69% Reduction in General Waste: Lindab Ireland’s Operational Sustainability Transformation

The Background

Lindab Ireland, a leading provider of ventilation, air movement, and HVAC solutions, operates within a high-performance manufacturing and distribution environment where operational efficiency is critical.

As part of its broader operational sustainability strategy, Lindab Ireland identified opportunities to strengthen waste segregation, reduce reliance on General Waste, and introduce circular material recovery solutions across the site.

Working in collaboration with KeyGreen, Lindab Ireland set out to optimise waste streams, improve material recovery rates, and embed stronger environmental practices across both operational and office teams.

The Challenge

Operating within a busy industrial setting, Lindab Ireland generated multiple waste streams, including cardboard, shrink wrap, soft plastics, wooden pallets, WEEE, hazardous materials, and general operational waste. Prior to implementation:

• General Waste was collected via three 1100L bins.
• Approximately 40% of plastics were disposed of through Dry Mixed Recycling rather than segregated for clean baling.
• Wooden pallets were largely disposed of through general skips.
• Specialist waste streams such as WEEE and hazardous chemicals required more structured oversight.

The objective was clear: reduce waste volumes, improve material recovery, introduce circular reuse initiatives, strengthen staff engagement, and establish a single reporting portal all while maintaining seamless site operations.

The Solutions

Following detailed site assessments and ongoing collaboration, KeyGreen and Lindab implemented a structured action plan built around four core pillars:

1. General Waste Reduction

• Reduced General Waste bins from three 1100L units to one. 
• Introduced Organic Waste segregation to divert additional recoverable
  material.

2. Recycling Infrastructure Optimisation

• Reduced Dry Mixed Recycling bins from two to one.

This resulted in approximately one tonne of segregated recyclable material baled per month.

3. Circular Pallet Programme

• Pallets in good condition donated for community reuse through a local environmental social group.
• Damaged pallets segregated into dedicated wood skips for recycling
  through KeyGreen’s C&D recovery line.

4. Structured Specialist Waste Management

• Installation of an on-site WEEE cage for compliant electronic waste
  segregation.
• Scheduled hazardous waste collections every 6–8 months for hydraulic
  fluids and cleaning products.
• Three tailored waste training sessions delivered to operational and office teams, strengthening awareness and ownership.

The Result

This resulted in approximately one tonne of segregated recyclable material baled per month.

• 69% reduction in General Waste weights (January 2025 vs January 2026).
• Reduction from three 1100L General Waste bins to one.
• Elimination of pallet wrapper plastics from Dry Mixed Recycling through
  dedicated baling.
• Approximately one tonne of cardboard and plastics baled per month, producing
  higher-quality recyclable material.
• Successful diversion and reuse of wooden pallets through structured donation
  and recycling programmes.
• Improved compliance and structured management of WEEE and hazardous
  waste streams.
• Strengthened staff engagement and accountability in waste segregation
  practices.
• Reduced General Waste bins and increased on-site baling delivered a more structured waste approach - cutting disposal costs, improving environmental performance, freeing up operational space, and generating value from recyclable materials.

These changes not only reduced residual waste but improved reporting visibility, compliance resilience, and operational efficiency across the site.

"Working with KeyGreen, we have taken a more structured approach to waste management across site. Through site reviews and ongoing collaboration we introduced a clear action plan that improved segregation, reduced reliance on general waste, and strengthened day-to day control.This has increased baling, improved the quality of cardboard and plastic recycling, and supported a more efficient waste-to-value approach. We have also strengthened circular practices through pallet reuse, improved control of specialist waste streams, and supported the rollout with staff training. Overall, it has delivered clear environmental and operational benefits for the business. A big thank you as well to the KeyGreen, Oscar and team for their support and partnership throughout."

Andrew Smart Sustainability Controller at Lindab

Looking Ahead

Lindab Ireland continues to build on this strong foundation by exploring further
opportunities to enhance material recovery, reduce residual waste, and expand
circular initiatives across its manufacturing operations.

With optimised infrastructure, structured specialist waste management, and engaged teams, Lindab Ireland is well positioned to continue advancing sustainability performance while maintaining operational excellence.