Transforming Recycling Practices at The Bedford Hotel

Introduction

Recycling doesn’t have to be complex or space-intensive. With the right recycler and equipment, sites like the Bedford Hotel can achieve remarkable sustainability goals. At Bywaters, our expertise lies in transforming waste management practices through innovative solutions, like bin presses and in-bin compactors that allow clients to maximise efficiency in limited spaces.

Background: The Bedford Hotel

The Bedford Hotel, part of Imperial London Hotels, is located in the heart of London. With its small footprint, the hotel faced significant challenges in waste management. The waste room could only accommodate four 1100L bins, which were all used for General Waste (GW).

• Space Constraints: The hotel’s waste room could fit a maximum of four 1100L bins, limiting the ability to introduce separate recycling containers.
• Operational Inefficiencies: Staff would dispose of waste in any available bin without segregation, resulting in contamination and missed recycling opportunities.
• Sustainability Gaps: While the Imperial Hotel Group is known for its environmentally conscious initiatives, the lack of on-site recycling infrastructure hindered their sustainability goals.

These challenges are not uncommon in the hospitality sector. Studies show that limited space and inadequate staff training are among the top barriers to effective recycling in urban hotels.

Solutions Implemented

Bywaters’ Tailored Approach

Recognising these challenges, Bywaters designed a step-by-step strategy to optimise waste management at The Bedford Hotel:

1. Space Optimisation with a Bin Press/In-Bin Compactor:

The introduction of a bin press was a game-changer for The Bedford Hotel. This space-efficient solution reduced the number of bins required for General Waste from four to three, freeing up capacity for recycling streams.

2. Gradual Introduction of Recycling Streams

A phased approach was adopted to ensure a smooth transition:

• Phase 1: Initially, one of the GW bins was replaced with a DMR bin for cardboard. Staff were trained to focus solely on cardboard recycling, minimising the risk of contamination.
• Phase 2: After this practice became routine, another GW bin was replaced with a second DMR bin. The recycling program was expanded to include plastics and aluminium, further increasing diversion from landfill.

3. Staff Training and Engagement

A crucial factor in the project’s success was the involvement of the hotel’s senior staff. They played a pivotal role in ensuring staff consistently applied the new processes. Bywaters provided training sessions to:

• Educate staff on the importance of waste segregation.
• Demonstrate the correct use of equipment like the bin press and DMR bins.
• Establish a culture of recycling through regular engagement and feedback.

The commitment and engagement of on-site staff were instrumental in embedding these changes into the hotel’s daily operations.

Engagement was fostered through ongoing communication and feedback, ensuring that recycling became second nature for the team. Research highlights that such training is crucial in overcoming behavioural barriers to recycling.

Results and Impact

The results of this collaboration were transformative:

1. Recycling Rate Surge: Over 12 months, the Bedford Hotel’s recycling rate increased from the low 37% range to nearly 70%, significantly outperforming the UK’s average recycling rate for commercial sites.
2. Cost Savings: Switching from General Waste to Dry Mixed Recycling resulted in significant cost savings, as recycling streams are processed more efficiently and cost-effectively compared to non-recyclable waste.

Sustainability Leadership: The Bedford Hotel became a model of sustainability within  Imperial London Hotels. Their commitment aligns with the group’s wider participation in initiatives such as WrapUp London and beach clean-ups, further showcasing their dedication to environmental stewardship.

Industry Context

The hospitality sector in the UK generates an estimated 289,700 tonnes of waste annually, with much of it being improperly managed. General Waste disposal costs are often higher than recycling, making sustainable practices not just an environmental necessity but also a financial advantage. The Bedford Hotel’s success demonstrates how even small sites can align with broader sustainability goals through targeted interventions.

Conclusion

The Bedford Hotel’s transformation demonstrates how innovative solutions, engaged staff, and strategic planning can overcome even the most challenging waste management barriers. Bywaters’ approach combined space-efficient equipment, phased recycling strategies, and strong on-site involvement to achieve outstanding results.

The success of this project highlights the importance of collaboration and commitment at all levels, from Bywaters’ expertise to the dedication of the on-site team. We have shown that even smaller sites can make a significant environmental impact. For other businesses seeking similar success, Bywaters is ready to guide you every step of the way.

For more information on Bywaters’ services and other case studies, visit https://www.bywaters.co.uk/