Our story

About Printwaste

A continually evolving business, built from a proud heritage.

Our story

Where It All Began

food waste truck

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:

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.

1983

1998

Investing in secure industrial cross-cutting shredders and lockable storage containers saw us diversify into the confidential shredding market.

1998

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.

2007

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

2010

Purchasing a new 20,000ft² site that becomes our shredding facility and head office.

2010

2010

Our collections cover a 75-mile radius for recycling services.

2010

2015

Waste-to-Energy service launches, offering a zero-to-landfill solution.

2015

2015

Major reinvestment into warehouse equipment, including an automated sorting line.

2015

2020

Opening of new MRF facility depot in South Wales.

2020

2024

Launched our Food Waste service in line with the new Simpler Recycling Regulations.

2024

2024

Investment into Maintenance Garage to self-service our own fleet of vehicles.

2024

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.

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