Waste Mission Celebrates 40 Years of Service to UK Manufacturing
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, leading sustainable waste management company Waste Mission has grown from a small metal recycler into a trusted nationwide partner for UK manufacturers over the last 40 years.
Founded in 1985 by Philip Newman under the name Alchemy Metals, the company set out with a clear focus on scrap metal recovery and responsible service. Over the past four decades, that foundation has evolved into a comprehensive offering that reflects the complex and changing needs of the industries it serves.
Waste Mission’ s evolution mirrors that of the waste sector itself. Where compliance and traceability are now essential, Waste Mission has long placed value on good practice, transparency, and strong relationships. The business has weathered shifts in regulation, market consolidation and increased client demand, emerging as a stable, independent operator with national reach.
In 2024, Alchemy Metals rebranded as Waste Mission, a move that reflected the broader range of services it had already been offering. Clients who had relied on the team for metal recovery were increasingly seeking assistance with plastics, WEEE, packaging, and complex food
44 FDPP- www. fdpp. co. uk waste. With a reputation built on practical, tailored support, Waste Mission responded.
“ People knew us for metal, and that’ s still a core part of what we do,” says founder Philip Newman.“ But we were already helping many clients with wider waste streams. The new name simply made those conversations easier— and more accurate.”
This expansion has not diluted the company’ s identity. It remains family-owned, valuesdriven, and deeply rooted in the manufacturing industry. Waste Mission continues to work with precision engineering and food production clients, helping them achieve environmental targets, improve traceability, and increase recycling performance. Whether it’ s designing bespoke segregation systems or delivering site-wide landfill diversion, the business focuses on results.
People also remain at the centre of Waste Mission’ s story. Several team members, including Transport Manager Andy Shackle and driver Adrian Upex, have been with the company for nearly 40 years. Their knowledge and consistency have been key to maintaining the service standards that underpin the business. The company has also long prioritised staff wellbeing, offering bonuses, cost-of-living support, and a strong sense of workplace trust. As a result, it has retained talent while growing steadily and sustainably.
Today, the business is investing in digital infrastructure, including an innovative customer portal that simplifies compliance and reporting- helping contracted clients to easily stay in control of their collections, compliance and reporting.
With 40 years of practical experience and a forward-thinking approach, Waste Mission is wellpositioned to support British manufacturers through the challenges ahead. The Stevenage site continues to expand, and plans are in motion for a new northern hub to better serve clients across the UK. The company is also preparing to support clients through the next wave of regulation, including Simpler Recycling legislation and tightening ESG requirements.
While its name and capabilities have grown, the business remains anchored by the same values that defined it in 1985: honesty, practicality, and a focus on turning waste into value.
To book a waste review and find out how the team can transform your waste streams, visit https:// wastemission. com / book-a-wastereview /.