OUR ENVIRONMENTAL MISSION

Background

London, like many large cities, faces significant challenges with waste management due to its population size and the amount of waste generated.
According to the Greater London Authority, London produces around 7 million metric tons of municipal waste every year ¹, which includes waste from households, businesses, and public spaces. In addition, the UN Food Waste Index published in 2021 estimated that 77 kg per capita of food was wasted per household in the UK in 2021 ².

Historically, London has relied heavily on landfill sites to dispose of its waste. However, due to limited space and environmental concerns, the city has been working to reduce its reliance on landfills and increase recycling and other sustainable waste management practices.
In recent years, the city has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving its waste situation. The London Environment Strategy includes targets to increase recycling rates and reduce the amount of waste generated.

The city has also invested in infrastructure to support recycling and other sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling facilities, anaerobic digestion plants, and waste-to-energy plants.
Despite these efforts, there is still a significant amount of work to be done to improve London's waste situation. As of 2021, only 32% of waste is recycled or composted in London ³.
The majority of waste is still going into landfills or incineration– both of which are harmful to the environment as these activities release a lot of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

1: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/waste.pdf
2: https://www.unep.org/resources/report/unep-food-waste-index-report-2021
3: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/waste.pdf

At GROAD, we aim to alleviate this massive issue by diverting reusable items and perfectly edible food away from landfills and into the hands
of those in need.

What We’ve Done

  • Food Donations

    London produces nearly 2 million tonnes of food waste every year, with a cash value of over £2.5bn. We have collected and distributed excess food from local donors that would have otherwise been wasted. This food has been donated to feed the hungry while also taking pressure off landfills.

  • Clothing Donations

    It is estimated that 30% of unwanted clothing in the UK ends up littering landfills. We have collected and distributed gently used clothing to individuals and families in need. By doing so, we are helping to reduce textile waste while providing warm clothing to those who need it most.

  • Household Donations

    We have collected and distributed furniture to families who are transitioning out of homelessness or starting over after experiencing a crisis. By providing furniture, we help these families feel more comfortable in their new homes, while also reducing the amount of furniture that ends up in landfills.

  • Donations to Children

    We have collected and distributed toys, books and games to nurseries, schools and after-school clubs that need them. By providing these toys, books and games, we help bring joy to children who might not have been able to enjoy them otherwise, while also reducing waste by encouraging the reuse of toys and games.

  • Community Education

    We have collaborated with the Crisp Packet Project to organize talks and events that educate children on waste reduction and the importance of donating to those in need. We have developed an extensive network of local primary schools across multiple boroughs that actively participate in collecting crisp packets on our behalf, which will then be made into sheets and sleeping bags for rough sleepers. We aim to encourage people to make small changes in their daily lives that have a significant impact on the environment and the people around them.

Environment and sustainability policy

Our key objectives are to:

  • Minimise waste by evaluating operations and ensuring they are as efficient as possible.

  • Reducing toxic emissions through the selection and use of its fleet and the source of its power requirement.

  • Actively promote recycling both internally and among our customers and suppliers.

  • Source and promote a product range to minimise the environmental impact of both production and distribution.

  • Meet or exceed the environmental legislation that relates to the company.

  • Use an accredited programme to offset the greenhouse gas emissions generated by our activities. 

Get rid of and Donate is committed to promoting responsibility for the environment and minimising waste by re-use and recycling methods.

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