J&B News & Updates

19.08.25

At J&B Recycling, sustainability is more than a commitment - it’s central to how we operate. With four sites across the North East, including our main Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Hartlepool and additional sites in Washington, South Tees, and Baltic Street, we’re continually working to reduce our environmental impact and support a net zero future.

Driving Sustainability Through Energy Efficiency

While our core business helps reduce landfill waste and carbon emissions through recycling, we know that reaching net zero also means making our internal processes more energy efficient. That’s why we’ve focused on improving one of our biggest energy consumers: the compressed air system used across our operations.

After an internal review, we identified that our system was running at 10 bar pressure, even though the most demanding equipment only required 7 bar. Recognising the opportunity to cut energy use and emissions, we took decisive steps to optimise performance.

Steps We've Taken So Far

• Reduced system pressure to 8.5 bar, with plans to continue lowering it in small increments to find the most efficient level
• Installed a transducer on the main air receiver to allow for more precise pressure control
• Implemented pressure reductions during shutdown periods to avoid wasting energy when equipment is not in use

“These small technical changes make a big difference over time,” said Ashleigh Sweeney, Operations Manager, “By looking closely at how our systems work and making targeted improvements, we’re not only saving energy but taking real, measurable steps toward our net zero goals.”

What’s Next?

We’re not stopping here. Our next steps include:

• Carrying out a full Energy Survey on each compressor to identify further optimisation opportunities
• Completing an Air Leak Survey to eliminate unnecessary energy loss
• Introducing a structured maintenance and monitoring plan to ensure continued performance

Working Together for Regional Impact

J&B Recycling works with a wide range of local authorities and commercial partners across the Northeast, helping organisations of all sizes improve their waste management and sustainability efforts. We believe that collaboration is essential to achieving meaningful environmental progress, not just within our own operations, but across the wider region.

By sharing best practices, supporting businesses on their recycling journeys, and investing in efficient, forward-thinking infrastructure, we’re proud to contribute to a greener future for the communities we serve.

“At J&B Recycling, our sustainability commitments go beyond what we collect and process,” said Vikki Jackson-Smith, Managing Director, “We’re actively looking at how we can innovate and lead by example - whether that’s improving site energy use or supporting our customers with their own environmental targets.”

Looking Ahead

The road to net zero is an ongoing one, but each improvement we make, whether on-site or in partnership with others, brings us closer. Through a strong commitment to energy efficiency, continuous improvement, and regional collaboration, J&B Recycling continues to lead by example in the recycling and waste management sector.