Croydon BID has appointed First Mile, award-winning commercial waste and recycling specialists, to bring an efficient service to Croydon BID members that benefit them both economically and environmentally. In addition to an initial subsidy that Croydon BID will offer to every member when they sign up to the scheme, there will be further discounts immediately applied to a range of First Mile services.

Since 2004, First Mile has been on a mission to make it easy for UK businesses to recycle and improve corporate sustainability. Serving over 27,000 customers, First Mile collects 65,000 tonnes every year. It can recycle over 20 different types of materials, from the usual suspects of paper, cardboard, plastic, glass and food, to the more obscure such as coffee pods, textiles, light bulbs and cooking oil. With a no landfill policy, anything that can’t be recycled is turned into green energy.

The new partnership between Croydon Business Improvement District (BID) and First Mile will offer Croydon BID members greater choice, improved efficiency and a collective approach to recycling, improving our environment while reducing the annual costs for businesses who sign up to the scheme.

Matthew Sims, CEO of Croydon BID said:

“The creation of a new commercial waste service with First Mile is an important step in supporting our businesses in reducing their annual costs, delivering an efficient service and above all, supporting the environment in which we live and work in. Croydon BID members will instantly save money through not just the agreed subsidy arrangement but attractive discounts. The First Mile come with an exemplary record, a diverse range of services and as such I am excited about the opportunity this new service will bring to the business community of Croydon.”

The subsidy paid by Croydon BID to its members can be spent on a range of First Mile Services, dependent on the business needs. The size of the subsidy received by Croydon BID members is determined by the member’s rateable value, increasing by the size of property.

Furthermore, Croydon BID members who sign up to the scheme will immediately benefit from discounts on many of First Mile services. Members will be able to choose what their businesses need, create a menu of services that not only delivers but also saves money throughout the year, improves the immediate environment and supports sustainability goals.

Bruce Bratley, CEO of First Mile said:

“We’re super excited to be working with Croydon BID to provide amazing savings to their members. First Mile is on a mission to make business recycling easy for Croydon BID businesses. Together, we can increase business engagement in recycling and sustainability, and make Croydon a greener place to work.”

Croydon BID is equally delighted to be working with First Mile to ensure its members have access to responsible waste management services at reduced expenses, and to continue to support the improvement of Croydon town centre’s environment.

The new Croydon BID commercial waste scheme will launch in May 2021. However, Croydon BID members can contact First Mile to find out more about this exciting service or sign up now. Call their friendly Customer Success Team on 0333 300 3448 or by emailing them at customers@thefirstmile.co.uk.