Cawleys becomes one of the few recycling companies appointed to supply residual waste to new Bedfordshire facility in Covanta EfW deal

Cawleys is delighted to announce that it has signed a long-term supply deal with Covanta’s Rookery South Energy from Waste (EfW) plant based in Bedfordshire. This new deal will allow the Luton based recycling firm to use this UK facility to transform its residual waste to energy, ensuring it remains diverted from landfill and significantly reducing the company’s waste miles and carbon footprint.

Cawleys has always been dedicated to putting its non-recyclable waste to work, but until now had little choice but to send its RDF to plants in mainland Europe. Being appointed as one of the key local suppliers to the facility in Bedfordshire, the same county as Cawleys’ head office, will mean that Cawleys’ non-recyclable waste will be put to good use much closer to home.

The facility operated by Covanta treats waste, turning it into fuel to generate over 60 megawatts of baseload electrical energy – enough to power the equivalent of over 112,500 homes. Cawleys will be one of the lucky few in suppling non-recyclable residue waste to the plant.

This deal will significantly reduce Cawleys’ overall waste journey by cutting the road and sea miles previously travelled to deliver RDF to Europe and will allow Cawleys to progress further on the road to reduced carbon and net zero, a key focus for the organisation.

Commenting on the deal, Nigel Ingram, Operations Director said: Cawleys have always been dedicated to finding the most sustainable solutions in the waste management arena. Previously, sending residual waste to Europe was the best option, now that we have this fantastic facility on our doorstep, it is an opportunity too good to miss.

We will always recycle as much of our clients’ waste as possible but where that can’t happen it’s great to be able to ensure any residual is put good use. This year will be Cawleys’ 75th anniversary and a deal like this where our carbon footprint is considerably reduced, is a great way to celebrate!”