Birmingham Wholesale Market Achieves 91% Recycling and Landfill Diversion Rate
Birmingham Wholesale Market is proud to announce a major environmental milestone, with 91% of all waste processed on site now being recycled or diverted away from landfill.
The achievement represents a significant step forward in the Market’s ongoing commitment to reducing waste, improving sustainability and creating a cleaner environment for tenants, visitors and the wider Birmingham community.
Recycling Performance Rises from 71% to 91%
The progress made over the past 18 months has been substantial. During 2024, Birmingham Wholesale Market achieved an average recycling and landfill diversion rate of approximately 71%. By July 2026, this had increased to an impressive 91%.
A diversion rate of more than 90% is widely regarded as an excellent level of environmental performance, with organisations across manufacturing, distribution, education and other large commercial sites working towards similar “zero waste to landfill” ambitions.
Reaching 91% demonstrates what can be achieved when tenants, contractors, service providers and Site Management work together towards a common goal.
A Team Effort Across Birmingham Wholesale Market
The achievement has only been possible through the continued commitment of everyone working at the Market.
Site Management would particularly like to recognise the contribution of AXIL, whose waste management expertise, innovation and dedication have been instrumental in delivering the significant improvement in recycling performance.
Thanks also go to GMS Security for their continued work in maintaining a safe and secure environment, and Clean Image, whose team works hard to keep the Market clean and well maintained.
Most importantly, the Market would like to thank all of its tenants and their employees. Responsible waste separation and disposal across individual businesses has played a vital role in achieving the 91% figure.
Reducing Food Waste While Supporting the Community
Birmingham Wholesale Market is also looking beyond traditional recycling and considering how surplus products can be put to better use.
A new partnership with The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) is helping to divert surplus edible food away from the waste stream and redistribute it to support homeless people and other people in need within the local community.
The initiative demonstrates how improving sustainability can create both environmental and social benefits. Instead of good food going to waste, it can be redirected to people and organisations that can make use of it.
Progress Despite Significant Challenges
The improvement is particularly notable given the challenges experienced across Birmingham during this period.
Ongoing bin strikes and an increase in fly-tipping have placed additional pressure on waste management operations. Despite these circumstances, Birmingham Wholesale Market has continued to improve its performance and achieve its highest recycling and landfill diversion levels to date.
This reflects the dedication of those working across the site and the importance of maintaining clear processes for separating and managing waste correctly.
Building on the 91% Milestone
Achieving a 91% recycling and landfill diversion rate is an important milestone, but it is not the end of the journey.
Birmingham Wholesale Market will continue to look for opportunities to reduce waste, increase recycling and minimise the amount of material ultimately sent to landfill.
This will include maintaining the high standards already achieved, developing initiatives such as the partnership with The Active Wellbeing Society and identifying further opportunities to improve waste management throughout the site.
Continued cooperation from tenants and their teams will remain essential. By correctly separating waste and following the Market’s waste management procedures, every business on site can contribute to maintaining and improving these results.
A More Sustainable Birmingham Wholesale Market
The progress from 71% to 91% in just 18 months is an achievement everyone associated with Birmingham Wholesale Market can be proud of.
It demonstrates that even in challenging circumstances, significant environmental improvements can be achieved through collaboration, commitment and a shared sense of responsibility.
Birmingham Wholesale Market would like to thank its tenants, employees, contractors and service partners for their continued support in making the Market a cleaner, safer and more sustainable place for everyone.
