Little Free Library Donated

A Little Library with a Big Heart – Supporting Community and Creativity in Blaengarw

 

At The Dauson Environmental Group, we’re proud to support local projects that make a real difference and the recent creation of a Free Little Library in Parc Calon Lan, Blaengarw is a perfect example.

What started as a simple idea quickly blossomed into something truly special, thanks to the imagination, compassion and dedication of local children. As part of a broader invitation to serve their community, the children were encouraged to think of ways they could contribute positively.  They chose to create a free library for everyone to enjoy.

With support from their group leader, Hannah Smart, the children took charge of the entire project. From sourcing the books and seeking permission to install the library, to designing promotional posters and selecting its perfect home in the park, the children led with energy and creativity.

As part of the opening ceremony, eight-year-old Issac gave a heartfelt speech, quoting Dr. Seuss:

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”

He added,

“We hope that children in our community can take themselves to many new places as a result of this new little library.”

Hannah Smart, Children’s Group Leader, expressed her pride, saying,

“I am immensely proud of the children who have been involved with all aspects of the project, including making posters to promote the new library. They have all grown and acted selflessly, thinking of how they could help other children in the community.”

“This project would not have been possible without the generous support and kindness of Dauson Environmental Group by provided the library structure itself and the time of Ben Maizey who gave his expertise to help build the library and spent time talking with the children about the importance of looking after the environment and the value of reusing and sharing books”.

At Dauson we see this project being far more that a box of books – it’s a symbol of generosity, creativity, and the power of young people to spark positive change. We’re delighted  to have played a part in this grassroots initiative.

Dauson Group have a community fund to support such initiatives in the locality.  If you feel your organisation could benefit, please get in touch (LINK TO FORM)

by Ben Maizey

Bluefield Land Awarded Cimla Site

by Ben Maizey

Supporting Schools and Green Industry Careers

Dauson Environmental Group: Supporting Schools and Green Industry Careers

 

28th February 2025

 

 

 

The beginning of this year has already provided numerous opportunities for Dauson Environmental Group to collaborate with authorities across the Capital Region. Our commitment to supporting school sustainability projects and promoting careers in the green industry has seen us engage with students of all ages, from primary school children to sixth-form school leavers.

 

One of our key partnerships has been with Cardiff Council, where we have worked to introduce students to the vast opportunities available within the environmental sector. Through school visits, interactive sessions, and career talks, we aim to inspire young minds and encourage them to consider careers that contribute to a more sustainable future.

 

At Dauson Environmental Group, we firmly believe that sustainability is not just about environmental stewardship but also about providing lasting benefits to communities. By fostering sustainable practices and supporting initiatives that educate and empower the younger generation, we help build a future where businesses, individuals, and communities thrive in harmony with the environment. Through collaboration and education, we can drive meaningful change that benefits both people and the planet.

 

Ben Maizey, our Sustainability and Future Generations Manager, recently visited Grangetown Primary School and was deeply impressed by the students’ insightful suggestions on how to build a more sustainable community. Their enthusiasm and innovative ideas demonstrated a strong awareness of environmental issues and the importance of taking action at a local level. Similarly, Year 7 pupils at Eastern High have come together to develop sustainability initiatives aimed at increasing the environmental performance of their school. Their dedication and creativity highlight the growing interest among young people in driving meaningful change.

 

Reflecting on these engagements, Ben Maizey shared his thoughts:

 

“While my role is to promote and share knowledge about the environmental sector and the rewarding careers within it, I have found it incredibly inspiring to hear the ideas and perspectives of these students. Their recognition of sustainability’s importance and their commitment to environmentally responsible actions give me great confidence in the future of our industry.”

 

As part of its sustainability strategy and objectives, Dauson Environmental Group recognises the importance of positively impacting the next generation. We are committed to encouraging sustainable practices and highlighting the many advantages of a career in the green industry.

 

We remain open to supporting schools with eco and sustainability initiatives. If you believe we can assist your school through presentations, workshops, or project support, please get in touch.

by Ben Maizey

Dauson Sustainability Report 2025 Launched

Dauson Environmental Group Unveils 2025 Sustainability Strategy Following a Year of Impact

23rd January 2025

 

As we step into 2025, Dauson Environmental Group is proud to reaffirm our commitment to sustainability with a strategy that continues to drive positive change for our planet, our communities, and our people.

Building on the strong foundations of 2024, this year’s strategy will focus on three core areas:

• Our World – Reducing environmental impact and driving sustainable innovation.
• Our Community – Supporting local initiatives and fostering social value.
• Our People – Championing employee well-being and professional growth.

This approach ensures we meet the increasing expectations of our customers, comply with public sector commitments, and promote the sustainability benefits we provide to the communities we serve.

X

Our strategy document is available here.

X

2024: A Year of Impact

x

Last year, we made meaningful contributions across various sustainability and community initiatives. Here are some of the highlights:

X

Inspiring Green Skills in Schools

We believe the younger generation holds the key to a more sustainable future. In 2024, we partnered with local authorities to deliver eco-friendly school projects, assembly presentations, and career events. Through these efforts, we helped students develop an interest in green skills and cultivate responsible waste habits.

X

Driving Innovation in Waste Repurposing

Our collaboration with Teesside University explored ways to transform waste into valuable low-carbon products. This partnership is progressing well, and in 2025, we aim to expand our research to help improve business operations while contributing to the UK’s net-zero targets.  We look forward to announcing more in dure course.

X

Backing Grassroots Sports & Inclusivity

 

We continued our commitment to grassroots sports across the region, supporting cricket, rugby, and football teams, as well as individual athletes. Notably, we supported Megan Thyer, Wales’ 2024 Child Sporting Hero, as she represented Great Britain at the World Jujitsu Championships.

Another particularly meaningful moment was helping establish a new public batting facility following a racist attack, reinforcing our dedication to community resilience and inclusivity.

 

Supporting Charities & Disaster Relief

We remained committed to charitable giving, supporting Caerphilly Foodbank, the children’s cancer charity Latch, and Save the Children Wales’ Christmas appeal. Our community support extended to disaster relief efforts, such as assisting with the November floods in Pontypridd, where we provided skips and environmental clean-up services to help businesses recover quickly.

 

Empowering Community Projects

Our partnerships with local authorities and community groups allowed us to provide financial aid, volunteer labour, and recycled landscaping materials to various initiatives. One standout project was a life skills training facility in Cardiff, designed to equip individuals with essential everyday skills.

 

Looking Ahead: 2025 & Beyond

 

In 2025, we will build upon these successes and our work will be promoted through our website.

X

If you or an organisation you know could benefit from our Community Benefit Fund, please get in touch or complete the application form

CLICK HERE

X

For more details on our 2025 Sustainability Strategy, visit our Sustainability Strategy page.

by Ben Maizey

Wales Recycling up to 66.6%

Neal Soils Suppliers: Wales' Leading Recycler

Wales continues to lead the way in recycling, achieving a remarkable 66.6% municipal recycling rate for 2023/24 was confirmed on 31 October 2024, an increase from 65.7% in the previous year. Surpassing the 64% target set in the Welsh Government’s ‘Beyond Recycling’ strategy, this achievement underscores the collective efforts of local authorities, businesses, and residents.

Among these contributors, Neal Soils Suppliers stands out as the number one Welsh-based contributor to municipal recycling, as confirmed by Wales Stats.

In response to the report, it’s owner, David Neal, stated,

“While we are acknowledged as Wales’ leading recycler, we see this as a shared success. Our mission is to provide innovative recycling solutions, and we’re committed to supporting the Welsh Government’s vision of a sustainable future. Together, with our fellow resource industry partners and communities, we can achieve even more.”

 

Leading the Way in Disposal and Recycling

For over two decades, Neal Soils Suppliers has been at the forefront of recycling innovation. At the heart of their operations is it’s aggregate washing plant, which has undergone significant multi-million-pound investments in recent years. With an annual permitted capacity of 350,000 tonnes, the facility transforms inert soil and stone into high-quality, reusable materials.

The plant employs technology, including rinse decks, log washers and cyclone systems, to efficiently grade, separate, and process materials. By adhering to stringent industry quality protocols, all products meet end-of-waste criteria, providing sustainable solutions for construction and manufacturing sectors.

In addition, Neal Soil Suppliers not only provides evidence that materials are effectively recycled but also ensures transparency in the closed-loop recycling process, demonstrating how the recycled materials are repurposed locally by end users.

Driving Change Across the Dauson Group - Supporting Wales' Ambitions

Neal Soils Suppliers is part of the larger Dauson Group, which also includes Atlantic Recycling. Together, the group expands its impact by providing additional recycling solutions, further enhancing its contributions to Wales' recycling achievements.

As Wales continues to surpass its recycling targets, Neal Soil Suppliers remains committed to upholding its values of innovation, transparency, and collaboration, playing a key role in advancing the vision for a sustainable future in Wales.

Links:

Welsh Government Report:

Wrap Cymru "Your recycling and what happens to it"

by Ben Maizey

Congratulations Megan: Child Of Wales Awards

Megan Thyer: 2024 Wales Child Award Winner

We are thrilled to congratulate 12-year-old Megan Thyer for winning the "Young Sporting Hero" award at the Wales Child Awards 2024, held in Swansea on 27th September. Megan, from Llanelli, is part of the Welsh & GB jujitsu squad and has competed internationally, securing two golds and two silvers in European competitions.

Dauson Environmental was proud to support Megan earlier in the year when at only aged 11 at the time, won Great Britain Jujitsu’s first ever European Gold Medal in Belgium at the Europa Cup.

The judging panel for "Young Sporting Hero" award, which included Welsh sporting greats Sir Gareth Edwards and Shane Williams, remarked:

"Despite her success, Megan remains humble and shares her knowledge with her teammates, inspiring them and boosting their confidence. Her role as a trailblazer makes her an excellent role model for young athletes in Wales and Great Britain, exemplifying dedication, humility, and self-belief."

Dauson Environmental continues to wish Megan success in her journey as she strives for excellence in jujitsu and is delighted to continue to support her continued journey as she now makes her way to the World Championships in Greece later this year.

Dauson Community Grant

As part of our ongoing commitment to the communities we serve, Dauson Environmental Group offers community grants to support individuals like Megan and local youth sports teams. These grants are available to any voluntary group or individual working to make a positive impact in their community. Applications can be submitted by completing this form.

COMMUNITY BENEFIT APPLICATION FORM LINK

If you know of a group or individual who could benefit from this support, we welcome you to get in touch.

by Ben Maizey

Dauson: Building on Circularity

Dauson Environmental Group: Pioneering Circularity in Development

In an era where sustainability is more than just a buzzword, Dauson Environmental Group stands out as a beacon of innovation and commitment to circularity. Founded on the principles of environmental stewardship, Dauson has successfully integrated a holistic approach to its business operations, ensuring that every step in its process contributes to a sustainable future. The Group’s ethos of circularity is not only a testament to its dedication to the environment but also a model for how modern development should be approached.

At the heart of Dauson Environmental Group's success are several businesses, each playing a critical role in the circular process. Here’s a closer look at how these companies work together to transform brownfield sites into thriving communities.

Bluefield Land: Transforming Brownfields

Bluefield Land is the first step in Dauson’s circular journey. Specialising in the acquisition of brownfield sites, Bluefield identifies areas that have been previously used and are now ripe for redevelopment. By focusing on brownfields, Bluefield helps to reduce urban sprawl and promotes the reuse of land, which is a cornerstone of sustainable development.

Bluefield predominantly build affordable housing schemes for Local Authorities and Housing Associations in an approach to tackle the current UK housing crisis.

Cardiff Demolition: Clearing the Path

Once Bluefield Land has acquired a site, Cardiff Demolition steps in. Experts in demolition and site clearance, Cardiff Demolition carefully deconstructs existing structures, ensuring that materials are sorted and prepared for recycling. Their meticulous process ensures that as little waste as possible ends up in landfills, aligning perfectly with Dauson’s circular ethos.

Atlantic Recycling: Converting Waste to Resources

The materials recovered by Cardiff Demolition are then transported to Atlantic Recycling. Here, all recoverables are processed and recycled. Atlantic Recycling is adept at turning what was once considered waste into valuable resources, further minimising environmental impact and supporting the circular economy.

Cardiff Demolition: Crushing for Reuse

After the initial recycling phase, Cardiff Demolition takes on the task of crushing arisings into 6F2, a high-quality material used in construction. This crushed material is then ready to be reused on site, closing the loop on materials and ensuring nothing goes to waste.

Neal Remediation: Restoring Land for Future Use

Neal Remediation plays a crucial role in managing and remediating land to make it suitable for civil engineering projects. Their expertise in land restoration ensures that previously unusable sites are prepared for development, furthering Dauson Environmental Group’s commitment to sustainable land use.

Bluefield Land: Reusing Crushed Materials

The crushed material produced by Cardiff Demolition is then utilised by Bluefield Land on-site for various construction purposes. This not only reduces the need for new materials but also enhances the sustainability of the development process.

Neal Soils: Distributing Surplus

Any surplus material that is not needed on-site is handled by Neal Soils. They specialise in the sale and distribution of excess materials, ensuring that nothing goes to waste and that other projects can benefit from high-quality, recycled materials.

Bluefield Land: Building the Future

The final step in the process is the construction of new housing on the recovered brownfield sites by Bluefield Land. These new developments are a testament to the effectiveness of Dauson Environmental Group’s circular approach, transforming once-neglected areas into vibrant communities.

A Model for Sustainable Development

The work being done by Dauson Environmental Group and its affiliated businesses is a prime example of how a commitment to circularity can lead to sustainable development. Each company within the group plays a vital role in ensuring that resources are used efficiently, waste is minimised, and the environmental impact is reduced.

By focusing on brownfield sites and integrating a circular process, Dauson Environmental Group not only contributes to environmental sustainability but also revitalises communities, creating a brighter, more sustainable future.

This innovative approach is what we are implementing at Porth, showcasing the power of circularity in action. As Dauson Environmental Group continues to grow, its commitment to these principles.

For more information regarding any of our services, please contact us.

by Ben Maizey

PAS 402 & ISO Certifications Retained

Read more

by Ben Maizey

Keltruck Strenghtens Partnership with Dauson

Dauson Environmental Group Strengthens Partnership with Keltruck

1st July 2024

Dauson Environmental Group has once again chosen Keltruck to enhance our fleet.

Richard Woodland, Account Manager of Keltruck, Cardiff, facilitated the supply of new vehicles to Dauson's South Wales-based fleets, commented,

"Thank you to Dauson Environmental Group for their continued loyalty to Keltruck and Scania. I was delighted to assist with Dauson’s further expansion by arranging the delivery of their latest batch of new trucks out of an order of 26 tippers, five hookloaders, and two skiploaders."

The latest tippers delivered to Neal Soil Suppliers feature Scania’s new, high-level, heavy-duty air filtration system—the first of their kind supplied in the UK. Atlantic Recycling ordered the five hookloaders and two 18-ton skiploaders with drawbar couplings, all equipped with Hyva equipment fitted and serviced by Reload Systems. Additionally, Dauson Environmental Group acquired multiple tractor units, with eight Scania R500 XT twin tag tractor units going into service last year.

Dauson use in the ongoing supply of Scania vehicles by Keltruck is expected to continue, especially following the introduction of their ultra-efficient ‘Scania Super’ engines, which have already resulted in a remarkable 20% improvement in fuel efficiency, significantly enhancing operational cost-effectiveness.  In response to Keltrucks press release, Scott Haines, Transport manager for the group commented:

"We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Keltruck. The quality of the Scania vehicles and the exceptional service provided by the Keltruck team have been instrumental in our operational success. The new additions to our fleet, especially the Scania Super engines, have significantly boosted our efficiency and reduced our environmental impact. We look forward to many more years of successful collaboration."

Click here for Keltruck's full Press Release

This revised press release highlights the collaboration and mutual benefits between Dauson Environmental Group and Keltruck, emphasising the ongoing commitment to quality and efficiency in their operations.

by Ben Maizey

Dauson Statement: Channel 4 Dispatches

Statement following Channel 4 Dispatches “Rubbish Tip Britain” first broadcast on Friday 21st June 2024

Date: 26th June 2024

Dauson Environmental Group is extremely disappointed with the tone, context, and content of the Channel 4 Dispatches “Rubbish Tip Britain” despite providing comprehensive information to the Production Company before broadcast.

Dauson Environmental Group employs over 250 people across Wales and contributes around £50m every year to the Welsh economy. The value at the core of our business is to clean up the environment, and as a business we are committed to recycling, redevelopment, and regeneration and are proud to provide a significant contribution to the total amount of waste recycling in Wales.

Waste management, by its very nature, is a highly regulated industry. Dauson Environmental Group is committed to maintaining these high standards of environmental management and transparency. We therefore regularly and openly engage with Natural Resources Wales and other appropriate stakeholders.

Withyhedge Landfill Site

Since the purchase of the site in 2022, Dauson Environmental Group has invested over £5m at the site in order to make significant improvements. We are unable to comment on activities relating to the site prior to our ownership. This includes alleged receipt of hazardous medical waste.

We are confident that the issue of odour has been resolved. In consultation with NRW, we have implemented measures to ensure that any odour from the site is minimised and does not affect the surrounding community.

We once again apologise for the impact this has had on local residents and our community.

However, whilst the broadcast stated that Public Health Wales has recently said that “hydrogen sulphide levels had exceeded safe levels”, in fact the levels recorded have only exceeded those associated with odour nuisance, not safety thresholds.

It should also be noted that Public Health Wales’ statement relates to a snapshot from approximately three months ago when samples were tested. Independent sampling and testing has been taking place for some time and we welcome updated sampling and testing to reassure the community.

Having reviewed footage of the alleged leachate leak captured by drone footage, we can advise that this shows a discharge into a containment ditch for surface water collection, and not into a waterway. This was not reported as such in the broadcast.

We understand that NRW is investigating water pollution in the area more generally which is likely to involve a number of local operators as well as other facilities further upstream. It is inappropriate to comment further until the investigation is concluded.

Waste Management 

Withyhedge Landfill site does not knowingly accept non-conforming waste. This includes plasterboard, wood, tyres, and metal girders; Our waste acceptance procedures are stringent to prevent such materials from entering our site.

Our leachate is managed in strict accordance with our leachate management plan. We should make clear that the re-circulation of leachate is an accepted practice and not a violation of our permit. In addition, in excess of 35,000 tonnes of leachate has been removed from site in the past 12 months for treatment.

We are not aware of any ongoing inquiry into waste mis-categorisation or tax improprieties; however, we are committed to working with regulators to address any issues that may arise.

It should be noted that the claim in the programme that a typical artic load is between 30 and 40 tonnes is incorrect. The average load weight at our site is between 20 and 25 tonnes.

Drone footage

Dauson Environmental Group categorically denies the allegations of gunshots on our site. We would suggest that the investigators confused the noise with automated ‘bird scarers’ which are deployed on site

by Ben Maizey