Transform waste & recycling across your sites
What makes First Mile different?
We make it straightforward to manage waste and recycling across diverse public-sector sites — from offices or head quarters to healthcare and community facilities — each with its own regulations, risks and operational pressures.
Our goal is to deliver flexible, reliable collections you can depend on, backed by digital tracking and innovations that strengthen compliance, improve transparency and drive measurable cost efficiencies.
Discover how we can support your organisation with tailored waste solutions that enhance safety, ensure full traceability and help you meet your sustainability and regulatory commitments.
What we do for the public sector
Flexible, reliable commercial waste & recycling collections
Focus on managing your buildings while we handle your waste and recycling. Our high-end, reliable service takes the hassle out of waste management across multiple public sector environments:
- Multiple collections per day at times that best suit your offices, schools or healthcare sites, including overnight
- Zero-to-landfill guarantee and high recycling rates with as much waste as possible recovered for recycling at our materials sorting facility before being sent on to trusted waste partners for processing
- Easily enable digital waste tracking of clinical or hazardous waste
- Book ad hoc services at the click of the button and get same day clearances with our same zero-to-landfill promise and high recycling rates
Efficiency projects that deliver lasting results
We take a data-driven approach to understanding your needs to deliver on strategic initiatives that focus on reducing complexity, controlling spend and increasing recycling rates. Example projects include:
- Identifying opportunities for driving recycling rates e.g implementing additional recycling streams. Higher recycling rates can have significant cost reductions as recycling services are more cost effective
- Auditing your waste output to identify areas of suboptimal waste management and look for opportunities to save money through streamlined services and optimised schedules
- Engagement programmes that empower your teams to recycle. We provide on-site or multi-media training programmes that deliver higher engagement and understanding, leading to better recycling rates and reduced contamination.
Digitised waste tracking of clinical or other waste streams
RecycleID™ is First Mile’s unique waste-tracking solution designed to support the public sector with changing digital waste tracking legislation.
Use the RecycleID™ app, weighing platform, and QR-coded sacks to track every kilogram of waste by material type or area. All data is pulled into our reporting suite in real time, where you can see statistics by area and across your buildings.
Transform your waste insights and digitise tracking, prevent contamination and boost recycling rates and get cradle-to-grave waste tracking.
Industry-leading carbon data tools
First Mile's Recycling data studio is a world-leading tool for businesses to manage their waste data and get access to cutting-edge carbon insights.
Our advanced recycling studio comes with a range of features, including:
- Accurate weights from bin weighing, RecycleID™ weighing, or audited bag collections
- Sophisticated environmental conversions including Carbon WARM (Defra), and Scope 3 Emissions (UK Gov), as well as own commissioned conversions on Carbon and Biodiversity impact of waste
- Upload third-party waste data for a complete view of your waste outputs
- Upload data from other countries or locations for a single global view of waste
- Track End destinations in detail, and see monthly updates on where your waste is sent
Compliance and accreditation guidance
Stay ahead of evolving environmental legislation with expert guidance you can rely on. First Mile helps public sector leaders and managers navigate complex regulatory requirements, streamline reporting, and implement best-practice waste and recycling strategies across every building.
From emerging waste regulations to sustainability standards and accreditations, we provide the insight, data and hands-on support you need to remain compliant, demonstrate leadership and future-proof your organisation.
Dedicated account management
Our dedicated account managers will provide regular updates and insights, and work with you from day one to deliver on strategic initiatives that will provide the results you're looking for.
From a hands-on mobilisation plan to optimised schedules that reduce costs, or a tailored engagement programme to train and empower your staff - our people will be the driving force behind it all.
Our Impact
What is public sector waste management?
Public sector waste management covers how councils, government departments and education institutions handle, collect and recycle their waste. It focuses on compliance with UK legislation, transparency in procurement, and measurable environmental impact.
How does First Mile support compliance?
We provide digital waste transfer notes, full audit trails and clear environmental reporting. All services meet UK waste regulations, giving you complete confidence in compliance and procurement transparency.
Can First Mile work within public sector frameworks?
Yes. We’re experienced in working under framework agreements and public tenders. Our services can be tailored to match framework terms, budgets and reporting requirements.
Do you offer services for schools and universities?
Absolutely. We work with schools, academies, colleges and universities across the UK, offering tailored education waste management solutions to improve recycling rates and reduce costs.
Is everything really zero to landfill?
Yes, 100%. Any waste that can’t be recycled is processed for energy recovery, making sure that none of your waste goes to landfill.
