Project Snapshot

Client: John Lewis Partnership (including Waitrose)
Sector: Retail

Scale:
Nationwide operation across 320 retail and distribution sites

Challenge:
Rising costs, declining service levels, and lack of confidence in compliance reporting from their previous provider

Solution:
Structured WEEE recycling programme including staff training, clear waste segregation, and transparent reporting

Results:
Over 232 tonnes of WEEE processed with improved compliance, reporting, and cost efficiency

The Challenge

John Lewis Partnership operates one of the UK’s largest retail networks, with hundreds of sites across the country including John Lewis department stores and Waitrose supermarkets.

Managing electrical waste across such a large estate requires reliable collections, clear compliance documentation, and complete visibility over where materials are processed.

However, the Partnership began experiencing several issues with their previous provider:

• Rising service costs
• Poor service levels
• Limited transparency around compliance and final recycling destinations
• Lack of confidence in reporting and documentation

With sustainability and ESG reporting becoming increasingly important for large retailers, the Partnership required a recycling partner that could deliver reliable service, transparent processing, and full compliance documentation.

The Solution

GAP Group implemented a structured WEEE recycling programme designed to improve both operational efficiency and transparency.

A key focus of the programme was clear material segregation, allowing different electrical waste streams to be processed more effectively and maximise recycling rates.

To support this, GAP Group provided:

• Dedicated waste containers for different WEEE streams
• On-site training for staff
• Educational posters and guidance materials to reinforce correct segregation practices

The programme also includes regular site tours for the John Lewis Partnership team, allowing employees to see the recycling process first-hand and better understand how electrical waste is handled after collection.

To support compliance and reporting requirements, GAP Group delivers detailed monthly reports and Hazardous Waste Consignment Notes (HWCNs), providing full traceability for all collected material.

The Results

The programme has improved recycling outcomes while strengthening compliance reporting and service reliability.

Key results include:

• 320 retail and operational sites supported nationwide
• 232 tonnes of WEEE processed

Material streams recycled:

Material StreamTotal TonnageLarge Domestic Appliances (LDA)128.085 tonnesCooling Equipment57.552 tonnesDisplays29.608 tonnesSmall Mixed WEEE (SMW)16.816 tonnes

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Additional outcomes include:

• Improved waste segregation across sites
• More material streams successfully recycled
• Reduced operational costs
• Detailed monthly reporting for ESG and compliance requirements
• Full compliance documentation provided for every collection

The partnership has created a more transparent and efficient approach to electrical waste recycling across one of the UK’s largest retail estates.

Client Feedback

A client testimonial will be added following further operational feedback from the John Lewis Partnership team.

Looking for a reliable partner to manage electrical waste across multiple sites?

GAP Group supports national retailers, logistics operators, and multi-site organisations with compliant WEEE recycling, transparent reporting, and direct processing.

Speak to our team about improving electrical waste management across your estate.

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