Recycling and Environmental Policy
At Jeffrey Avery and Associates, we believe that we have a duty to behave responsibly with regard to environmental issues. We handle considerable amounts (many tonnes every year) of materials as we clear properties of the goods contained in them, and the easiest way for us to dispose of items would be for us to take the goods to landfill, but this would be very wasteful and harmful to the enviromnemt. We have therefore developed a heirarchy of disposal which we operate for all house clearances:
- First, and wherever possible, we arrange for items to be re-used. Re-use is far and away the best, most energy efficient option. If we can, we arrange the re-sale of good quality items through our retail division, and the proceeds can then be used to offset the cost of a clearance. We also arrange with local charities for goods to be sold through their shops, which benefits both the charity and the environment. We take considerable care to sort goods and estimate that approximately 40 per cent is salvaged in this way.
- Second, we try as far as possible to recycle goods which can not be re-used. We have established arrangements with organisations that reclaim paper, metals, glass, plastic, and electronic items (WEEE directive compliant). This disposal method accounts for approximately 50 percent.
- The remaining approximately 10 percent of goods cannot be recycled, and we use licenced local authority waste disposal facilities to dispose of these items. That way, we can be sure that waste is disposed of in accordance with all waste disposal legislation, and the environmental impact is minimised as far as possible.
We also make every effort to ensure that everything we do is as environmentally friendly as possible. We hold energy audits regularly, and as a result we have implemented the following measures to reduce our energy use:
- We use ultra low energy LED lighting in our offices and warehouse. These not only have a lifetime of up to 20 years, but use about 10% of the energy of incandescent or neon lighting.
- All computers are switched off when not in use, and are set to go in to energy saving standby mode after 20 minutes.
- Our vehicles are all equipped with the latest satellite navigation so as to avoid traffic congestion and to ensure the best routes are taken, to minimise fuel use.
- Where possible, we are now starting clearances before 6 a.m, so that we can avoid morning traffic,and if we can finish by 3 p.m. we can avoid the school run and afternoon traffic, which results in significant fuel savings.
- Our drivers are trained to accelerate and brake gently. Careful driving can save up to 20 per cent of fuel used
- All our staff are trained to be energy aware, and to look for opportunities to reduce energy use wherever possible, and are rewarded for doing so.
We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations wherever possible, and work tirelessly to find ways to do so. We believe that compliance with statutory requirements is just a minimum standard, and we are proud that we have improved our own standards year after year. The future of our planet and the world our children inherit will be determined by the actions we take today. At Jeffrey Avery and Associates we want to be part of the solution, not the problem.
