Future proofing waste management

Future-proofing waste management infrastructure

The UK produces tens of thousands of tonnes of waste daily. Managing that vast quantity is a complex job requiring investment, understanding and stakeholder buy-in. Copper delivers this by engaging diverse stakeholders to accelerate innovation in responsible waste management solutions.

You might not like to think about it, but where our waste goes matters. That is why we are helping to build the infrastructure and connections needed to avert a waste crisis while meeting sustainability targets.

Supporting the UK government’s Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge

Through our support for the challenge, we have connected some of the largest manufacturers, retailers and recycling companies to facilitate bold solutions to plastic waste along the full plastic life cycle.

Furthermore, we are helping to unlock the infrastructure needed to process waste effectively. Our communications and engagement around the North London Waste Authority’s Heat and Power Project were critical to securing support for a facility that needed to handle more than 700,000 tonnes of waste annually on behalf of millions of North Londoners.

Northacre Renewable Energy, Hills Group

Copper partnered with Hills to secure planning permission for an advanced energy-from-waste facility in Wiltshire. Previously, household and business waste were transported as far as Germany for incineration, resulting in costs and environmental impact. Hills proposed a local facility to manage waste and generate renewable energy, but the project had been rejected by Wiltshire County Council. Copper secured planning permission by delivering an effective, engaging communications programme that addressed local concerns and clearly highlighted the proposal’s benefits to decision-makers, helping Hills gain approval and support for this sustainable waste management solution.

North London Heat and Power Project

Copper helped North London Waste Authority secure planning consent for a £500 million energy recovery facility with minimal opposition – there were just 20 formal representations compared to 1004 for a similar project. Our campaign attracted over 11,000 website visitors, who spent an average of 2.5 minutes engaged, and mobilised 15 councillor ambassadors across seven boroughs. The project stayed on schedule, with construction starting in 2019. Our work established a lasting communications legacy, successfully repositioning waste infrastructure as a vital heat and power solution for the community.

Waste management case study - North London Waste authority

Javelin Park, Gloucestershire

Copper helped secure planning consent for the £500 million Gloucestershire energy-from-waste facility, navigating complex local politics, elections and multiple authorities. Despite strong opposition from well-organised campaign groups, the project now diverts over 91% of the county’s residual municipal waste from landfill and generates 116,000 MWh of electricity annually – enough to power more than 25,000 homes. It reduces carbon dioxide emissions by at least 26,500 tonnes per year and supports local education through a dedicated visitor centre, demonstrating a successful balance between community engagement and sustainable energy solutions.

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