Wembley team’s tyre reuse project delivers environmental, operational and commercial benefits across LondonEnergy sites

LondonEnergy has been shortlisted for the National Recycling Awards 2026 for an innovative project developed by frontline colleagues at its Wembley site that transforms end-of-life tyres into durable rubber wear blades used at our Waste Transfer Station.

The shortlist recognises a practical circular economy solution that turns a waste material into a valuable operational resource, delivering measurable environmental and business benefits.

 

From frontline idea to organisation-wide solution

The project was developed by Wembley colleagues George Taylor and Vaughn Rowland, who identified an opportunity to rethink how end-of-life tyres delivered to the site could be managed.

Rather than sending tyres for external recycling while continuing to purchase replacement rubber wear blades, the team developed a closed-loop manufacturing process that converts recovered tyre material into replacement blades used at our Waste Transfer Station.

By keeping materials within the business and extending their useful life, the initiative reduces waste, cuts procurement costs, and improves resource efficiency.

 

Innovation driven by operational expertise

The project demonstrates the value of empowering frontline employees to identify and deliver practical solutions to operational challenges.

Drawing on their experience and knowledge of day-to-day site operations, George and Vaughn developed an approach that creates value from a material that would previously have left the organisation’s operations. Their innovation has transformed a waste stream into a resource that now delivers shared benefits across the business.

The initiative also highlights how collaboration between operational, engineering and management teams can turn local innovation into a scalable business solution.

 

Delivering sustainability and business benefits

The project transforms approximately 30 tonnes of end-of-life tyres each year into replacement rubber wear blades, creating a practical example of circular economy principles in action.

Supported by a £200,000 investment, the initiative is expected to generate annual savings of approximately £170,000. The project supports reuse, resource efficiency and carbon reduction, while contributing to broader sustainability objectives and reducing reliance on externally sourced replacement components.

 

Recognition for the team behind the project

Being shortlisted for the National Recycling Awards recognises not only the innovation itself, but also the people behind it.

The project showcases how frontline expertise, creative thinking, and collaboration can deliver meaningful environmental, operational, and commercial improvements. It is a powerful example of how colleagues across LondonEnergy are helping turn circular economy principles into practical everyday solutions.

The winners of the National Recycling Awards 2026 will be announced on 1 December at the Royal Lancaster London.