Biffa acquires Scottish demolition company

Biffa said the move further underpins its commitment to low-carbon collections and material processing. (Photo: Biffa)

This latest acquisition for Biffa and will expand its waste capabilities in the construction and demolition sector.

Biffa is acquiring the entire share capital and will welcome the 100-strong team at HWR into its collections business, along with 49 vehicles.

Biffa already operates construction and demolition processing facilities in Newcastle, Birmingham and Cardiff.

Two quarry restoration sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow do not form part of the acquisition and will remain under the direct control of the Hamilton family.

Maxine Mayhew, Chief Operating Officer at Biffa, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Hamilton team and customers to the Biffa Group.

“Biffa is the largest collector of waste and recycling in the UK and the addition of HWR’s capability in the construction and demolition sector will further strengthen our services in this important market.

“HWR’s sustainability credentials are impressive, and we look forward to working together.”

Robin Stevenson, Managing Director of Hamilton Waste, added: “We are delighted to have completed the sale of the business and I look forward to working with Biffa as HWR starts this exciting new chapter.

“Our customers will continue to be serviced under the HWR brand, by the same team who are committed to providing the most sustainable service possible, while also being able to draw on Biffa’s extensive pool of resources and expertise.”

The acquisition includes 49 vehicles. (Photo: Biffa)

Family-owned HWR processes over 135,000 tonnes of material annually.

Its processing and recycling business handles wood and plasterboard, and also recycles and diverts over 65,000 mattresses away from landfill every year.

In 2021, HWR became Scotland’s first waste management company to achieve 100% carbon-neutral status. It diverts over 95 % of incoming waste from landfill and has invested over £10 million (US$12.7 million) at its recycling centre in Smeaton, near Edinburgh.