Our story
About Printwaste
A continually evolving business, built from a proud heritage.
Our story
Where It All Began
Who we are
From Gloucestershire roots in 1983, Printwaste has grown from a two-man operation with a baling machine (one that looked rather like an antiquated cider press) into a regional leader in sustainable waste management. Founded by brothers, Don and Geof Robins, Printwaste’s journey as a family-run business has always been driven by purpose, not only profit.
With over 40 years of industry experience, we help businesses across the UK recycle responsibly and improve their environmental footprint. Our approach focuses on creating real on-the-ground impact — reducing costs, improving operational efficiency, better recycling outcomes, stronger sustainability performance, and secure, compliant waste management across all areas.
How we do it
Our team of waste experts take a holistic approach to every customer, looking at the complete picture to find smarter, more sustainable ways to manage waste. By combining technical knowledge with practical experience, we provide tailored waste management solutions that work in the real world. Our services cover:
- Recycling & Resource Recovery – Turning paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and more into new materials.
- Confidential Shredding – Secure data destruction you can trust, accredited to the highest standards to provide you with peace of mind.
- Waste-to-Energy Solutions – Re-energising non-recyclable waste into renewable energy, and diverting away from landfill.
- Food Waste – Segregating food waste away from the general waste.
Every service we offer is supported by our ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications, Ecovadis Silver sustainability rating, and our Zero to Landfill commitment.
Our values
What Drives Us
Sustainability in Motion
We’re driving towards a sustainable future— re-purposing waste and helping businesses recycle better.
Integrity in Action
We do what’s right — always. From secure data handling to transparent recycling, our work is built on honesty, accountability, and trust.
People in Partnership
From our customers to our colleagues and community, relationships come first. We care, we listen, and we grow together.
Our history
40 Years of innovation
Printwaste began in 1983, when brothers Don and Geof Robins saw an opportunity to do things differently — recycling paper from local printers at the height of the green revolution. What started as a small family venture has since grown into a leading regional waste management business, built on continuous innovation, care, and a drive to make a positive impact.
Over the years, we have expanded our services, embraced new technologies, and adapted to the ever-changing needs of our customers and communities. Each milestone reflects that same commitment — to make ethical recycling easier and more effective for everyone.
1983
Established amid the green revolution, collecting, baling and recycling paper from local printers.
1998
Investing in secure industrial cross-cutting shredders and lockable storage containers saw us diversify into the confidential shredding market.
2007
Expanding into plastic recycling to help the council recycle the excess volumes produced by residents who didn’t have access to clean running water during that year’s floods. We added further recycling services, too.
2010
Investing in a compaction machine and sourcing a polystyrene reprocessor makes us one of the only UK waste management companies for polystyrene collection.
2010
Purchasing a new 20,000ft² site that becomes our shredding facility and head office.
2010
Our collections cover a 75-mile radius for recycling services.
2015
Waste-to-Energy service launches, offering a zero-to-landfill solution.
2015
Major reinvestment into warehouse equipment, including an automated sorting line.
2020
Opening of new MRF facility depot in South Wales.
2024
Launched our Food Waste service in line with the new Simpler Recycling Regulations.
2024
Investment into Maintenance Garage to self-service our own fleet of vehicles.
Work with us
Get a FREE quote
To learn more about our waste collection, recycling and shredding services and get a free quote, drop us a line at info@printwaste.co.uk or call 01242 588600. We’d love to hear more about your business and how we can help transform your waste into sustainable products that will power tomorrow’s economy.