Building a circular approach to waste management

Reducing waste and increasing recycling is challenging in any organisation, but operating in a remote location presents an entirely different set of obstacles. With limited waste infrastructure, complex supply chains and a fragile natural environment to protect, traditional approaches to waste management are often no longer enough. Instead, organisations need practical, innovative solutions that reduce environmental impact while remaining operationally resilient. 

To help address these challenges, Sodexo UK & Ireland, in partnership with Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), developed and implemented a dedicated recycling facility at Mount Pleasant Complex (MPC) in the Falkland Islands - 8000 miles from the UK. This was led and financed by the DIO and delivered as part of the DIO contract and delivered as part of the Sodexo soft FM contract, which supported the British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI). The initiative was created to transform how waste is managed by introducing a circular approach that reduces reliance on landfill and maximises opportunities for recycling.

A solution designed for a unique environment

The recycling centre was developed around the entire waste journey, beginning with segregation at source. Clearly labelled recycling points across the camp make it easier for personnel to separate waste correctly, improving the quality of recyclable materials before they reach the facility.

Once collected, materials including cardboard, plastics, glass and metals are carefully sorted, processed and prepared for export to specialist recycling facilities in the UK. Robust quality assurance processes ensure the materials consistently meet high recycling standards, with shipments recognised by UK processors as among the cleanest they had received. 

The programme has also been shaped through close collaboration with the DIO, creating a scalable recycling model capable of operating in an environment where conventional recycling infrastructure simply does not exist.

Delivering lasting environmental impact 

The results demonstrate how operational innovation can deliver measurable sustainability outcomes. Since the recycling centre was introduced, recyclable exports have increased from just two shipping containers each year to around 14–15 containers annually, significantly reducing the volume of waste sent to landfill.

By diverting waste away from landfill, the initiative is projected to extend the operational lifespan of local landfill sites by approximately three years while helping to protect the Falkland Islands' internationally recognised biodiversity. Just as importantly, visible recycling infrastructure and straightforward waste segregation processes have encouraged more sustainable behaviours among military personnel and local stakeholders, embedding environmental responsibility into everyday operations.

Demonstrating the value of connected services

The Mount Pleasant Complex recycling centre shows how facilities management can deliver value far beyond day-to-day operations. By combining environmental expertise, operational excellence and collaborative partnerships, Sodexo UK & Ireland has created a practical, resilient recycling model that supports Defence sustainability objectives while protecting one of the world's most unique natural environments.

As organisations continue to pursue ambitious environmental targets, initiatives like this demonstrate how connected services can help turn sustainability ambitions into measurable, long-term outcomes.