A COMPANY specialising in recycling electronic waste has relocated near to Reading to expand its operations.
Intelligent Waste Management Ltd, known as iWaste, has taken over a lease on a unit at Ducks Nest Farm, Arborfield Cross.
It follows a four-year search for new premises after its previous site in Eversley became too small for the company’s collection, processing, and recycling works.
Its new home features 15,000 square feet of space, secure access for heavy goods vehicles, a one-third-acre yard, and a separate, detached warehouse building, all on a gated estate with 24-hour security.
iWaste was established in 2013 by Sam Prentice and Sam Mountain when they spotted a gap in the market for an industry-wide service, and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
The UK was recently ranked second in the list of countries by highest levels of e-waste production per capita, compiled by Uswitch.
Britain produces around 24kg (nearly 4 stone) a year, topped only by Norway at 26kg.
Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) regulations mean that the 5.6 million businesses in the UK must dispose of their e-waste responsibly so as to reduce their environmental impact.
As well as collection services, secure data destruction, and recycling, iWaste also provides a WEEE-compliant disposal for businesses.
It is a licensed Approved Authorised Treatment Facility, the highest accreditation in the waste industry awarded by the Environment Agency.
As well as this, it is aiming to off-set more than 100 tonnes of its carbon footprint through the Forest Carbon initiative and is set to become completely paperless during the 2023/2024 financial year.
It also works with organisations such as the NHS and larger national waste companies, and was one of the first e-waste recycling facilities to achieve a B-Corp certification denoting a gold standard of sustainability as assesses by B Lab.
Director Sam Prentice said: “This move – which in the end is not far from our previous home – enables iWaste to take that next step up as a business.
“We are investing heavily in new facilities and we have site potential for onward development as required.”
He explained: “We are very much a national business, thus securing a site with good vehicle access and excellent transportation links was crucial.
“We are within quick reach of both the M4 and the M3 so can easily reach the whole country.
“This site is all about growth and having the capacity to expand further– the next 12 months are really going to be about bedding in, refining our systems and ensuring that we are able to push forward.”
He continued: “Our mission is to divert waste from landfill and to reduce our client’s carbon footprint.
“For every 20 tonnes of waste we collect and recycle from our clients, we plant a tree in woodland near to them, on their behalf.”
As the company moves to Arborfield and expands operations, it is seeking more staff and is focusing on hiring from the Arborfield area for IT, warehouse, driving, and sales roles.
More information about iWaste and how to apply is available via: https://www.iwaste.co.uk/
