First Mile - Rubbish:Recycled

First Mile crowned Recycling Business of the Year 2012

Thu, 03 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The 9th annual awards were hosted by Channel 4 news presenter Jon Snow and held in London on Tuesday 1st May 2012.

First Mile won the award for continuous work in providing businesses with easy-to-use recycling and waste services, detailed environmental reporting, and full support and training to achieve maximum recycling.

First Mile’s achievements in 2011 were particularly highlighted, with the company becoming Carbon Neutral, achieving a recycling rate of 70% across more than eight thousand customers, and through ensuring zero waste went to landfill.

A reference was also made to First Mile’s bespoke Microsoft certified web-system that underpins the entire operation; linking customers, suppliers, operations, finance, customer service and sales.

Steve Eminton, editor of letsrecycle.com said: “This year’s awards ceremony really signals the type of activity going on in recycling and waste management to deliver top quality services and facilities”

Bruce Bratley, First Mile CEO said: “We are very proud to see our commitment to the environment recognised with this award. Our team, customers, and suppliers are delighted we have won it, and we look forward to making recycling easier for even more businesses throughout London in the coming years.

Links

http://www.awardsforexcellence.co.uk/

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First Mile makes Food Recycling easy for London businesses

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Food recycling with First Mile couldn’t be simpler, and works just like our other recycling services. You buy strong sacks (made of corn-starch so they are biodegradable), we deliver next day, and collect them at the agreed times. Collections can be from the kerbside, loading bay or from a wheelie bin.

The service is suitable for any business, and we have three different sizes of sack to cater for all needs. We also provide internal caddies to hold the sacks which will typically be placed in tea-rooms, kitchens and canteens.

We collect food recycling daily from London businesses, so you don’t need to store it for long-periods.

Once collected, the food is taken to an anaerobic digestion facility. Anaerobic digestion means placing food in an environment with no air. Food digests creating gas. This gas is collected and burnt in a combined heat engine generating electricity and heat. A nutrient-rich fertiliser is produced as a side product which is spread over land growing crops.

If you’d like to chat about food recycling or arrange for someone to come in and discuss the options for your business just email customers@thefirstmile.co.uk or call us 0800 612 9894.

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First Mile Partners with Every Can Counts

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Many of our customers will have already received their complimentary Welcome Packs from ‘Every Can Counts’, with all the information needed to help promote proactive drinks can recycling.

Recently, ‘Every Can Counts’ has announced that they collected over 51 million used drinks cans from various ‘on the go’ locations around the UK, equating to 774 tonnes of aluminium and 5,800 tonnes of emissions saved.

This is a fantastic result and First Mile are proud to be working alongside an organisation that can achieve phenomenal recycling figures and we are looking forward to contributing to a larger figure for 2012.

For more information about Every Can Counts, visit http://www.everycancounts.co.uk/

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Trust us to deliver waste and recycling services throughout the Olympics

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

With estimated visitor numbers set to reach into the millions, London is expected to busier than ever. We at First Mile are keen to continue to provide excellent customer service across the whole of the city, which is why, during the games, we are deploying:

Additional drivers and vehicles to guarantee collections
Specialised uniformed street teams to consolidate recycling for collection
Emergency vehicles on standby throughout London
Flexible collection times and locations to fit around you and the Games
24/7 customer support

All our services will continue to remain available daily throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Games, so let us help you make the 2012 Games as successful as possible.

If you would like to find out more about your service during the Games or to discuss your on-going recycling requirements feel free to contact us at any time on 0800 612 9894

http://www.thefirstmile.co.uk/
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First Mile in partnership with Small Steps Project

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Small Steps is a humanitarian project dedicated to supporting the children and their communities who live and work on landfill sites and rubbish dumps. They aim to provide them with the tools that will protect them whilst in their hostile environment and enable them to take small steps off the dumps and into education or employment.

Small Steps vision is of a world where children no longer have to scavenge for survival and where landfill sites are regulated recycling centres, which create employment for adults and have a positive effect on the environment.

Amy Hanson, Director of Small Steps commented on the partnership: “We hope that by partnering with projects who care about recycling, such as First Mile and have a good knowledge of waste management, new solutions will be found to not only deal with waste but re use it, creating profit and jobs. We need the support of such companies who have an ethical ethos so simultaneously they can look after the waste and we can look after the children waste pickers and together create a better world."

Bruce Bratley, First Mile CEO said: “'First Mile are delighted to support Small Steps and support the charity in helping families living in poverty on landfill sites around the world. We were keen to support a waste related charity and are delighted to support Small Steps with both funding and with our knowledge of waste and recycling. We look forward to working with Small Steps to raise awareness and deliver aid directly and by linking with other NGOs to families living on landfill sites.'

Find out more about Small Steps here http://www.smallstepsproject.org/

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First Mile and Paddington Business Improvement District help launch the Big Green Society

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Big Green Society offers practical suggestions for reforming and improving the way in which waste management and cleansing is carried out in local government. It explores the applicability of nudge theory to engender greater levels of personal responsibility among residents and how local government can form beneficial relationships with businesses and public sector bodies to tackle waste, recycling issues and improve the maintenance of the streetscape.

Paddington BID Recycling Scheme Paddington BID was the first Business Improvement District in the UK to offer a collective recycling service for businesses. The BID, which commenced in April 2005, includes 350 businesses across 34 streets surrounding Paddington Station. The BID area is a mix of offices, hotels, shops, pubs, student accommodation, restaurants, estate agents, health and beauty.

Introduced initially in January 2007, the service now provides a co-mingled commercial recycling scheme for all businesses within the BID area. The BID levy funds the scheme in its entirety. The BID’s contractors, First Mile, distribute free Paddington BID-branded sacks and tape on request and collect from the kerbside or service road outside business premises three times weekly, agreed by and with the backing of Westminster City Council. Businesses can order sacks and tape online, and also request special collections in this way. A 24-hour customer helpline means that no business finds the hours of operation a barrier to recycling.

Around 200 Paddington businesses recycle on a regular basis, 50% of businesses in Paddington. The scheme includes the free collection of waste electrical equipment, furniture, toner cartridges and fluorescent tubes, all of which businesses would have to otherwise dispose of privately at their own cost. A pilot glass recycling scheme is also in operation, with 20 restaurants and pubs participating. A dedicated Paddington ‘freecycle’ scheme is also in development.

Monthly recycling reports are produced by the contractor for Paddington BID, and businesses receive personalised annual recycling certificates to show the weight of what they recycle each year. The BID team has dedicated online access to an account management system, enabling them to understand who is recycling, and the quantities recycled per business.

Bruce Bratley, CEO of First Mile said “We are delighted to be working with Paddington BID and the launch of the Big Green Society illustrates how Business Improvement Districts can empower business communities to create greener businesses districts that are better places to work and do business”.

See the full report here: http://www.localis.org.uk/images/LOC_Big_Green_Society_Report_WEBfinal.pdf

In the picture:
Tom Walker, Deputy Director for Decentralisation, DCLG
Bruce Bratley, CEO, First Mile Ltd.
Dominic Rustecki, Localis.
Kay Buxton, CEO, Paddington BID.
Councillor Edward Argar, Cabinet Member for City Management, Westminster City Council.
Dr Kevin Golding-Williams, Senior Public Affairs Manager for Keep Britain Tidy.

http://www.localis.org.uk/article/912/The-Big-Green-Society.htm
http://www.paddingtonbid.co.uk/
http://www.thefirstmile.co.uk/Default.aspx

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First Mile supports Camden Town Unlimited in winning "Innovation in Waste Management" award

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Camden Town Unlimited achieved an award for ‘Innovation in Waste Management and Recycling’ and another for ‘Leadership in the Emerging Green Economy.’ The accolade for Innovation in Waste and Recycling was awarded for the exceptional environmental improvements that businesses have made by recycling with First Mile through Camden Town Unlimited. Camden businesses were able to achieve these environmental improvements while saving money by using First Mile’s easy recycling service.The EECO (Environmental Excellence in Camden Organisations) Awards recognise organisations in the London Borough of Camden that have made achievements and improvements to local sustainability. The organisations that won were classed as being a cut above the rest and as being leaders in driving forward environmental improvements in Camden.

First Mile provides a recycling service for members of Camden Town Unlimited. Businesses can also take advantage of First Mile’s other services such as our zero to landfill waste service. First Mile helps many businesses across Camden reach 90% recycling while sending no waste to landfill.

Simon Pitkeathley, CEO of Camden Town Unlimited, said: “We’re delighted to receive these two awards and would like to acknowledge our partners in the Smart Green Business project, Cross River Partnership, European Regional Development Fund, First Mile and Camden Council.”

First Mile is proud to work with Camden Town Unlimited to help businesses greatly improve their green credentials while saving money.

http://www.camdentownunlimited.com/

http://www.thefirstmile.co.uk/

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First Mile recycles for Parks Half Marathon 2011

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

On Sunday 9th October 2011, 12,500 people took part in the annual Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon. The 13.1 mile scenic race starts and finishes in London’s Hyde Park.

The event, which takes in landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and the Royal Albert Hall, was attended by 40,000 spectators.

To keep runners hydrated, volunteers distributed 80,000 water bottles supplied by Marks and Spencer at stations along the route.

As always, First Mile was on hand to collect the used bottles from each station throughout the day.

Nick Cliffe, Marketing Manager at Closed-Loop said “It was a pleasure as always to work with First Mile on the Royal Parks collection, this project is a perfect example of how a partnership approach can deliver a great recycling outcome at sporting events”

All of the bottles collected were taken straight to Closed-Loop Recycling for washing, granulation, and remanufacture into new bottles and containers.

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First Mile awarded CHAS accreditation

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

CHAS is the market leader for health and safety pre-qualification in the UK.As part of the CHAS accreditation process First Mile has been assessed and approved in the following areas:

Health and safety policy
Organisation for health and safety
Ensured specific health and safety arrangements are to a standard acceptable to our buyers.First Mile is pleased to announce that we have been accredited by the government’s nationally recognised Contractor’s Health and Safety Assessment Scheme (CHAS).

CHAS is the market leader for health and safety pre-qualification in the UK.
As part of the CHAS accreditation process First Mile has been assessed and approved in the following areas:
- Health and safety policy
- Organisation for health and safety
- Ensured specific health and safety arrangements are to a standard acceptable to our buyers.

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First Mile launches new website

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Our aim was to provide an easy to navigate website that reflected our simple to use recycling services.

Along with the improved look and feel, it showcases our range of recycling and waste solutions so visitors can quickly find who we are and what we do. It also gives users an idea of the steps we take to ensure we provide the right services for their business. Simple diagrams neatly describe the roll-out process from initial site-visit through to the first collection.

Bruce Bratley, CEO of First Mile adds that "An important aspect of the new site is the services section. This explains very clearly what materials First Mile can recycle, how we recycle them and what happens to them afterwards. The simple menu on the bottom right-hand side allows users to access this information from any page within the site”

We are delighted with the overall look, and we believe the branding supports our can-do attitude to easy and low cost recycling.

Visit www.thefirstmile.co.uk to find out more about our range of services.

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First Mile buys third delivery vehicle due to high demand for its services

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Customers simply call us on 0800 612 9894 or email us at customers@thefirstmile.co.uk to order sacks. It takes a few seconds to process the order and sacks will be delivered the next day on all orders received by 1800. You can also set-up a regular monthly delivery if this is preferred. All deliveries are free.

New customers also get next day sack deliveries if they sign up by 1800. First Mile’s CEO, Bruce Bratley comments “We are the only waste and recycling company in London that can be called at 1800 to start new services. The next day your sacks will be delivered and services start immediately. We are delighted to offer this service to the thousands of businesses in London that can sign-up to First Mile immediately”

Links

How we work

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First Mile to help deliver innovative environmental improvements for businesses

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Mile’s mixed recycling service, which captures 90% of waste material from offices, is one way in which small to medium sized businesses can enhance their environmental performance while reducing their costs.

The Smart Green Business Project, which is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, is a new scheme which offers businesses in several Business Improvement Districts the opportunity to receive free environmental consultancy.

One of the ways in which the project helps reduce the environmental impact of businesses is by working with First Mile. This will mean that 90% of the businesses waste is recycled through a comprehensive mixed recycling service, and ensuring no residual waste is sent to landfill.

The in-depth reporting offered by First Mile for businesses gives accurate and vital information about the amount of CO2 a business saves by using First Mile’s easy mixed recycling solution.

The new and innovative environmental project aims to reduce to the carbon footprint of London’s businesses while helping to reduce costs. The mixed recycling scheme provided by First Mile to many companies in BIDs is a crucial facet of them being able to achieve this important goal.

First Mile are proud to be supporting the Smart Green Business project.

Links

http://www.smartgreenbusiness.co.uk/
http://www.betterbankside.co.uk/
http://www.camdentownunlimited.com/
http://www.heartoflondonbid.co.uk/
http://www.thefirstmile.co.uk/www.teamlondonbridge.co.uk/

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First Mile Achieves ISO9001 and ISO14001 accreditation

Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

ISO 14001ISO 14001 is the internationally recognised standard for the environmental management of businesses. First Mile recognises that in addition to the benefits delivered from recycling your waste, our activities also have an impact on the environment. ISO 14001prescribes controls for First Mile’s activities and how they have an effect on the environment. These include the use of natural resources, handling and treatment of waste and energy consumption.

By implementing an Environmental Management System First Mile has adopted a systematic way to control the effects we have on the environment by delivering you low cost and easy recycling services.

Cost savings can be made through improved efficiency and productivity and we pass these onto our customers with low cost recycling and waste collection services. ISO14001 certification also verifies that First Mile is in compliance with all current legislation so that our customers know we are a high quality supplier committed to delivering excellence.

Please click here to download our certificate for your reference.

ISO 9001

ISO 9001 is the internationally recognised standard for the quality management of businesses. By gaining this standard First Mile’s customers know that we are committed to you and the service levels we deliver to you. ISO9001 shows we have robust procedures in place for managing our business and delivering you great service at low cost every day of the year.

Please click here to download our certificate for your reference.

Links

www.isoqar.com
www.jrconsultants.co.uk

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London 2012. First Mile commits to delivering outstanding service throughout Olympics

Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Games will cause major disruptions in London from July to September 2012. The key dates are 27 July to 12 August 2012 for the Olympics and 29 August to 9 Sept 2012 for the Paralympics. Many roads will be closed, security will be high and many restrictions will be in place.

First Mile is making careful plans for the Olympics and we will be making additional investments to ensure all our customers continue to receive an excellent service throughout the Games.

We will be in touch with updates as the Olympics approach, but in the meantime if you have any questions or suggestions please call us or email them to customers@thefirstmile.co.uk; we would love to hear from you.

Please also check our website for regular updates at http://www.thefirstmile.co.uk/default.aspx

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Bruce Bratley, founder of First Mile discusses recycling with James Whale on LBC Radio

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Click on the link below to hear Bruce Bratley, CEO of First Mile discuss how First Mile makes office recycling in London easy.

Links

http://www.workspacegroup.co.uk/tradelink/LBC-radio/

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First Mile turns up the heat. All our customer's residual waste is now used to make green electricity.

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

First Mile have teamed up with Cory Environmental to deliver waste to their brand new Riverside Resource Recovery (RRR) Facility at Belvedere, SE London.

The facility is one of the UK's most efficient energy recovery plants, processing waste from households and businesses in central London, as well as an important strategic waste management facility for the capital.

Waste is a valuable resource and it has a similar energy content to coal. For example, a tonne of waste will generate enough waste to power a fridge for 4 years.

In addition First Mile have arranged for customer’s waste to be delivered to the incinerator via barges on the river Thames, so further reducing the environmental impact of our customers waste.

Links

http://www.coryenvironmental.co.uk/page/riversideresourcerecovery.htm
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First Mile launches unique automated recycling and CO2 reporting system

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Click here to read the case study

Enqix is unique and is owned by First Mile. The system was built and is maintained by our software developers, LBT, who are highly experienced and have built various online platforms, including a global metals trading platform for a major American bank. Enqix runs in the same environment as that used by the metal trading platform and it is hosted in a highly secure data centre.

As a result of this investment First Mile is able to provide detailed reporting to all customers that it serves.

First Mile’s Recycling and CO2 Report is our standard report. It shows the amount of material collected by service, destination and type. It also shows CO2 saved. This report is available monthly for your company at any time online by logging into Enqix at anytime.

Research has shown that our customers are delighted with this development and they use reports externally with their shareholders and internally to for board reports and management reviews. Data is often included in Corporate Social Responsibility Reports.

Please call our customer services team on 0800 612 9894 to set-up a login. First Mile believes strongly in measuring and reporting. A system called Enqix has been developed that allows detailed real-time reporting to businesses using First Mile’s services. The system impressed Microsoft who wrote up a case study of it. Click here to read the case study

As a result of this investment First Mile is able to provide detailed reporting to all customers that it serves.

Please call our customer services team on 0800 612 9894 to set-up a login.

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First Mile commits to updating its fleet with low emission Mercedes Euro 5 vehicles

Tue, 01 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We are working closely with Mercedes-Benz to constantly monitor and review emissions from our fleet. Mercedes was the first manufacturer to achieve Euro 5 and First Mile committed to purchasing these vehicles as soon as they became available on the market. The new fleet is also equipped with an ECO Gear which further reduces fuel consumption.

First Mile’s new fleet enables us to deliver easy recycling at low cost and with minimal environmental impact to its customers throughout London and Birmingham.

First Mile’s new recycling fleet is compliant with all current legislation and it can operate throughout London’s Low Emission Zone.

Links

Mercedes Benz

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'Green' Christmas In Paddington as battery collections start

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Announcing the partnership, Scott Butler, general manager of ERP said: “We are delighted to be working with First Mile to roll out this service before Christmas. By collecting batteries with other waste streams, it cuts down on transport costs, helping to reduce CO2 emissions and reducing costs for our battery producers. “This scheme will add to ERP’s growing network, providing collection points for consumers and people who work in Paddington. We will recycle batteries used by these businesses, as well.”

First Mile CEO, Bruce Bratley, said: “We are delighted to be working with ERP and Paddington Business Improvement District on this exciting new Easy Recycling service and we hope to recycle many batteries before Christmas. The service is very easy to use and complements First Mile’s other Easy Recycling services. We hope to work with ERP on a national solution for Easy Battery Recycling in the New Year.”

Paddington Business Improvement District’s Project Manager, Ann Hunter said: “Paddington Business Improvement District welcomes and are excited about the battery box scheme run by ERP and First Mile which will be a great addition to our already highly popular recycling scheme in Paddington. We look forward to expanding our scheme to ensure businesses are able to recycle as much as possible, as easily as possible.”

ERP will treat and recycle the waste batteries. All types of dry cell batteries will be collected, such as AAA, AA, C and D sizes, button cells such as those found in watches and hearing aids and rechargeables such as mobile phone, laptop and powertool batteries.

Links

http://www.erp-recycling.co.uk/
http://www.paddingtonbid.co.uk/

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First Mile teams up with Sparks charity to support child medical research

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

http://www.charitycartridgerecycling.com/.

Charity Cartridge Recycling make a donation for each toner and inkjet cartridge recycled and First Mile match this donation so that Sparks get double.First Mile’s CEO, Bruce Bratley said “We are delighted to support Sparks and got involved with the charity after a suggestion by one of our larger customers who already did a lot of fundraising for Sparks”.

Sparks is a leading children’s medical research charity dedicated to funding and championing pioneering research into any condition affecting mums-to-be, babies and children.

Since 1991, Sparks have committed over £20 million into pioneering research projects across a wide spectrum of medical conditions including childhood cancers, cerebral palsy, premature birth and spina bifida.

Through the research we fund, Sparks aim to improve the quality of life for children and families affected by serious illness or disability today, whilst seeking ways to better diagnose, treat and prevent these conditions in the future.

The medical breakthroughs Sparks make possible, make a difference not only across the UK but for thousands of women, children and families around the world.

Please support Sparks by using First Mile’s toner and inkjet cartridge recycling service.

Links

http://www.sparks.org.uk/
http://www.charitycartridgerecycling.com/

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First Mile voted Europe's 22nd fastest growing environmental company at Cleantech Connect 2010 Awards

Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Cleantech Connect features the hottest and fastest growing Cleantech companies in Europe and First Mile is delighted to have reached the top 30 for the second year running. GP Bullhound publishes a list of the fastest growing Cleantech companies in Europe ranked by their annual revenue growth rate between financial year end 2007-2009.

The Cleantech judges were impressed with First Mile’s ability to provide easy, low cost recycling and waste collection service for city centre businesses that lack space and need to dispose of material regularly.

Links

www.cleantech-connect.com
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The Big Interview with Bruce Bratley, founder of First Mile

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:00:00 GMT

First Mile’s offices are at the top end of London’s highly fashionable Islington area and in exactly the sort of urban location its customers come from.

This relatively new company is taking on the big boys by focusing purely on waste created by commercial businesses in city centres – at the moment London and Birmingham with more cities planned. Founded by its chief executive Bruce Bratley in 2004, the company won the Recycling and Waste Management Business of the Year in 2009 at the National Recycling Awards with the judges very impressed by the business model and achievements of this company.

So what is the model it uses?

“We provide a complete recycling and waste management service for city centre businesses,” says Dr Bratley. “We collect from bins and bags. We collect at times that suit customers’ requirements and we provide the service at very low cost in a competitive environment.

“In addition, we provide a full suite of reporting, which gives the customer a breakdown on their recycling achievements by volume, by material and destination. That reporting is then backed up by full financial reporting, which the customer can get by logging onto the web app and viewing their entire account.

“We have evolved the way we think about the waste services market. Traditionally, I think the waste industry were looking at recycling and waste in a pipe-end way. If you take an office for example, with 1,200 people, perhaps producing 100 tonnes of waste per year, we will take that office building and with material that traditionally went to landfill, we’ll introduce a mixed office recycling service, get the recycling to 80% quite quickly, and get the client towards achieving their objective, which is the common objective at the moment of zero waste to landfill.

“So once we’ve very quickly got the recycling rate up to 80%, then the balance – the other 20% - we will work very closely with the client to get that down to a zero landfill. The services that we offer can cater for those. We then provide the full set of reporting so that the client can see how they are progressing towards their mission of zero landfill.”

First Mile’s customers include offices with 500 to 1,200 people in them producing 50 to 100 tonnes of waste, city-based distribution centres, and retail chains. Other than typical office recycling streams such as paper, the company also recycles batteries, WEEE, food waste and confidential waste destruction among others.

Potential customers simply phone up and give their preferred collection time. They order sacks which are usually delivered next day, and collections start immediately. These sacks cover the cost of the collection, so for a medium sized mixed recycling sack, it only costs 89p. For a large mixed recycling sack it is 99p. While a WEEE recycling sack is £25. Customers are invoiced on the amount of sacks they have bought, but the company will also do large bins and rubbish clearances. When the waste is collected, it is sent to be processed by other partners First Mile works with.

Winning the National Recycling Award last year was a real success for this company as it was up against some of the major players in the sector.

“My team and the company are absolutely delighted to have won the award. It is a great achievement for us in 2009 and it puts us firmly on the map as a robust and established waste and recycling company. I’m very delighted and the team have worked very hard for that and the customers are benefiting from our services and the suppliers we work with have helped us win that award, so I am very pleased with that.”

He also believes that this is an indication of the evolving waste market.

“There is a move now to customers wanting much more recycling, but in addition, they want it at low cost as they are very price sensitive at the moment, and they want high levels of reporting and a system that is easy to understand and works well for them.”

Bratley is among the new breed of entrepreneurs working in the waste sector, seeing opportunities where others may have missed them. I ask him if he sees more individuals wishing to set up new businesses in recycling and waste.

“There is certainly more entrepreneurship in the sector and that is to be encouraged. First Mile was set up because we thought there was a gap in the market. We took something that was a traditional thing – collecting waste – from clients and we have introduced a lot of technology to that, which is our web app and this enables us to drive operational efficiencies and make the business more profitable. But we have also added a very sophisticated front end.

“So we are very good at recruiting businesses and we have about £4 million of work in the pipeline at the moment. We are very good at converting those customers, rolling them out, and managing them on a day-to-day basis so that they get a very high level of service and are getting it at low cost because of the systems we’ve developed that drive cost out and we can pass that saving onto the client.”

In many ways, First Mile is a logistics company, collecting a resource and passing it on. But it is proving a successful model and entrepreneurs like Bratley are the people that are developing the recycling and waste sector. Materials Recycling Weekly Editor, Paul Sanderson, Interviews First Mile’s CEO.

First Mile’s offices are at the top end of London’s highly fashionable Islington area and in exactly the sort of urban location its customers come from.

So what is the model it uses?

First Mile "Cleantech Connect 2009" finalist

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Cleantech Connect brings together Europes' leaders in the clean and green technology space. Recognising growth and innovation in the sector.

First Mile provides businesses of all sizes with easy to use, low cost recycling services. The company serves 5,700 businesses in London and Birmingham and plans expansion throughout the UK. Since starting trading in June 2004 First Mile has grown strongly winning on average 4 new customers per day. First Mile was nominated for Cleantech Connect due to its exceptional service levels, unique web based operating and financial system, innovative approach to the environmental services industry and potential for significant growth throughout the UK.

First Mile CEO Bruce Bratley says “The First Mile team, our customers and suppliers are delighted that we have been placed so highly in this prestigious award. We are particularly proud of our service levels and Microsoft’s recognition of our systems. We look forward to serving businesses throughout the UK in the next few years.”

About First Mile
First Mile provides businesses with easy to use low cost recycling services. Customers are provided with sacks or containers for mixed recycling, general waste, electrical and electronic equipment, confidential destruction, fluorescent tubes and food which they put out at their normal collection times. The key to high service and to delivering it at low cost is our unique and innovative software. First Mile has invested in a bespoke, Microsoft enabled, web based technology. It provides a low cost operating system that links customers, suppliers, operations, finance, customer service and sales. This provides the data needed to manage collections and most importantly handle at low cost the complex back and front office transactions for over 5 million collections per annum. Microsoft is so impressed with the system that they have written it up as a case study which can be found on their web site at www.microsoft.com/resources/casestudies.

The key benefits of First Mile’s system which support the unique business model are;

Single integrated system for recycling and waste management. The system manages all of First Miles operational financial and compliance processes. The collection fleet is equipped with PDAs and drivers measure all collections entering them straight into the customer’s account record. Through the web customers and First Mile staff can view information on all aspects of the business - anywhere at any time.
High service. New customers can be set up in a few minutes and existing businesses are provided with superb service. All customer data is available on the web – financial, compliance and operating. Consequently it’s easy for the First Mile to provide automated “Recycling Achievements Reports”, compliance documentation and to monitor customer’s satisfaction with services.
Simple low cost cash collection. Over half the company’s cash is collected by variable direct debit and customers receive a discount for using this facility. The company processes 20,000 invoices, collects cash with minimal paper usage and reconciles its web sales ledger automatically.
Scalable. The system handles 5,700 businesses today. However it is capable of managing 100,000 customers with minimal additional investment.
Financeable. First Mile bankers understand and like the company’s business model. The company’s fleet of 26 trucks is expanding and First Mile has facilities to enable it to grow nationally.

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

First Mile are working with Metro to provide offices with a Metro recycling bin and 25 First Mile mixed recycling sacks, which are collected free of charge.

Metro chose First Mile as a partner because there's no sorting necessary: all materials can be recycled in one Metro bin, from newspapers and office paper to glass and plastic.

The first 250 eligible businesses to email firstmile@ukmetro.co.uk will be able to take part.

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