We are expecting many new opportunities and a few challenges in 2018.
The forthcoming environmental policy changes, as outlined in the following article, will give us plenty to read and digest.
And this is in addition to the GDPR Regulations coming into effect in May; the change in battery weight thresholds expected in April; not to forget the new recycling targets for WEEE and packaging due in Q2, along with the stricter pre-acceptance criteria for all types of hazardous waste; no one either producing, collecting or processing waste will be left idle.
China’s decision to close the door on most types of waste plastic from this month will also present a challenge for many. The ongoing uncertainty with the Brexit process will for some be a challenge.
Where there are challenges there are usually opportunities. We expect commodity prices to stay reasonably firm for the coming year and with our commitment to return the value of recovered recyclate to our customers, we are confident we will be able to continue offering best value within our sector.
Having invested over £6m in 2017, increasing both treatment capacity and new recovery processes, we are committed to repeating this level of investment in 2018. More on this later.
In the meantime, we are continuing to focus on improving our collection performance levels. We are aware that we have not always been keeping to our own collection due dates but with an additional 30 trucks coming into service this quarter we expect to see a quick return to our usual high standards.
On behalf of all my colleagues in the WasteCare Group, I would like to thank you for your support during 2017 and look forward to being of service to you in this the 39th year of our business.
Peter Hunt, Chairman and Founder