A popular Somerset campsite has improved its recycling performance by partnering with waste management and recycling specialist Grundon’s Bristol depot.
Petruth Paddocks in Cheddar achieved its best result in August – its busiest month of the year -with the ratio of recyclable to non-recyclable waste rising by 10% in August against the same month last year to well over half of the total 7.5 tonnes site waste. 
The camping and glamping site, which this year has so far welcomed 18,000 visitors, is aiming to become accredited for its environmental performance and is working with Grundon to ensure the way it disposes its waste is as eco-friendly as possible.
The two businesses have been working together for three years to steadily improve Petruth Paddocks’ waste handling policy, with Grundon’s team led by sales lead Nick Malvern, supported by apprentice salesman Charlie Powell.
Petruth Paddocks owner Jules Sayer, pictured, right, with Nick, who set up the site with his family 22 years ago, said communication and deploying younger workers to encourage customers to recycle were among the innovative methods it used to make sure recycling rates remained high.
“Most campsites don’t bother with recycling at all,” he said. “But it’s written all over our customer communications that we have a zero-tolerance policy on black bin bags and that people have to recycle as they go. 
“If they don’t, they’ll be given the option to do it together or take it home.
“Recycling works best when everyone’s actively involved. We found that by employing young people to be by the bins when people leave, any issues became more easily resolved. The youngsters also learn some valuable people lessons in the process.”
He said the best way to improve recycling rates was through a collaborative effort by all parties to do the right thing.
“Grundon are a great help in providing the personal touch to their customers – us, in this case – and making us feel like we’re a valuable part of their business,” he added.
“That’s important to us too, given that our whole purpose is about looking after our customers so that they feel valued then want to come back with friends and family.
“It’s about loving our work and the people who visit us, so we’re pleased we have a waste management partner who understands the journey we’re on and embraces the same values.”
Grundon’s Nick Malvern the firm had been really impressed with the way that Jules and his staff had emphasised the importance of recycling to the site’s visitors. 
“We know it can be hard to insist that customers behave in a certain way,” he added.
“But we also believe that people actually really want to be part of a greater purpose.
“So we’re not surprised that Jules has had success with his efforts to communicate benefits of the recycling initiatives that the business is deploying.
“Of course, we’re delighted to support the business in their plans for sustainability accreditation and we’ll be happy to contribute with whatever advice and information the team needs.
“Generally, more and more companies are starting to recognise the benefits of a waste partner who provides more value than simply being competitive on price.
“It’s those added extras which are the bedrock to our commercial success and we’re proud to be supporting business owners who think the same way that we do.”
Berkshire-headquartered Grundon was launched in 1929 and today works with customers across the South of England to provide a total waste management service for the reduction, reuse, recycling, recovering and disposal of waste.
Since opening its Bristol depot in St Philips it has secured a number of waste management contracts across the city with organisations such as Bristol Zoo Project, the immersive visitor attraction Wake The Tiger, Gloucestershire Cricket Club and Bristol Golf Centre.
It has also introduced a £300,000 state-of-the-art electric collection vehicle to the city’s streets.
