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A bale a day keeps collections at bay

One of the UK’s biggest water companies has continued to demonstrate its concern for all things environmental with the introduction of cardboard compactors at three of its sites.

Northumbrian Water, which also owns Essex and Suffolk Water, takes its responsibility for looking after the environment very seriously – from the quality of its drinking water and waste water treatment to the recycling of office materials.

Latest in a long line of initiatives is the purchase, from Teesside-based Greenbank, of cardboard compactors for three of its sites.

The machines compress cardboard into small bales meaning that they take up less storage space and reduce the number of skip collections.

Initially placed at offices at Pity Me near Durham in the North East, the machine was so successful that Facilities Manager Dave Whiteley ordered another for Hanningfield in Essex and then, a few months later, a third one also to be used in the North East.

“We accumulate a massive amount of cardboard, mainly packaging from paper deliveries, PC boxes and catering items used by our restaurants,” Dave explained.

“Before we bought the compactors, we used to put the cardboard into skips.
Each site now produces at least three or four bales a week, sometimes one daily, so you can see how much material we produce and how much space it took up previously while awaiting collection.”

Greenbank area account manager Adrian Saltmarsh, who liaises with Northumbrian Water, said that, while customers are always keen to make a cost saving, the compactors also provide a neater and safer storage environment, which is especially important around office areas.

“We knew Northumbrian Water must be pleased with our machines when they came back for another – and another!” he added.

This press release /article submitted to FM43 by Qube magazine www.qubeonline.co.uk To subscribe to Qube magazine contact Nigel Clark on Tel: 0845 388 0281 Clarke Design & Media Ltd, Wisteria House, Stump Cross Lane, Swineshead, Boston PE20 3JJ