Waste management industry report launched

RS has launched its 2025 waste management industry review Closing the Loop, an e-book offering insights on the changes to the legislative landscape driven by the commitment to reach net zero by 2050. The report also explores the latest in more sustainable products, along with the role of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) solutions that can help organisations reduce cost, energy and downtime, to boost efficiencies across every area of business.

Chris Cruise, industry sector manager for utilities at RS, said: “The legislative changes aimed at increasing recycling rates and accelerating the steps towards a circular economy are long overdue and welcomed. They should benefit the waste management sector which will receive less contaminated, better quality recycling streams for more efficient processing. 

“The reforms, however, do pose uncertainty around the finer details, and the sector faces challenges like under-funding, skills and labour shortage of workers in waste management. Our report aims to outline these challenges and present some solutions to help operators in this sector approach these changing times with more certainty.”

Some 215 million tonnes of waste were generated in the UK in 2024, and the UK's recycling and waste treatment sector is valued at £24 billion, according to the Environmental Services Association. It employs approximately 147,000 people (Resource.co).

According to Waste Direct, 46 per cent of waste is recycled, 22 per cent ends up in landfill, and 25 per cent is incinerated with energy recovery. Only three per cent is composted. As part of the Resource and Waste Strategy, the UK Government has set a target to achieve a household recycling rate of 65 per cent by 2035.

There is increasing demand on waste management services, so keeping machines on the move is crucial. But unscheduled downtime from mechanical failure, ageing assets, or delays to availability of vital components is a familiar scene. The heavy use, mechanical machines are used to convey, sort, compact, treat, and shred co-mingled recycling into single waste streams for recovery and re-use. 

Cruise added: “The good news is the sector has broad shoulders, and with the right suppliers in place to support everyday challenges, including condition monitoring, lubrication management and getting the right part in the right place at the right time, a small fault which could have jammed the line – and backed up the bin lorries – can be averted.”

The e-book also looks at health and safety, as a major consideration in this area due to the hazardous environments much of the workforce operates in. It advocates managing workplace practices to encourage positive behaviours, while arming employees with compliant Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and tools.

RS says it is well-positioned to support waste management companies to operate sustainably and efficiently. And its Better World product range, which spans 30,000 MRO, PPE and workwear products, is helping to make a difference to customers’ ESG goals every day. Better World products are made more sustainably, offer a sustainable solution and support circularity.

Cruise concluded: “New legislation like Simpler Recycling should create nationwide consistency and improve the stagnant recycling rates. While investment in infrastructure and unlocking the potential impact of new technology and AI will increase recycling and recovery rates, reduce contamination and improve the quality of waste streams. In the meantime, working with strategic partners like RS can help the sector protect its workforce, support ESG efforts, and improve MRO efficiencies.”

Closing the Loop is available to download now.