In any fast-growing business, there are people whose evolution mirrors the organisation’s own – people who grow with the business and shape it in return. At North West Recycling, Beccie is one of those people.
I joined in April 2009 after relocating to Cumbria. I was already working in the waste industry and wanted to find a small, friendly business where I could grow. I met Rick for an informal interview at Warren House Farm and was shown around our Rockcliffe site before we moved here. It was only about 40% built at the time! It felt like the start of something important, and I’ve been part of it ever since.
I’ve done a bit of everything. I’ve worked on the weighbridge, been involved in customer service, audits, supply chain management, and systems development. Although I’ve not worked directly in accounts or transport, I’ve always worked closely with both because they’re such key parts of the business. Every role I’ve had has helped me learn more and see how everything connects. That’s what’s shaped me into the right person for the role I have today.
I don’t think there is a typical day. I might come in thinking I’m working on accounts reports, but end up doing customer service training, heading onto site, or reviewing contracts. My job is mostly about supporting other areas and making sure everyone has what they need. Sometimes that includes compliance, just to make sure it’s embedded across the business and not sitting with just one person.
I got into it by chance, like most people do. I started at a family-run company in Sunderland during university. Nobody wants to work in waste, it’s something you happen into, but once you’re in, you realise it’s so much more interesting and complex than people think. There’s logistics, compliance, software, environmental risk, customer service, finance, admin – it’s not just about sorting bins. There’s real opportunity in it.
I enjoy learning and understanding how the moving parts of the business link together. That understanding helps you make better decisions and support others more effectively. Over time, I’ve also become more confident in my instincts and my ability to problem-solve. I like taking time to listen, understand what people need, and work out the best way to help them while improving things for the wider team.
I like to pass on what I’ve learned. After 20 years in the industry, I hope I’m sharing little bits of knowledge every day. I enjoy empowering people — giving someone the tools and watching them succeed. That’s more rewarding to me than doing something myself. I believe in letting people try things and giving them space to grow, even if I could step in and do it faster.
Waste still has an image problem, but there’s so much potential here. At NWR, we’re investing in technology, making SRF, and developing gasification. We’re not just cleaning up waste, we’re working on solutions that benefit the environment and the economy. Waste isn’t going anywhere, so we have a responsibility to manage it better and make the industry more forward-thinking.
It’s full-on and always busy, which I like, but it’s the people that make it worthwhile. I’ve been here through a lot of change, and the business has grown massively. I think the fact that we’re still moving forward, still solving problems, and still focused on creating opportunities for our team – that’s what makes it special.
And How We Can Help Prevent Tragedies Refuse not refuge! As temperatures drop and winter approaches, many people experiencing homelessness face increasingly harsh and dangerous conditions. In desperate attempts to stay warm, some rough sleepers seek shelter inside refuse containers such as bins and skips. While it may feel like temporary protection from the cold, […]
We’re proud to announce that North West Recycling (NWR) is now an official Club Partner and Waste Management Partner of Carlisle United Football Club for the upcoming season. Founded in 1995 as Brampton Skip Hire, we’ve grown over the past 30 years into the region’s largest privately owned waste management provider, serving Cumbria, South West […]
What are aggregate materials used for and what are their main benefits? Construction aggregates are often referred to as simply “aggregates,”. They are a group of materials that are used in construction to form the foundation of roads, buildings, and other structures. Indeed, there are several benefits to using construction aggregate materials in construction projects: […]
A simple guide to gasification and its benefits Gasification is a process that converts solid or liquid fuels into a gaseous fuel called “syngas”. This is done by oxidizing the fuel, creating a mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen and other volatile gases. The syngas produced can then be burned as a fuel in a gas […]
Hiring a skip is an excellent and convenient way of getting rid of waste in your home. During home and garden clean or clear outs, you will realize that you have different types of waste to dispose of. Before you embark on disposing of any waste, it is important that you understand what type of […]
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) is a diverse and intricate category of recyclable waste that poses unique challenges in the recycling process. This category of waste consists of various electronic devices, making it a challenging waste type to handle. Our primary goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for the waste we receive, […]
When it comes to waste and recycling, North West Recycling is the leading waste management provider across Cumbria and beyond. And for good reason too. Here are 10 reasons why you should choose us as your provider: 1. North West Recycling provides a reliable service with a reputation for quality and dependability. 2. We recover […]
Ever wondered whether you actually know the best way to recycle plastics? Here are some tips specifically for recycling rigid plastics in the UK: Recycle Plastics Remember that recycling is just one part of the solution to reducing plastic waste. Reducing your use of single-use plastics and choosing products with minimal packaging can also have […]
The truth is there is no right or wrong answer on how best to recycle paper, however we’ve written an easy guide blog post to help demystify the process. Here are some general tips for recycling paper: Recycle Paper By recycling paper properly, you can help conserve resources, reduce waste, and contribute to a more […]
Last week we announced plans to develop a gasification plant on our site near Rockcliffe, Carlisle. And now we are delighted to share a few more details with you. THE BACKGROUND Sadly, only 9% of plastic waste is recycled. Most is burnt for energy and the rest ends up as plastic waste in the environment. […]
There many great waste management careers available to explore within the waste sector. Some of the most common roles include: Environmental Waste Manager. These professionals are responsible for managing waste collection and disposal operations. They focus on ensuring compliance with regulations, and promoting sustainable waste management practices. Recycling Operatives. These professionals are responsible for the […]
The best way to recycle plastic film may vary depending on the specific type of plastic it is made of and the recycling capabilities in your local area. However, here are some general tips that may be helpful: Furthermore, remember that reducing plastic consumption and choosing sustainable alternatives whenever possible is also an important part […]
Syngas gasification is a proven technology that has been used for several decades in various industries. These include sectors such as power generation, chemical production, and waste management. The feasibility of gasification as a process depends on several factors. Factors including the type of feedstock, the scale of the operation, and the specific application. One […]
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