Overview
Last year we completed a complex site clearance and hazardous waste removal project in Fenton for TCS John Huxley, a manufacturer of casino equipment based in Stoke-on-Trent.
The initial enquiry was for the removal of accumulated waste stored at the rear of the premises, including pallets, old building materials, hazardous waste containers and several large scrap machines.
What began as a straightforward clearance project quickly developed into a much larger hazardous waste exercise once hidden materials and unidentified substances were uncovered on site.
The Initial Site Clearance
The original scope of works included:
• Removal of pallets and general waste
• Clearing old building materials
• Removal of oil drums and gas cylinders
• Disposal of large scrap machinery
• Removal of a large gas tank believed to have never been used
To improve access and create safe working space, our first priority was removing the general waste and scrap materials from the area.
Once the site had been opened up, we moved on to dealing with the hazardous items separately.
Unexpected Hazardous Waste Discovered
As the clearance progressed, several unexpected issues came to light.
A large quantity of legacy hazardous waste was discovered hidden beneath pallets and overgrown bushes around the rear of the premises. This appeared to have either been fly-tipped or left by the buildings previous occupant. Many of the containers were heavily weathered and in poor condition, making it difficult to identify exactly what substances they contained.
At the same time, the large gas tank that had reportedly never been used was found to still be full of gas.
Following these discoveries, the team on site made the decision to carry out a wider review of the factory and identify any additional hazardous waste that may have been stored elsewhere in the building.
Making the Site Safe
Before any removal could take place, the priority became understanding exactly what materials were present and ensuring they were stored safely.
Our team spent a full day:
• Clearing and segregating liquid waste
• Testing and identifying materials where possible
• Itemising all hazardous waste found on site
• Repacking substances into UN approved containers
• Securing the waste ready for collection and disposal
This process allowed us to create a full inventory of hazardous materials and provide the customer with a detailed quotation for the safe removal and disposal of the waste.
The itemised list also gave the client transparency and allowed them to compare disposal options before proceeding.
Hazardous Waste Removal
Following acceptance of our quotation, we carried out the removal and disposal of the hazardous materials in line with regulations.
This included coordinating specialist handling where required and ensuring all waste was transported and disposed of correctly.
After significant searching and coordination, we were also able to find a suitable solution for the large gas tank, ensuring it could be dealt with safely and responsibly.
The Outcome
What started as a general site clearance became a much larger hazardous waste management project once hidden risks were uncovered.
By taking a structured and cautious approach, the site was made safe, hazardous materials were identified and secured, and the customer was able to move forward knowing the waste had been handled correctly.
The project also helped the client gain a clearer understanding of the materials that had accumulated over time within the facility.
Supporting Manufacturers Across Stoke-on-Trent
Projects like this highlight the importance of experienced site clearance and hazardous waste management, particularly within manufacturing environments where older materials and unidentified substances may be present.
From initial clearance through to hazardous waste handling, preparing sites properly helps businesses reduce risk and maintain compliance.
If you need site clearance or hazardous waste removal in Stoke-on-Trent, Sixtowns Waste can help manage the process safely and efficiently.
