Alex Smiles Ltd realised a long time ago that significant recycling efforts are required to extend the life of existing tipping facilities and to preserve natural resources. The need to turn waste into resource is becoming increasingly important to protect the sustainability of our environment.
This realisation is the base for the “waste not, want not” principle that Alex Smiles Ltd operates under today.
Alex Smiles Ltd now segregates a comprehensive list of recyclates including wood, paper, plastic, metals, and of course hardcore.
As a transfer station extensive segregation is conducted on site and wood, paper, plastic and metals are forwarded onto specialist reclamation companies.
Hardcore is recycled by ourselves using various large pieces of plant. This onsite recycling enables us to provide the highest quality GSB and screened soil.
Alex Smiles Ltd was created in 1973 by Alex and Jane Smiles. Over the last three decades the company has grown to employ over 100 people, operating on a 9 acre site in the centre of Sunderland and has built a fleet of 40 trucks including skip wagons, wheeled tippers and artic units.
The company has developed its recycling operations from just construction hardcore and metals to now include over 7 different recyclables.
The move to the current 9 acre site in 2002 prompted a huge growth period for the company with its new, £2 million, dedicated materials recycling facility.
In 2003 the company was accredited with ISO 14001, the international Environmental Management Standard, and has continued to show its responsibility for the environment in which it operates.
In 2005 the ISO accreditation was joined by OHSAS 18001, the national Occupational Health and Safety management standard. The quality standard ISO9001 was added to our integrated management system and accredited in 2012.