Waste management solutions provider, Gaskells Waste, turns industry excellence into a force for good
Dedicated to uplifting its local communities, infrastructure and the environment, Gaskells Waste (Gaskells) champions an innovative and progressive approach to waste management. Formed from humble roots during one of the most difficult economic environments of recent years, Gaskells’ journey has been nothing short of a true success story. Headquartered in Liverpool, its capabilities cover the full scope of innovative waste management services, disposing, processing and recycling everything from general waste through to food waste, event waste, clinical, and hazardous waste. Ensuring fully comprehensive, turnkey solutions for its clients, the company also offers a myriad of high-quality containers and equipment, including 120-1100 litre wheelie bins, lockable bins, front-end loaders, skips, balers, and compactors, all bolstered by its 46-strong vehicle fleet. No matter the size of the project or scale of the solution, Gaskells delivers all its services in adherence with its core values of integrity, respect, transparency, honesty, and commitment.
Today, Gaskells is shooting for the stars in the realm of waste management. From new acquisitions and partnerships to a dynamic investment program, the company is embarking further on its ambitious growth strategy, continuing to prove why it leads at the forefront of industry innovation. In an exclusive interview, Construction & Civil Engineering sits down with Jonathan Gaskell, Owner and Managing Director of Gaskells, to uncover what lies ahead in the company’s next chapter and how it continues to empower its local communities and wider industry. Jonathan begins by providing some insight into the history and heritage of Gaskells whilst introducing his wider mission for the company.
“In 1991 I set out with nothing more than a single waste collection vehicle and a determination to succeed,” he reveals. “That was the start of Gaskells (North West) Ltd. What began as a one-man operation has grown, through hard work, perseverance and commitment, into a thriving business that now stands alongside Gaskells (Midlands) Ltd, which was founded in 2015.
“Together, the companies achieve an annual turnover of more than £18.5 million and employ 108 dedicated staff. But for me, the real measure of success goes far beyond numbers: it lies in the stability we provide for our loyal, long-serving employees, the opportunities we create for new generations and the positive role we play within our local communities. I believe a successful business has a duty to give back. My vision has always been to grow not only a company, but also a force for good, one that delivers environmental benefits, creates jobs and makes a lasting difference in the areas it serves.”
Force for good
Over the last three decades, Gaskells has not merely succeeded in this mission but continued to embellish it year on year. In alignment with its vision to be a ‘force for good’, Gaskells has just implemented a new £3.2 million investment program aimed at growing not just the business itself, but the positive impact it can deliver to both its local communities and the environment.
“The main goals behind our £3.2 million investment programme are centred around sustainability, reliability, and long-term growth,” Jonathan explains. “By building our own in-house maintenance workshop and introducing a brand-new fleet, we can ensure that our vehicles are maintained to the highest standards, reducing downtime and guaranteeing a consistently reliable service for our customers. At the same time, the modern fleet has been carefully chosen to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, helping us significantly reduce carbon emissions and further our commitment to sustainability. This investment not only strengthens our operational resilience, but also ensures we continue to deliver a dependable, cost-effective service while supporting our wider goal of creating a cleaner, greener future for the communities we serve.”
Complementary to this program, Gaskells has made several strategic moves to further boost its operational efficiency and its national presence. Through an array of partnerships and acquisitions, the company has opened the door to new growth opportunities in terms of the demographics it can serve, the solutions it can provide and the technology it can leverage. Most recently, the business announced its acquisition of Welsh waste management business, Egan Waste, which provides an excellent enhancement to Gaskells’ capabilities.
“Egan Waste brings in-depth regional coverage across Cardiff, Swansea and surrounding South Wales areas, allowing Gaskells to significantly broaden our operational footprint and deliver services across a new territory,” Jonathan elaborates. “Egan specializes in a diverse range of services, including hazardous waste disposal, drainage solutions, tanker hire, industrial cleaning, cesspit treatment, and more. These capabilities complement Gaskells’ existing services and help bolster our offerings with valuable and niche expertise.”
In turn, such investments continue to help power Gaskells’ commitment to community value and environmental responsibility. The company is passionate about people, investing time, money and resources into charitable causes designed to make a real difference.
“At Gaskells, we support the local economy by creating stable jobs and investing in apprenticeships and training to develop future talent. We work with local suppliers to keep investment in the region and actively support schools, charities, and community projects,” Jonathan affirms. “By combining job creation, skills development, and sustainability, we’re helping to build a stronger, greener future for our communities. We’re committed to achieving zero waste to landfill by maximising recycling and recovering energy from residual waste. We’re cutting carbon through investment in a modern, fuel-efficient fleet, route optimisation, and vehicle tracking technologies to reduce emissions. By providing customers with equipment like balers and compactors, and using data to improve recycling performance, we’re helping businesses and communities work towards a greener future.”
Service and sustainability
A company defined by innovation and heart, Gaskells is well-positioned for the future. Amidst its current strategic growth, the company will continue to drive excellence at every facet, augmenting the reputation it already upholds whilst extending its capabilities further across the nation.
“In five years’ time, I see Gaskells continuing to grow as a leading independent waste management company, with an even stronger presence across the North West, Midlands and Wales. Our focus will be on driving innovation, sustainability, and zero waste to landfill solutions, supported by a fully modern, low-emission fleet and the latest technology. Most importantly, we will remain a business with excellent customer service at its heart, providing stability for our employees and a cleaner future for the communities we serve,” Jonathan concludes.
“I am extremely proud of the journey that Gaskells has been on, from starting out with a single vehicle to having four operating centres with 46 waste collection vehicles and becoming a business with more than 100 employees and a turnover of more than £18.5 million. None of this would have been possible without the loyalty and dedication of our staff and the support of the communities we serve. Looking ahead, my focus remains on keeping customer service, sustainability, and community impact at the heart of everything we do, while continuing to grow responsibly.”