Challenge

The Salvation Army is fortunate to receive many textiles donations from the public and from corporations to help fund their work. Individuals’ items range from dresses, suits, jumpers and shoes to corporate uniforms and can be of variable quality. Sometimes clothing is too old or damaged and so is not suitable to be sold in the organisation’s shops, while the uniforms cannot, for fraud and brand protection purposes, be used again.

So, the Salvation Army had a challenge for Restore Datashred. Could we take away four tonnes of textiles and shred the lot, including buttons, badges and shoulder epaulettes?

Solution

To achieve complete material utilisation, the textiles underwent comprehensive shredding. This shredded material was then securely baled and transported for further processing into RDF (refuse derived fuel). This innovative solution diverts textiles from landfills and utilises their inherent energy content. Through the combustion process of RDF, steam is generated, which is then converted into usable energy.

What our client says:

Our priority is partnering with suppliers who demonstrate strong service ethics and a commitment to sustainability. Restore Datashred’s impressive credentials, including EN15713:2009 accreditation and they ensured a safe, professional, and efficient service. We were confident their operatives would be friendly and proficient, aligning with our high standards.

Furthermore, Restore Datashred’s dedication to zero landfill waste perfectly matched our environmental goals. Given our previous positive experience with their textile shredding services, this was a key factor in our decision. Our priority is partnering with suppliers who demonstrate strong service ethics and a commitment to sustainability. Restore Datashred’s impressive credentials, including EN15713:2009 accreditation and a ServiceMark award from the Institute of Customer Service, ensured a safe, professional, and efficient service. We were confident their operatives would be friendly and proficient, aligning with our high standards.

Furthermore, Restore Datashred’s dedication to zero landfill waste perfectly matched our environmental goals. Given our previous positive experience with their textile shredding services, this was a key factor in our decision.

The sheer volume of textiles (four tonnes) necessitated an off-site shredding solution. Restore Datashred’s capacity to handle large quantities was essential. The process was effortless, with a courteous and helpful driver facilitating the collection.

For complete transparency, Restore Datashred electronically records every stage – from collection and route tracking to delivery at the depot and shredding initiation. This meticulous approach provided us with a verifiable audit trail for peace of mind, followed by a prompt certificate of destruction for our records.

– Millie Caffull, Communications Manager