L&S Waste Management has invested more than £1/4 Million in a new high-tech waste processing plant. Using a process called 'air density separation' (ADS) this unit has been specifically designed to recycle the residual fine materials recovered from construction skip waste.
The state of the art ADS machine processes these residues referred to by the waste industry as 'Trommel Fines', it separates and recovers 100% of this material into reusable commodities such as fuel for energy (RDF) and aggregate for reuse within the construction industry. Using an electro magnet, small items of metal such as nails, screws are also recovered. The resultant use of this new ADS plant provides L&S and its clients with a 100% recovery score and a 100% total diversion from landfill for this very difficult waste stream.
In May 2012 HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) controversially issued confirmation guidance stating that 'Trommel Fines', which areas of the waste industry waste had previously interpreted to be classed as inert material and therefore charged at the lower landfill tax rate of £2.50 per tonne, would instead attract the correct LFT levy i.e. as 'active' material and charged at the standard rate of £64 per tonne. This rate increased again to £72 per tonne on 1 April 2013.
L&S Waste managing director Mick Balch, said: "In deploying the new ADS plant, committing the site, staff and associated machinery to deal with this problematic material L&S is making a significant long term investment, however one that is absolutely necessary to ensure that we remain at the forefront of our industry whilst importantly providing our clients with the highest possible waste recovery rates, in a fully compliant manner.
"Increasing Environmental Legislation and Landfill Tax rates combined with Zero to Landfill waste targets will have a huge operational impact on every business offering waste disposal services. L&S is pleased to leading the way in the South."