Biffa Press Office

 Tel: 020 8789 9651

Press & Newsroom

Smelling a Rat!

14th February 2007

Recycling workers have had a hard time convincing wives and girlfriends that they're 'on the level' after coming home from work smelling of women's perfume.

Workers at Biffa's secure waste and recycling facility in Dudley (West Midlands) have been stripping perfume out of its packaging and the smell that has accompanied operators on their way home has led to the need for an explanation to partners.

The perfume was sent to the plant for secure disposal after it was recalled from sale. Biffa's facility allows businesses to destroy items so they don't end up on the black market.

'The perfume has made the plant smell differently to a normal waste facility.' According to manager Carl Payne. 'Previously we've dealt with alcohol so at least this has made a change from our guys having to convince their wives that they haven't stopped off for a drink on the way home!'

As well as perfume and alcohol, Biffa's plant has dealt with everything from designer Wellingtons and specialist car brochures to bottles of shampoo and garden lighting sets.

'Everything is dealt with securely and confidentially,' added Carl, 'Because that's what our customers want. They also want to know that recalled products are going to be dealt with in an environmentally friendly way and we recover tonnes of glass, metals and card for recycling. We can even recycle beer by using friendly bugs to converting it into methane, which is collected to generate green electricity.'

'The number one concern for our customers is security and confidentiality, which makes explaining to the wife why we smell of perfume a bit trick.y'

To find out more about the Secure Waste Service click here.