Logistics

Nationwide logistics waste management solutions

Logistics operations move quickly. Packaging waste builds up fast, materials flow constantly between sites, and tight schedules leave little room for disruption. Our recycling logistics and waste logistics support gives your business a clear, reliable way to manage this movement of materials across warehouses, depots and fulfilment centres. This includes practical logistics recycling systems that help organisations capture more material and keep sites running safely.

We help logistics companies of all sizes handle waste safely, meet legal duties, and recover more recyclable material without slowing down day-to-day operations.

What recycling logistics means for your business

Recycling logistics is the organised movement of recyclable materials through your sites, from the point they’re produced to the point they’re processed. For logistics organisations, this often means large volumes of cardboard, pallet wrap, plastic strapping and returns.

We design practical systems that help your teams keep materials separate, capture more recyclables, and move them safely through busy yards. This includes on-site baling, clear signage, set collection points and scheduled collections that suit your operating hours. For many businesses, improving logistics recycling in these high-volume areas leads to cleaner yards and higher recovery rates.

Waste logistics across warehouses, depots and cross-dock sites

Waste logistics focuses on the movement, storage and scheduling of all waste streams on your sites. When these flows are well-managed, operations stay safe and compliant.

Our support covers:

Routing waste around loading bays and high-traffic areas
Setting skip and container locations to avoid blocking vehicle movements
Coordinating collections across multiple depots under one provider
Managing seasonal peaks without disruption
Keeping Duty of Care documentation consistent across every site

This approach gives logistics managers a single, clear view of waste performance across their whole network.

Discover our full range of services

Total waste management for logistics sites

We provide a full service that covers every waste stream your logistics operation produces. Our teams help you set up the right equipment, keep materials separate and reduce the volume of waste leaving your sites.

Managing high-volume cardboard and plastics

Logistics waste includes significant amounts of cardboard, pallet wrap and soft plastics. We advise on setting up balers and compactors to reduce transport movements and increase the value of recovered materials.

Reducing transport costs through on-site processing

By baling or compacting recyclable waste at source, your organisation can cut haulage costs, reduce container collections and free up yard space.

Handling hazardous waste safely

Logistics waste can include hazardous items:

Batteries from handheld scanners
Spill kit waste and absorbents
Cleaning chemicals
Aerosols and maintenance products

We manage these streams in line with UK legislation and can coordinate compliant uplifts across all your depots.

Recycling electronic devices and equipment

Warehouses rely on scanners, radios, label printers and IT equipment. When these items reach end-of-life, we collect and process them safely under WEEE rules.

Supporting multi-site logistics networks

Logistics businesses often operate across several depots, fulfilment centres or partner sites. Our service brings all locations together under one contract, giving your team a consistent approach to waste and recycling. This joined-up model also supports logistics recycling performance across the entire network, making it easier to compare sites and identify where improvements can be made.

We provide:

A single point of contact for all collections
Standardised containers, signage and processes
Network-wide reporting, including waste composition data
A clear view of any compliance requirements
Regular reviews to help you reduce waste over time

This helps large organisations reduce duplication, avoid gaps in compliance and control costs more effectively.

Closed-loop recycling options

Where possible, we support closed-loop models that turn the materials from your logistics operations back into useful resources. For high-volume streams like cardboard and plastic packaging, we work with specialist reprocessors to return recycled cardboard and plastics to market, including upgrading mixed plastics into packaging-grade feedstock and plastic pellets for new products. These closed-loop routes reduce waste, support compliance with recycled content requirements and strengthen your organisation’s environmental performance.

Compliance and reporting for logistics operations

Logistics sites operate under the same legal duties as other commercial premises, including Duty of Care, correct segregation and safe handling of hazardous waste. We help you stay compliant by providing:

Waste transfer and consignment notes
Support with correct segregation requirements
Evidence reporting for recyclable materials
Data for ESG, Net Zero and procurement reporting
Updates on relevant regulatory changes

This gives operations managers and compliance leads confidence that every site meets expected standards.

Social value through responsible procurement

Recycling Lives Services works closely with Recycling Lives Charity to connect commercial contracts with training, paid work and long-term support for people facing reoffending, homelessness and food insecurity. Through this partnership, logistics clients contribute to verified social impact while receiving reliable, compliant services.

Frequently asked questions about logistics waste management

What types of waste do logistics sites produce?

Common streams include cardboard, pallet wrap, soft plastics, pallets, mixed recyclables, general waste, WEEE and hazardous items such as batteries or aerosols.

How do recycling logistics services reduce costs?

By improving segregation, introducing on-site baling, coordinating collections and reducing haulage movements across the network.

Do logistics businesses need to separate recyclable waste?

Yes. UK regulations require businesses to separate recyclable waste such as cardboard, paper, plastics, metals and glass. We help you set up practical systems that work in fast-paced environments.

Can you manage waste across multiple depots?

Yes. We provide a single contract covering all sites, with standard processes, consistent documentation and consolidated reporting.

What materials can be recycled from packaging operations?

Most logistics sites can recycle cardboard, paper, soft plastics, pallet wrap, wooden pallets, metals and WEEE.

Other sectors we work with

Some of the people we work with

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Get connected…

Learn more about industry-leading platform – advanced reporting capabilities through our bespoke, online customer portal. Tracks the complete waste management journey from collection to disposal. Includes multi-layered diversion data and enhanced carbon impact reports.

Why work with us

British Gas

“Our relationship with Recycling Lives spans more than 6 years starting with our first load in 2016.

We send scrap and waste material including copper, brass, ferrous metal and more they also handle our hazardous waste such as oil and aerosols. We honestly like everything about Recycling Lives, their people are dedicated to what they do, work hard and are exceptionally friendly to deal with. Their attitude to work and charity is inspirational. Long may our partnership continue.”

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Why work with us

British Telecom

“BT and Recycling Lives have a long established relationship stretching back over 15 years.

We were looking to ensure we met and exceeded all of our environmental and waste targets and goals. To enable us to achieve this, we needed to work with the right partners that carry the same values and provide us with solutions we need in an ever change environment. Recycling Lives have continuously demonstrated their ability to deliver, always willing to go that extra mile when needed, and have built a trust within BT that our waste is in safe hands. We will continue to work with Recycling Lives in the future.”

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