Emergency Waste Extraction and Site Setup for Cold Store
Compliant handling and certified destruction of non-permitted goods
One of our existing clients approached us with a critical situation involving the urgent removal of over 850 tonnes of rotting food waste from a cold storage facility which had a potential ammonia leak therefore all products within the facility were spoiled.
The operation required immediate mobilisation, full site infrastructure setup, and continuous work to meet the tight deadline. Our team committed to a two-week turnaround but completed the project in just 9 days, including weekends – through precision planning and tireless execution.
Key Insights
Site Setup
- Perimeter Security & Safety:
- Installed Heras fencing with concrete blocks, LED flashing lights, and safety signage.
- Established a segregated parking area for vans and operatives.
- Installed sanitising stations and safety boards.
- Welfare Facilities:
- Delivered and installed a 40ft welfare cabin equipped with an office and Starlink satellite internet.
- Fuel & Power Management:
- Delivered and installed a bunded fuel bowser.
- Installed battery chargers for plant, in collaboration with clie
Machinery & Equipment Delivery
- 4 x Bulkers
- 2 x Skips
- 1 x Stand trailer
- 3 x JCB Teletrucks
- 1 x Linde 1.6T Forklift
- 2 x Scissor lifts
- 1 x Road sweeper
- 3 x IBCs for water and chemicals
- 1.8 tonnes of wood chip granules (for liquid absorption)
- 50 x Stainless steel 2000-litre stillages with rotator pockets
Special Installations
- Container loading ramp installed and bolted onto dock (Image below). This enabled forklift and JCB entry in absence of building access. Remains onsite at still with client free of charge until collection is required.
Installed Container Loading Ramp
Operational Execution
Workforce Readiness
- All staff inducted on clients site safety protocols.
- Three operatives trained specifically on clients VAN lifts for high-lift racking.
Waste Removal
- Extracted 2,500 pallets of decomposing food waste – equating to over 850 tonnes.
- Operation conducted over 7 consecutive days, with 15–18 hour shifts, including weekend work.
On-Site Efficiency
- Ramp tested and confirmed for operational safety.
- All plant and equipment removed post-project with zero environmental or safety incidents.
Traffic Management Setup at Night
Results & Outcome
- Time saved: Completed 5 days ahead of the initial 2-week commitment.
- Client satisfaction: Client regained use of the cold store rapidly, minimizing business disruption.
- Environmental safety: Proper disposal of organic waste with no reported contamination.
Client Note
Client requested continued use of the container ramp. We approved this free of charge with a plan to retrieve it upon project closure.
Summary
This rapid-response project is a testament to our capability in critical logistics and site management. Through clear co-ordination, effective plant deployment, and workforce dedication, we exceeded expectations and delivered operational excellence under pressure.
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