Why responsible recycling shouldn’t cost installers a penny

For some installers, waste removal has long been treated as an unavoidable part of the job – an inconvenience to be dealt with quickly so projects can move on. Skips are booked, materials are taken away, and little thought is given to what happens next.

But as sustainability expectations continue to rise across the construction and home improvement sectors, that approach is increasingly challenged.

Homeowners are asking more questions about environmental responsibility, local authorities are tightening oversight, and the industry itself is under pressure to demonstrate that waste is handled, transparently, responsibly, and legally, once an installation is complete.

Against that backdrop, one long-standing issue is coming into sharper focus, the widespread use of unlicensed “man in a van” waste collectors.

These operators often promise quick and low-cost removal with minimal paperwork, an attractive option for busy installers under pressure to keep jobs on the move.

The problem is many of these operators are not registered waste carriers.

They fail to provide legally required Waste Transfer Notes and sometimes dispose of materials illegally – causing environmental damage across local communities from fly-tipping.

It is key that installers remember responsibility for waste materials does not end once it leaves site.

In fact, under duty of care regulations, installers can be held accountable if waste is traced back to their business, even when disposal has been outsourced in good faith.

According to FENSA, this is rarely about negligence.

“The real issue has been access,” explains Sam Davies, Technical Manager at FENSA. “Most installers want to do the right thing. Compliant recycling hasn’t always been easy, affordable or clearly structured, especially for smaller businesses. That’s exactly what allows unlicensed operators to step in.”

It is against this backdrop that FENSA launched its free Recycling Scheme.

Available exclusively to FENSA installers, the scheme offers a compliant and cost-neutral route to recycling key waste streams generated by replacement window and door projects – including PVC-U and aluminium frames and glass.

By removing reliance on skips and informal collectors, the scheme helps installers manage waste responsibly without adding complexity or overheads.

Collections are arranged through a postcode-based referral system, ensuring waste is allocated to approved recycling partners efficiently.

Installers receive compliant Waste Transfer Notes with every collection, in hand with clear reporting tools that evidence materials recycled and diverted from landfill, providing transparency that many businesses have previously struggled to access.

“For too long, sustainability has been framed as something that costs money,” says Sam. “Responsible practice shouldn’t be limited to businesses with bigger budgets, it should be the minimum baseline. This scheme proves that installers of all sizes can recycle properly, reduce skip costs, and improve their environmental performance.”

That accessibility is key.

Smaller and independent installers are often the most exposed to the risks posed by unlicensed waste collectors, simply because alternatives haven’t always been accessible.

By making compliant recycling free and straightforward, FENSA is actively supporting installers to protect themselves, their customers, and the communities they work in.

There’s also a reputational dimension that installers can’t afford to miss.

As environmental awareness grows, homeowners are paying closer attention not just to how products are installed, but how materials are disposed of afterwards.

Installers who can clearly demonstrate responsible waste handling are increasingly seen as more professional, trustworthy and future-focused.

FENSA has indicated that further tools are planned to help installers communicate their recycling efforts more effectively, allowing responsible practice to sit alongside compliance, workmanship, and customer care.

Importantly, the approach reflects a broader shift in how regulation is being framed.

Rather than acting as an obstacle, FENSA is positioning itself as an advocate – supporting installers within a regulated system by removing barriers and offering practical solutions.

“This isn’t about catching people out,” Sam concludes. “It’s about giving installers a safe, compliant alternative to a problem that affects the whole industry. When responsible recycling is easy and cost-neutral, the ‘man in a van’ stops being the better option.”

Access to the FENSA recycling scheme is managed through the FENSA Installers Portal, where installers can request collections via the benefits page to ensure waste is collected, tracked, and processed through approved recycling partners.

For more information about FENSA and how it can support your business’ growth, please visit www.fensa.org.uk or call 020 7645 3700.