Zero Waste to Landfill: A Journey of Responsibility, Resilience, and Results
- Alphagary, an Orbia business
- Oct 6
- 3 min read
At Orbia (Alphagary), sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a commitment. Over the past seven (7) years, our Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWTL) initiative has transformed how we think about waste, responsibility, and our role in protecting the planet. This journey began with a simple but powerful spark: the desire to demonstrate that we are an environmentally responsible company.
The Spark That Started It All
The ZWTL initiative was born from a sustainability standpoint. We wanted to go beyond compliance and show our customers, employees, and partners that we care deeply about the environment. The goal was clear: nothing goes to landfill. Instead, we focused on three core principles—Recycle, Recover, Reuse.
What ZWTL Looks Like in Action
Our efforts span across multiple areas of our operations and using the 3 R’s – here are some examples:
Recycling cardboard boxes, which not only reduces waste but also earns us rebates when properly baled.
Recovering scrap metal from production processes or redundant equipment and receiving rebates.
Reusing pallets to reduce wood waste.
These actions have real impact. In just 42 months, at Alphagary’s Melton Mowbray (UK) site, we’ve saved over 583 tonnes of CO₂ on total recycled waste with one waste contractor—a testament to the power of collective action and smart waste management.
Empowering Employees and Building a Culture of Responsibility
Our employees are at the heart of this initiative. Through ongoing training, they learn how to segregate items for recycling, recovery, or reuse. We recognize their contributions by name, celebrating their role in driving sustainability forward.
They also understand the practical benefits of ZWTL:
It eliminates the risk of non-compliance.
It reduces costs, as some waste is removed free of charge.
It generates revenue, like rebates for properly handled cardboard or metal.
Ethical Partnerships and Due Diligence
One of our biggest challenges has been ensuring that our waste contractors operate ethically and meet all regulatory standards. We perform due diligence rigorously and only work with accredited contractors who hold:
A valid Environmental Agency (EA) carrier’s license to transport waste.
ISO14001:2015 certification though smaller companies will not.
Environmental Permit to process waste at their site.
If a contractor doesn’t meet these standards, we check other documents and onboarding to ensure that they process waste ethically, otherwise we don’t engage. Our priority is clear: never put the company name at risk.
Verified Impact and Recognized Responsibility
We track and verify our carbon reduction and cost savings through our waste contractors. Our efforts are audited annually by Deloitte and this is included in our corporate sustainability documentation. Customers see our commitment through our ISO14000:2015 certification, which reflects our ethical and responsible behavior.
What’s Next?
We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but we’re not stopping here. Our future next steps could include:
ISO50000 certification for Energy Management
Operation Clean Sweep – stop plastics going down drains
Changing behaviors and education — especially around plastic.
Plastic has become a controversial topic especially in the news and social media, but it’s important to remember: the plastics industry has responded to customer demand and needs. The Plastic Industry is changing and recycling more either by self-governance or legislative means. Education is a key factor in driving change.
Conclusion
Our ZWTL initiative is more than a policy, it’s a mindset. It reflects our values, our commitment to sustainability, and our belief that every action counts. We’re proud of our progress and excited for what’s ahead. Together, we’re building a future where waste is minimized, responsibility is maximized, and our planet is protected. This is core to our Orbia principles and values.
