Leading recycling company, First Mile, has been recognised for its commitment to responsible business – both for itself and for its customers - by being named the winner of the ‘Excellence in Responsible Business’ title at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce 2020 awards.

Eight companies were shortlisted in the category back in February 2020, with First Mile crowned the winner at last week’s Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce virtual awards event that was beamed live from Chamber House in Edgbaston.

First Mile services almost 1,500 businesses in Birmingham, and is on target to quadruple the size of its Birmingham operations between 2017-2022. Further enhancing its presence in the region, the company recently invested in a new operations facility that opened in December 2019. This new facility is located just 15 minutes from the city centre, and allows First Mile to offer even more recycling services to Birmingham, whilst reducing environmental damage from vehicle movements.

The positive impact of First Mile’s business activity in the region on climate change is significant. In 2019, its recycling activity saved approximately 900,000 kg of harmful CO2 emissions.

Business recycling results in the region, include:

  • 761,000kg of mixed recycling and cardboard
  • 86 tonnes of paper
  • 18.3 tonnes of food
  • 12 tonnes of glass
  • Over 500kg of textiles
  • 2.4 tonnes of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)
  • Two tonnes of waste coffee

First Mile has played an active role in attending, hosting and sponsoring numerous Birmingham events, including supporting the Birmingham Coffee Festival by recycling coffee cups, compostable packaging and coffee grounds. The company has also enjoyed particular success when teaming up with local partners to deliver Business Improvement District (BID) schemes in the Birmingham area. These include the Jewellery Quarter BID, which has seen improved improve recycling rates for 140 businesses over the past year.

Commenting on winning the award, Bruce Bratley, CEO and founder of First Mile, said:

“First Mile is committed to responsible business initiatives, both in terms of our positive impact on the environment and the world around us, and the responsibility we have towards our customers and employees. As a company, we’re continually evolving and we’re proud of the way we work, the services we provide, and our impact on people, businesses and recycling rates across the Birmingham region.

“We’re delighted that this commitment has been recognised with this award win. This accolade not only belongs to our company as a whole, but also to each and every one of our incredible Birmingham First Mile team members that work so hard to amaze our customers and the local community.”