers
• Concrete/rubble to aggregate processors
• Cardboard/paper to paper mills

Step 4: New Life

• Materials become new products
• Circular economy in action
• Landfill diversion tracked and reported

What Can Be Recycled from Your Skip

♻️ Metals (95%+ recovery rate)

• Steel, iron, copper, aluminum
• Melted down and reformed
• Used in construction, automotive, electronics

♻️ Wood (85%+ recovery rate)

• Clean timber becomes chipboard/MDF
• Painted wood to biomass energy
• Sawdust for animal bedding

♻️ Concrete & Bricks (98%+ recovery rate)

• Crushed into aggregate
• Used for road base, hardcore
• New construction projects

♻️ Plastics (60%+ recovery rate)

• PVC pipes, plastic sheeting
• Sorted by type and recycled
• Becomes new plastic products

♻️ Cardboard & Paper (90%+ recovery rate)

• Pulped and reformed
• New cardboard boxes, paper products
• Insulation materials

♻️ Soil & Green Waste (100% recovery rate)

• Composted or used as fill
• Screened and reused
• Landscaping projects

What Cannot Be Recycled

Some materials require special disposal and cannot go in standard skips:

❌ Asbestos – Requires licensed removal
❌ Chemicals & Paints – Hazardous waste facility
❌ Batteries – Specialist recycling centers
❌ Electrical items – WEEE recycling
❌ Tyres – Dedicated tyre recycling
❌ Medical waste – Clinical waste services

These items need separate collection. Contact us for guidance on proper disposal.

Our Environmental Impact

2024 Statistics (Greenford Area):

📊 Total Waste Processed: 2,400 tonnes
♻️ Recycling Rate: 92%
🌱 Landfill Diversion: 2,208 tonnes
🌳 CO2 Saved: ~850 tonnes equivalent
⚡ Energy Recovered: 15% of non-recyclable waste

Your Contribution:

• Average 6-yard skip contains 2-3 tonnes of waste
• ~2.7 tonnes diverted from landfill per skip
• Equivalent to saving 1 tonne of CO2 emissions

Every skip you hire with us actively contributes to a circular economy and reduces environmental impact.

How You Can Help

Maximize recycling from your skip:

1. Separate if Possible

• Pure loads (all wood, all metal) get better rates
• We can arrange segregated skips

2. Keep It Clean

• Avoid contamination with prohibited items
• Clean materials recycle better

3. Break Down Items

• Smaller pieces = better sorting
• More efficient processing

4. Ask Questions

• Not sure if something can go in?
• Call us – we’re happy to advise

💚 Together, we’re making Greenford greener, one skip at a time.