Recycling and the Environment

At Maylarch we are committed to recycling and reuse of materials, from the paper we use in the office to the bricks and timber that are removed from site. At Maylarch we feel that recycling is a necessary step towards securing a cleaner environment for the future.

Of the waste Maylarch produces each year from demolition we are currently aiming to increase the percentage that was recycled and put back into the supply chain from 89% to 91%.

Resources and procurement

With the purchasing of bio diesel, recycled office supplies (printer cartridges, paper products), recycled plastics for use in asbestos removal, reclamation of wood for bio mass and heating our workshop by using the waste oils from our vehicle/plant maintenance program.
We are always looking to innovate with the conversion and purchasing of vehicles/plant which have multi uses and more importantly helping our staff to develop new skills and ideas so that they can continue to improve efficiency on site or in the office.
We are constantly recycling soil/aggregates and metals to go back into the supply chain.

Efficiency

We are constantly updating our vehicle and plant fleet for newer more fuel and energy efficient models.
An example of material use is the utilization of a self contained wheel wash system on sites which recycles its own water and controls the spread of mud onto roads.
We have invested in site recycling equipment to increase our efficiency.

Waste emissions and pollution

Our work with surveying and removing/encapsulating asbestos throughout the county and beyond has greatly reduced the risk of this hazardous material becoming airborne and damaging people’s health.
Under controlled conditions and under licence from the HSE and the Environment Agency we remove and dispose of hundreds of tonnes of asbestos containing materials. We also remove and dispose of other hazardous waste as classified by the new Hazardous waste regulations such as cathode ray tubes(TV’s and monitors), fridges, fuel tanks and fluorescent light tubes.
We reclaim for reuse tiles/slates and other architectural antiques for our clients.
All our fuel bowsers are bunded to guard against spills and we use spill trays when refuelling site plant.
Our use of bio diesel has helped to cut our emissions to atmosphere and further reduced the risk of contamination due to spills.

Biological diversity

We work with clients and authorities to protect trees and other habitats close to or within demolition projects. We make sure wildlife surveys for bats, badgers and other protected species are carried out prior to a project commencing. One project was delayed for more than 6 months whilst a bat colony was allowed time to find another roost.
We hope that our work with recycling and looking towards a sustainable future will help relieve some of the pressure on our natural habitats, improve the wider environment and protect it for future generations.

Sustainable transport

Some clients ask for and we always try to encourage, where possible, materials to be recycled and subsequently reused on site which dramatically cuts down vehicle movements and their impact.
We are always looking to minimise vehicle use with careful planning and also van sharing. We have converted some of our vans to carry 6 operatives instead of 3.

Sustainable product design

We are committed to helping create and develop materials and markets for recycled waste with organisations like WRAP, DEFRA and the Environment Agency. We have had direct contact with policy makers within these organisations and also through trade associations such as NFDC (National Federation of Demolition Contractors), ARCA (Asbestos Removal Contractors Association), IDE (Institute of Demolition Engineers).
We are also keen to talk to designers and manufacturers of building products as well as architects to discuss how we can make buildings easier to recycle with a greater number of components that can be reused.
We will continue to put forward ideas and give our view point when possible.