Veolia adds to its South Pole recycling services

United Kingdom – Veolia has extended its waste and recycling services for the British Antarctic Survey (BAS). Under a new contract that builds on services delivered since 2004, Veolia will provide collection and transfer from ports to various recycling facilities using a maritime barge and support vehicles.

BAS is a research-driven organisation recognised for its Polar research into our understanding of the Earth and human impacts on it.

To ensure its activities leave no waste in the Antarctic, the contract with Veolia covers a range of specialist logistics, treatment and recycling services including the operations of the many UK research stations, ships and aircraft that support the research activities.

Maintaining the environment of the Polar regions and safely delivering complex operations in extreme conditions produce a diverse range of materials. These include laboratory samples, electrical equipment, commercial waste, clothing, rope, survival gear and obsolete living quarters.

Scrap materials are returned to various UK ports twice a year for specialist recycling, treatment and disposal. Veolia’s multi-disciplined team includes chemists, logistics experts and recycling specialists whose aim is to maximise recycling rates as well as to recover energy from non-recyclable materials.

‘The British Antarctic Survey is at the forefront of innovation in the study of human impact on the planet,’ comments Estelle Brachlianoff, senior executive vice president at Veolia UK & Ireland.

‘As a company dedicated to lowering this impact, their activities align closely with Veolia’s own global strategy to preserve resources and lower carbon emissions with an aim of achieving a circular economy. Our continuing support for this work will help them maintain their unique work environment and protect the Polar regions.’