How incorrect battery disposal is putting our transfer stations at risk

How incorrect battery disposal is putting our transfer stations at risk

It is estimated that we throw away around 600 million batteries a year in the UK. That’s why it’s so important that they are disposed of in the correct way. When used batteries aren’t recycled properly, they can cause serious damage to waste and recycling facilities.

As a result of incorrect battery disposal, we have experienced a number of small fires at our transfer stations.

How the everyday household battery can cause fires

There are three main types of batteries; portable (rechargeable and non-chargeable), automotive and industrial. All three types need to be recycled using dedicated battery recycling services.

Lithium-ion batteries are the most dangerous types of batteries, when not recycled properly. These types of batteries can be found in; mobile phones, power tools, electric toothbrushes, laptops, e-cigarettes and other everyday appliances.

When batteries are disposed of in the same way as general or recycling waste, they are likely to be handled in ways that we would never knowingly treat used batteries. For example, they may be compacted, punctured, or covered in liquid. If batteries get even slightly wet or become overheated, they are at risk of igniting and starting a fire.

Not only do these fires put the lives of our members of staff and customers at risk, they also disrupt our waste management services and can cause major damage to our sites. Furthermore, with the vast amount of dry mixed recyclables and other flammable materials we hold at our sites, the risk of fire spreading fast is high.

How batteries can pose a threat to the environment

As previously mentioned, incorrect battery disposal can cause fires, risking damage to the surrounding environment and wildlife. In addition to that, corroding batteries begin to leak mercury, cadmium and other chemicals into soil and eventually, surface water, causing water pollution. Water pollution can disrupt marine life and contaminate water supplies.

How to correctly dispose of batteries

All types of batteries should be recycled using a specialised battery recycling service. You can bring your batteries to one of our sites and we will ensure they are recycled responsibly.

Batteries should not be disposed of along with any other waste, including in skips or wheeled bins.

If you are uncertain about how to recycle your batteries or would like more information, please call us on 01483 504595.

Chambers is sponsoring Greatest Hits Radio’s Mission Christmas

Can you help us get toys to children who might not have a single present to open this Christmas? We’re sponsoring Greatest Hits Radio’s Mission Christmas to support families that will struggle to put gifts under the tree after a really tough 2020.

Becoming one of Santa’s extra elves is easy – just click below to donate whatever you can. 100% of your money will be used by local charities to buy gifts and stack them on the sleigh before the 25th. You can also donate new and unwrapped gifts at drop-off points across Surrey and Hampshire.

Our drop-off point is Chambers headquarters on North Moors, Westfield Road, Slyfield, Guildford, GU1 1SE. Alternatively, you can visit one of our other points across Guildford, Woking, Aldershot and more. Find your nearest location on the map here.

Thank you for helping children that need it the most this Christmas and please share this with your friends!

Thank you NHS and key workers

Over the past few months, it’s no doubt that we have been thrown into unprecedented times. Yet, in the midst of all of this, it’s the resilience of the British people that has shone forward. We have especially been inspired the diligent and brave work of our NHS and key workers, whose support has been second to none. From our nurses to our teachers, store assistants and everything in-between, we are grateful for your sacrifice.

As a token of our gratitude and in honour of each and every essential worker, we have decorated one of our iconic blue trucks with the recognisable rainbow symbol and heartfelt words from all of us at Chambers Group. If you see our rainbow trucks around, why not give us a wave, take a moment to clap for our carers and remember those on the frontline at this time. Let’s continue to band together and show that Britain will not be defeated.

A letter from DEFRA

We are very grateful to have received this letter from DEFRA, acknowledging the hard work from our key workers during this extremely challenging time.
We will continue to service the nation as best we can through the protective measures outlined on our home page.
If you feel that you need to adjust your bin emptying schedules or suspend your services, then we are offering you the opportunity to do so without penalty.

If you feel that you need to adjust your bin emptying schedules or suspend your services, then we are offering you the opportunity to do so without penalty.

Please email us at enquiries@chambers-group.co.uk or call us on 01483 504595 and we will do all we can to assist and support you during this very difficult time.

Chambers Runfold PLC reopens

As a country, we are facing extraordinary times as the COVID-19 pandemic really begins to bite.
However, as key workers in a key sector, Chambers Waste Management PLC has continued to operate reduced services to support our customers where we can.
After careful consideration and a review of the ways in which we work, we are pleased to say Chambers Runfold PLC has now reopened and is also ready to serve our customers again.
In order to reopen, we have put some new restrictive measures in place, to ensure our service is safe and within the guidelines outlined by the Government.
These measures include:
  • All members of staff, office and field based, to follow Government Guidelines with regards to Social Distancing and keeping, wherever possible, two metres apart.
  • Strict attention to hygiene to be followed in and around the office by ensuring that hands are washed at more regular intervals with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and the use of hand sanitiser used when required.
  • Objects and surfaces that are touched regularly will be cleaned using anti-bacterial spray at least every two hours. This will include door handles, kitchen surfaces, desks etc.
  • A “no sign” policy will be adopted alleviating any contact with our delivery drivers. This will also apply to our Chambers drivers.
  • Staff to be, wherever possible, confined to the same machine each day. If this is not possible, then the steering wheels and controls are to be cleaned using anti-bacterial spray.
  • When loading material out to customers and own drivers, staff will remain in sealed cab of the machine removing any risk of contact with others.
  • Should a continuous cough, or high temperature develops they will be required to stay at home whilst following the Governments “stay at home guidance”.
If you have any queries regarding your service or would like to discuss your options, please email us at enquiries@chambers-group.co.uk, or call us on 01483 504595 and we will do all we can to assist and support you during this very difficult time.

Thank you to all our staff

The last few weeks have been a testing time for all of us and as a key worker in a key industry, our essential staff are carrying on, emptying waste for key businesses across the region.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for all their hard work during this incredibly challenging time.

If you feel that you need to adjust your bin emptying schedules or suspend your services, then we are offering you the opportunity to do so without penalty.

Please email us at enquiries@chambers-group.co.uk or call us on 01483 504595 and we will do all we can to assist and support you during this very difficult time.

  • Chambers blue and green truck

Helping our NHS

We’re proud to announce that Chambers Runfold PLC and Chambers Waste Management has donated 1500 pairs of surgical gloves and 30 all in one suits, usually used by our workshop staff, to medical staff at Shere surgery for them to use as PPE.

We are extremely thankful to the NHS and we’re glad we can give a something back to help with all their hard work.

We urge everyone to stay safe and keep looking after each other during this challenging time.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Chambers Waste Management still operating

As a country, we are facing extraordinary times as the COVID-19 pandemic really begins to bite.

However, as key workers in a key sector, Chambers Waste Management PLC will continue to operate reduced services to support our customers where we can and will run using the measures outlined below.

If you feel that you need to adjust your bin emptying schedules or suspend your services, then we are offering you the opportunity to do so without penalty.

Please email us at enquiries@chambers-group.co.uk or call us on 01483 504595 and we will do all we can to assist and support you during this very difficult time.

Temporary closure of Chambers Runfold PLC

Sadly, due to the current unprecedented challenges that we are facing, and following Government Guidance, we will be temporarily closing Chambers Runfold PLC on Friday evening 27th March 2020.

This is a decision that has not been easy or rushed but has been made to protect the health and wellbeing of our employees, their families, our suppliers, the general public and our customers.

We trust you understand the reasons behind our decision, and we hope to be of continued service as soon as possible.

Stepping up Protective Measures

With none of us having faced such a situation quite like this before, the virus has already affected many areas of our daily lives and the disruption is likely to last for some time. The Government continues to update their guidance on a regular basis, based on the latest medical and scientific advice.

In light of the Government’s move from the ‘containment’ to the ‘delay’ phase in combatting Covid-19 we have introduced measures on all our sites to help protect our staff and customers. We ask that if you are visiting our sites that you follow the instructions that we give you and work with us to protect all who use our sites.

We are now also asking our drivers to e-sign on behalf of customers in order to limit the potential spread of infection through handling of the electronic tablets and for all staff and customers to keep a two metre (6.5 feet) distance between all persons at all times.

The Government’s current advice is that people should self-isolate if they are experiencing any of the symptoms of the virus. Our business relies on our staff to provide the high levels of customer service usually given to our customers.

To assist us in maximising our workforce we ask that if you or your business are affected by the virus that you let us know as soon as possible so that we can work with you to identify the best way to continue to service your needs. If you need to reschedule any works e.g. a delivery, exchange or collection please give us as much notice as possible so we can continue to work efficiently and effectively.

This unprecedented viral outbreak will test our communities and businesses. We are all in this together and we will continue to work hard to minimise any disruption to your business. We ask for your cooperation during this time and look forward to continuing to provide the best service possible to you, our customers.

 

Kind regards,

Chambers Waste Management Plc

Chambers Runfold PLc

The simple way to get even more value from your skip hire

Hiring a skip is one of the most cost efficient, hassle free ways of disposing of your waste at home or work. You can book one at the click of a button and it’s delivered at a time and place of your choice, meaning no more queuing at the local tip. And if you choose a reputable company, at least 90 per cent of your waste should be recycled rather than sent to landfill.

But there’s another way of getting value from your skip hire – and that’s by simply loading your skip correctly to ensure every space is filled.  Check out our tips below:

  1. Check what materials can’t be thrown in the skip

If you throw in items not accepted by your skip company, they could refuse to collect it or charge you extra. So check the T&Cs of your contract before getting started as these will tell you exactly what you can’t put in the skip or anything that will incur additional charges.

  1. Break up big items

If you throw large items like furniture and tree branches into your skip without breaking them up, you’ll end up with lots of pockets of wasted space. So carefully dismantle big items first.

  1. Load your skip in order

Load the flat items – like planks of wood and flattened cardboard boxes – into the bottom. Then add big heavy items, followed by loose materials like soil, sand and rubble as they will settle into the gaps. Lastly, add your lighter items and bagged general rubbish.

  1. Don’t overfill!

It’s important not to fill the skip above its ‘level load’ marker. This is because the waste could dangerously fall out of the skip while in transit. Your skip hire company might refuse to collect an overfilled skip, or charge you for removing the extra items.

If you have any questions about skip hire in Surrey, contact the friendly Chambers team on 01483 504595 or email enquiries@chambers-group.co.uk. You can hire a skip here

Chambers backs BTCC champ Andrew Jordan for 2020

We’re thrilled to have renewed our sponsorship of British Touring Car Championship champ Andrew Jordan yet again for 2020.

The 2013 title winner, who has won 26 BTCC races, will return as part of the WSR team alongside reigning champion Colin Turkington and Tom Oliphant when the season kicks off in April.

The Chambers logo will appear on Jordan’s racing suit as well as on the bodywork of his custom-built BMW 330i M Sports.

Despite missing two races in last year’s championship, Jordan still managed to finish in second place, just two points behind Turkington.

Chambers’ Chairman Peter Chambers said: “Legendary WSR boss Dick Bennetts recently said AJ is one of the finest BTCC drivers not just of the current crop, but of this whole generation and we couldn’t agree more.

“This is the 6th year we have backed AJ in the BTCC. We admire his sheer determination and focus, which make him a brilliant brand ambassador for Chambers. We wish him the very best for the 2020 season and look forward to see him take the wining spot on the podium this year.”

Don’t miss our exclusive interview with Andrew Jordan in the coming weeks.