Birmingham Wholesale Market has signed a five-year deal with Axil integrated Services to manage its waste following a first year that saw recycling rates go from 13% to 25%.
As well as the deal, Axil has introduced new equipment and processes to better segregate waste, resulting in a 222-tonne reduction in general waste over the year.
Birmingham Wholesale Market claims to be the largest integrated market in the UK, providing fish, poultry, fruit, and vegetables to wholesale customers and the public. The purpose-built premises is a joint venture between the tenants and Birmingham City Council. It is located at The Hub, Birmingham, and houses 70 tenants across an eight-acre site.
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Previously, the market’s general waste and dry mixed recycling (DMR) was collected by a Refuse Collection Vehicle. Under Axil’s management, waste is now segregated by stream to reduce costs and increase recycling levels.
As part of its Total Waste Management service for the market, Axil has:
-Installed an on-site general waste compactor to reduce transport movements and costs – reducing collections from 312 in 2019 to 124 this year
-Improved segregation of materials – with the installation of new balers on-site to maximise rebate opportunities
-Introduced a new Electric vehicle and trailer – resulting in more efficient movement around the site and improved health and safety standards via removal of heavy wheelie bins
-Installed a Weightron machine – minimising waste being mixed between neighbouring traders. Tenants are only charged for the waste they produce
-Reduced reliance on third-party suppliers – with jobs like road sweeping now managed on-site by Axil
-Increased engagement – tenants are invited to share best practices
Jason Lang, commercial director at Axil integrated Services, said: “We’re very proud of our team’s work on the market, and we think the results are plain to see. We have made significant improvements to both waste and recycling rates as well as raising housekeeping and health and safety standards across the entire site.”
Andrew Barnes, general manager at Birmingham Wholesale Market, added: “Birmingham Wholesale market has been designed for the 21st Century and offers a highly efficient trading environment, where make every effort to minimise or recycle food and material waste. Our partnership with Axil has led to a cleaner site that recycles more – with any rebates being passed straight back to our tenants.”
