From Humble Origins
to Class Leaders

J&B Recycling’s roots can be traced back to the 1970s and a family-run solid-fuel business established by Hartlepool businessman Alan Jackson. Operating from Baltic Street in Hartlepool, the Jackson family business supplied fuel to power stations and steelworks across the UK and provided employment for a significant local workforce.

Alan’s daughter, Vikki Jackson-Smith, joined the family business as a Weighbridge Clerk, beginning a career that would ultimately see her establish and lead J&B Recycling. She progressed through the company to become Transport Manager, taking responsibility for its logistics and developing extensive experience of the operation.

As the solid-fuel industry changed, Alan gave Vikki the opportunity to develop a new direction for the Baltic Street site, drawing on the skills, workforce and assets already in place.

Recognising the growing importance of recycling and responsible waste management, Vikki established J&B Recycling in 1998. The move successfully diversified the family business into the recycling sector while safeguarding local jobs and creating the foundations for the company J&B is today.

J&B grew from a small, family-managed operation into an established recycling and waste-management company operating five sites. Its Hartlepool operations include two Materials Recycling Facilities, processing commercial waste and household kerbside recyclables. Across its facilities, J&B handles more than 200,000 tonnes of waste and recyclable material each year and employs almost 200 people.

In 2014, investment from BGF supported a major expansion and automation programme, increasing J&B’s processing capacity and introducing new technology.

J&B joined FCC Environment in June 2024, gaining access to the resources and expertise of one of the UK’s leading recycling and waste-management companies while retaining its identity and strong North East roots. Following the acquisition, Vikki worked alongside FCC Environment Operations Director Chris Ellis to support J&B’s transition into the wider group.

FCC Environment’s acquisition of Cumbria Waste Group in October 2025 subsequently brought J&B and Cumbria Waste together as fellow businesses within the group, creating new opportunities for collaboration across the North of England.

After leading J&B from its establishment in 1998, Vikki retired in early 2026. Over almost three decades, her leadership transformed a diversification of the family’s solid-fuel business into one of the region’s most established recycling and waste-management companies.

J&B is now led by Andy Chant, Chief Executive of Cumbria Waste Group and Head of the FCC Recycling Solutions division. Andy works across both businesses, supporting greater collaboration, shared expertise and continued growth.

Today, J&B continues to build on the foundations established by the Jackson family while benefiting from the scale and strength of FCC Environment. We remain committed to investing in our people, facilities and services and delivering reliable, responsible and compliant recycling and waste-management solutions.