In the last two months, Waste King, the specialist collections, clearance and recycling company, has donated over five tons of recycled books, DVDs and music CDs to the British Heart Foundation (BHF). In addition, Waste King has donated and recycled over a ton of clothes in aid of the Salvation Army.

Last year, Waste King installed recycling points at its premises in the Frogmore Industrial Estate in Hemel Hempstead – to help raise funds for its chosen charities of the BHF and the Salvation Army. While many members of the public have contributed to these collections, they have received a major boost from Waste King’s house clearance service – which has recently been called upon to clear the contents of some large houses.

Waste King’s managing director, Glenn Currie, commented: “Waste King’s operating ethos is to recycle as much as possible of the waste materials it collects. We guarantee to recycle at least 85 per cent of all the waste that Waste King collects but, in reality, the figure is now well over 90 per cent. As part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, we want to promote the benefits of recycling not just in environmental terms – helpful though that is – but also in terms of directly benefiting people, through the work of the BHF and the Salvation Army. These collection points at our premises are enabling other people’s waste materials to benefit those in need.”

Most clothes still have at least 70% of their useful life left when their owner disposes of them, believes the Salvation Army. The income that the Salvation Army receives from its recycling activities – including those of Waste King – helps to fund beds for the homeless, cups of tea for the thirsty and food for the hungry.

Currie said: “Surprisingly, our policy of linking with charities in this way appears to be unusual for a waste management company. We’re now networked with a number of other, well established organisations across the UK that re-use and recycle. It’s a strategy that benefits everyone – and the environment.”

Comment: The benefits of Waste King’s policy of recycling as much as possible – and enlisting the help of the public in that crusade too – should be self-evident. The environment benefits and so do people – especially those who need help in these challenging economic times.

What is most surprising is Glenn Currie’s comment that other waste management companies appear not to be following similar policies. Maybe they can’t see the ‘wood’ for the profits of not giving to charities. Thankfully, Waste King appears to take a different view.