COLEG LLANDRILLO
Supporting Sustainable Campus Upgrades Through Plastic Recycling
Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is one of Wales’ largest further education and skills providers, delivering vocational, academic, and work-based learning to thousands of learners across multiple campuses and training centres. Guided by their mission of Improving People’s Futures, the Group plays a vital role in supporting individuals, employers, and communities across the region.
Sustainability is deeply embedded within Grŵp Llandrillo Menai’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan under the theme ‘Our Role in Sustainable Wales’. The institution is committed to reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and promoting circular economy principles across all operations. These values extend beyond teaching and learning and into the daily management of their campuses – including major facility upgrades, refurbishments, and equipment lifecycle management.
When hundreds of damaged and decommissioned recycling bins needed to be responsibly recycled following a campus-wide upgrade project, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai sought a waste management partner whose values aligned with their own long-term environmental commitments.
Recycling Challenges Faced by Coleg Llandrillo
During the upgrade of recycling facilities across several campuses, the Group was left with a large stockpile of damaged and unusable recycling bins. These items could not be upcycled or repurposed, and traditional disposal routes risked sending significant volumes of plastic to landfill – contradicting the Group’s sustainability strategy.
Key challenges included:
Large Quantities of Non-Reusable Bins: The damaged bins were unsuitable for refurbishment and required a solution that ensured maximum material recovery while avoiding landfill.
The Need for a Sustainable Disposal Route: Compliance with the Waste Framework Directive – and the Group’s own sustainability targets – meant prioritising recycling and recovery over disposal. They needed a recycling partner capable of processing and re-manufacturing plastic in a responsible way.
Local, Low-Carbon Procurement Requirements: Environmental impact is a core consideration in all procurement decisions. The Group needed a supplier close enough to minimise transport emissions, reduce cost, and support Wales-based business partnerships.
Clear Communication and a Smooth Process: Managing disposal across a large education group can feel complex, with varying operational locations and internal teams involved. A partner with excellent customer service and efficient coordination was essential.
These challenges highlighted the need for a waste management provider who could meet sustainability requirements, handle specialist plastic waste, and deliver a smooth, reliable service from start to finish.
Tailored Waste Management Solutions
Parry & Evans worked closely with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai to design a recycling solution that aligned perfectly with their operational needs and sustainability strategy. Instead of sending the damaged bins to landfill, Parry & Evans processed the suitable plastics through their advanced recycling line. The materials were:
- Shredded
- Cleaned
- Segregated
- Granulated
This allowed the recovered plastic granules to be returned to the market, supporting circular economy principles and ensuring materials were reused productively.
Measurable Benefits for Coleg Llandrillo
The local partnership between Parry & Evans and Coleg Llandrillo allowed for:
Low-Carbon Solutions: Based just 35 miles away, Parry & Evans were ideally positioned to provide a low-carbon solution by reducing transport distance which significantly lowered emissions associated with the project, supporting the Group’s sustainability goals and procurement standards.
Seamless, Stress-Free Service: From the initial enquiry through to final collection, Parry & Evans delivered exceptional customer service. Setting up the account was straightforward, collection was arranged at a convenient time, and the driver handled all on-site requirements efficiently and professionally. What initially felt like a complex disposal project became a smooth, hassle-free experience.
Compliance with Waste Legislation: The recycling process aligned with the Waste Framework Directive and wider environmental regulations, ensuring the Group remained compliant while adopting best-practice waste hierarchy principles.
This partnership demonstrated how tailored recycling solutions can transform what might seem like waste into valuable resources, supporting both operational needs and long-term sustainability commitments.
Client Feedback
“What started as a daunting disposal challenge quickly became a seamless experience thanks to Parry & Evans. Their customer service was exceptional – every email, call, and query was met with prompt, friendly support. Knowing the plastic could be granulated and returned to market rather than going to landfill aligned perfectly with our sustainability commitments. Efficient, friendly, resourceful – we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Parry & Evans.”
Coleg Llandrillo
What Makes Partnering with Parry & Evans Unique?
By combining local expertise, advanced recycling technology, and a genuine commitment to sustainability, Parry & Evans delivered a solution that exceeded expectations. Their proximity ensured lower emissions, their equipment ensured maximum recycling recovery, and their team ensured the process was easy, supportive, and aligned with the Group’s environmental values.
This case study demonstrates how sustainable partnerships can help large organisations manage waste responsibly while contributing to Wales’ circular economy ambitions.
