Here at KMK Metals Recycling, the protection of the environment has always been our number one priority and an inherent part of our business model.
Responsible waste recycling is a hot topic and is becoming more critical for the longevity of our life on this planet with each coming year. We are improving our environmental footprint and that of the Irish public's by encouraging the compliant recycling of all metal, WEEE and battery waste.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues authorisations to landfills, waste transfer stations, hazardous waste disposal and other significant waste disposal and recovery activities in Ireland. An industrial emissions (IE) licence is a single integrated licence, which deals with emissions to all environmental media, in addition to the environmental management of the facility.
KMK Metals Recycling hold two industrial emissions licences at Tullamore, Co. Offaly and Kilbeggan, Co. Westmeath. The Tullamore licence, held since 2001, is currently in its fourth revision. The Kilbeggan licence, recently granted in November 2020, brings the company's total waste acceptance capacity up to 85,000 tonnes of metals, WEEE and battery waste per annum.
KMK Metals Recycling's facilities undertake a thorough environmental monitoring regime as part of licence conditions to ensure minimal impact on the environment. Comprehensive measurements of environmental aspects of the facilities are taken at regular intervals by independent professional consultants.
We are transparent and accountable, maintaining on public file environmental compliance records and Annual Environmental Reports which are submitted to the EPA for inspection.
KMK Metals Recycling has maintained ISO 14001:2015 certification since receiving its first EPA licence at Tullamore in 2001. A periodic review of the company’s QEHS aspects is a key requirement each year. Commitment is sought from top management to conduct business in a manner that continually reduces the impact of our operations, protects the environment and supports the ecologically sound and sustainable use of resources.
We believe that environmental awareness and performance is the responsibility of every employee. By embracing a philosophy of protection, compliance, conservation, qualification, and commitment -- we can all make a difference. We will ensure that all employees have the necessary information, resources and training to make informed environmental decisions.
Daily checks are carried out by the Compliance Department to ensure that none of its facilities create a nuisance for the local environment. All KMK Metals Recycling staff are fully-trained and carry out regular update training to keep them appraised of changes in legislation and to keep them informed of latest testing techniques.
We are also trying to minimise our impact by using efficient technology and machines for our recycling processes. As an energy-intensive company, the effective and efficient use of energy and the reduction of CO2 emissions are issues of ecological and economic responsibility. We will minimise impact to the environment by encouraging pollution prevention at the source, waste minimisation, recycling, and responsible disposal of production by-products.
In 2022, KMK Metals Recycling officially joined the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan, having developed an in-depth plan to improve the biodiversity on the grounds of our Kilbeggan premises.
The site on the outskirts of Kilbeggan has many suitable wildflowers and natural hedges to suit bees, butterflies and many more insects. The woodland area already has an abundance of biodiversity with likely hundreds of species. Plans for this area include introducing wildflowers such as bluebells and honeysuckle, which will attract bees during the summer months and provide berries for birds during the autumn.
The natural hawthorn hedge will be underplanted with flowers such as daffodils and snowdrops. Another area with existing plantation including birch, alder and willow will be developed with birds in mind with the addition of bird boxes, bird baths and bird feeders.
Over time, the habitat areas will be further developed to include seated sections made from recycled plastic, for staff and visitors to enjoy, along with informational signage about the birds and insects present to educate and encourage interest.
