Introduction
At Atlantic Recycling, we believe that waste should not be the end of the story—it should be the beginning of something new. Instead of letting waste pile up in landfills, we turn it into something useful:
Waste-Derived Fuels (WDF). These fuels can power factories, energy plants, and other industries, reducing the need for coal, oil, and gas.
This process not only helps keep our planet cleaner but also supports the UK’s goal to reduce carbon emissions and protect natural resources. Based in South Wales, we are proud to work with local councils, businesses, and energy providers to build a circular economy where waste is transformed into a valuable resource.
What Are Waste-Derived Fuels?
Simple Energy from Complex Waste
Waste-Derived Fuels are fuels made from everyday waste that cannot be recycled in the usual way. Items like certain plastics, rubber, or mixed household waste are shredded, treated, and transformed into fuel pellets or solid recovered fuels (SRF). These can then be burned in special energy plants to produce electricity or heat.
This method is far cleaner and more environmentally friendly than using fossil fuels, which are known to pollute the air and contribute to climate change.
Types of Waste Used to Make WDF
Not all waste can become fuel, but many common materials that would otherwise end up in landfills are perfect for WDF production. These include:
- Plastics that cannot be recycled
- Rubber from old tyres or footwear
- Fabric waste from clothing or upholstery
- Wood waste from furniture or construction
- Mixed household waste (excluding food)
- Packaging materials like wrappers and containers
These materials are collected, sorted, cleaned, and processed to meet strict environmental safety and energy standards.
Benefits of Using Waste-Derived Fuels
Environmental Benefits
The biggest benefit of WDF is the reduction in
greenhouse gases. When waste breaks down in landfills, it produces methane, a gas that traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to global warming. By turning this waste into fuel instead, we:
- Reduce methane emissions
- Lower dependence on fossil fuels
- Cut the volume of waste going to landfill
Economic Benefits
Waste-derived fuel is not just better for the environment—it’s better for business too. Companies that use WDF often save money by:
- Reducing landfill disposal costs
- Avoiding taxes related to landfill waste
- Lowering energy bills by using affordable fuel
Conserving Natural Resources
WDF also helps protect natural resources. Every tonne of waste turned into fuel is one less tonne of coal or gas that needs to be mined. This keeps ecosystems intact and reserves important resources for future generations.
Atlantic Recycling’s Role in South Wales
A Leader in Local Waste Solutions
Atlantic Recycling operates throughout
Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, and nearby towns. We offer full-service waste solutions, including:
- Skip hire for homes and businesses
- Recycling services for all kinds of materials
- Waste collection services
- WDF production and fuel supply
Our trained team ensures that waste is handled responsibly, legally, and sustainably every step of the way.
Cutting-Edge Waste Processing Technology
To turn waste into fuel efficiently, we use high-tech equipment such as:
- Automated sorting systems that separate recyclables and non-recyclables
- Powerful shredders that break down bulky materials
- Balers that compact waste into fuel blocks
This technology helps us recover maximum value from waste and meet strict environmental rules.
Creating a Circular Economy
What Is a Circular Economy?
A circular economy is a system where waste is no longer a problem—it becomes a valuable resource. This is different from the old “take, make, dispose” method, which creates mountains of waste.
In a circular economy:
- Products are made to last longer
- Materials are reused or recycled
- Waste is turned into energy or new materials
How Atlantic Recycling Helps Build This System
At Atlantic Recycling, our whole business is built around circular economy principles. Here’s how our process works:
Collection
We collect waste from homes, businesses, and construction sites using skips and collection trucks.
Sorting
The waste is brought to our recycling facility, where we use machines and staff to sort materials into categories.
Processing
Non-recyclable waste is shredded and turned into Waste-Derived Fuels.
Reuse
These fuels are delivered to energy plants, replacing coal and gas in energy production.
Each step is part of a loop that ensures minimal waste and maximum resource recovery.
Our Advanced Recycling Facility in Cardiff
South Wales’ Most Advanced Waste Facility
Our
Cardiff-based facility is among the most sophisticated in the region. We handle waste from many sectors, including:
- Households
- Commercial businesses
- Construction and demolition sites
- Industrial plants
We process thousands of tonnes of waste every month while meeting high environmental and safety standards.
What Makes Our Facility Special?
- Automated sorting lines that boost efficiency
- Staff trained in sustainability
- High processing capacity for faster turnaround
- Strict compliance with UK environmental regulations
Thanks to this facility, we are able to recycle more and send less waste to landfill than ever before.
Skip Hire Services in Cardiff
Skips for Every Project
Whether you’re clearing out your garage or building a new house, our
Skip Hire Cardiff service has the right size and type of skip for you. We offer:
- Small skips for home cleanups
- Medium skips for renovation jobs
- Large skips for construction and commercial sites
Our rental periods are flexible, and we offer reliable delivery and collection.
Green and Affordable Waste Disposal
All waste collected in our skips is brought back to our recycling facility, where:
- Recyclable materials are recovered
- Non-recyclable items are turned into WDF
- Very little is sent to landfill
We ensure our skip hire service is both eco-friendly and budget-friendly.
Construction and Demolition Waste Management
Specialised Services for the Building Industry
Construction and demolition create lots of waste—wood, brick, concrete, metal, and more. We offer customised services to help builders and contractors:
- Manage their waste efficiently
- Stay compliant with regulations
- Recycle and reuse as much as possible
Our services include:
- On-site skips and roll-off containers
- Waste collection and sorting
- Documentation for legal compliance
- WDF processing for suitable materials
Supporting Green Construction Goals
Many construction companies are working to meet environmental building standards such as
BREEAM. We help them do this by ensuring their waste is handled in the most sustainable way possible.
Helping the UK Transition to Green Energy
Reducing Fossil Fuel Use
The UK aims to achieve
net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Our Waste-Derived Fuels are helping by offering a cleaner, more sustainable energy source.
Using waste to create energy means:
- Less coal and gas are burned
- More renewable sources are used
- The UK becomes less reliant on imported fuel
Clean Energy from Non-Recyclable Waste
Even when waste can’t be recycled, it can still be useful. By converting it into fuel, we:
- Reduce the size of landfills
- Lower carbon emissions
- Create new jobs in the green economy
Partnering with Businesses for Greener Operations
We work with all types of businesses—from retail shops to factories—to help them:
- Reduce the waste they produce
- Improve their recycling rates
- Use affordable, sustainable energy
Our experts design custom waste management plans tailored to each company’s size, industry, and sustainability goals.
Supporting Local Authorities with Waste Solutions
Local councils are under pressure to meet strict recycling and carbon reduction targets. We help them by:
- Collecting and processing public waste
- Reducing landfill dependency
- Providing monthly waste reports
- Producing WDF to help local energy plants
This partnership helps councils stay compliant while making communities cleaner and greener.
Investing in Innovation and Future Tech
To stay ahead of industry standards, we regularly invest in:
- New machinery for better waste sorting
- Cleaner fuel technologies
- Electric vehicles for lower emissions
- Training programs for our staff
Innovation ensures that we offer the best and most sustainable waste services in the region.
Educating the Community on Sustainability
True sustainability includes education. We believe it’s important to teach people how to reduce waste and recycle properly. That’s why we:
- Run awareness campaigns
- Visit schools to give talks
- Host workshops for businesses
- Offer free recycling guides
A well-informed community is a greener one.
Reducing Landfill Dependency
Because of our efficient recycling and WDF processes, only a
small percentage of waste we handle ends up in landfill. Our aim is to lower this even further in the years to come by:
- Improving waste sorting
- Expanding WDF production
- Introducing new reuse and recycling programs
Affordable and Accessible Waste Services
Being green shouldn’t be expensive. We keep our prices fair so that households, small businesses, and large organisations can all afford to choose eco-friendly waste solutions.
This is part of our mission to make
sustainability accessible for everyone.
Trusted by Thousands Across South Wales
We’ve built strong relationships with homeowners, contractors, councils, and businesses. Our customers choose us because we offer:
- Dependable service
- Affordable pricing
- Ethical waste practices
- Transparent communication
Whether it’s a one-time skip or an ongoing waste contract, our team is ready to help.
A Bold Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, our goal is to become a
net-zero waste company. We plan to achieve this through:
- Expanding WDF technology
- Transitioning to electric transport
- Using AI and robotics in our facilities
- Partnering with more local and national energy firms
We’re committed to leading the change in how waste is seen and used.
Final Thoughts: A Cleaner South Wales Starts with Smarter Waste Solutions
At Atlantic Recycling, we’re not just managing waste—we’re reimagining it. By turning trash into fuel, we’re helping homes, businesses, and councils reduce pollution, cut costs, and support clean energy.
Our message is simple: waste has value. If treated the right way, today’s rubbish can become tomorrow’s resource. From Cardiff to Swansea, our work is helping shape a future where sustainability isn’t just an idea—it’s the standard.
