From a single scrap yard to a national sustainability partner, the family-run business marks four decades of growth and transformation.
Stevenage-based waste management company Waste Mission is celebrating its 40th anniversary, marking a milestone that has seen the business evolve from a local metal recycling yard into a nationwide provider of sustainable waste solutions.
Founded in 1985 by Philip Newman, who left a retail career to take over a small scrap metal firm, the company, known initially as Alchemy Metals, has grown steadily by prioritising integrity, practical service, and long-term relationships.
Today, Waste Mission supports some of the UK’s leading manufacturing sites with bespoke, end-to-end waste management services. While metal recycling remains at its core, the business now offers solutions across all waste streams, from plastics and packaging to WEEE and food production by-products.
“When material comes into us as scrap, it leaves us as product,” says Newman. “That’s been our approach since day one—and it still is.”
The company’s rebrand to Waste Mission in 2024 reflected its expanded capabilities, offering clients a single point of contact for all waste services, while staying true to its metal merchant roots.
Trusted by British Manufacturers
Clients such as SRD Engineering, Trouw Nutrition, and Inspired Pet Nutrition trust Waste Mission not just for compliance, but for innovation, helping them meet ambitious sustainability goals, including 100% landfill diversion and traceable waste streams.
A recently launched customer portal streamlines compliance and reporting, offering clients real-time access to recycling data, documentation, and service tracking.
Looking Ahead
With a northern hub in development and ongoing investment in technology and infrastructure, Waste Mission is future-ready. The business stands poised to help manufacturers navigate change while finding value in waste.
“Sustainability isn’t just about avoiding landfill,” adds Newman. “It’s about doing things better at every step—economically and environmentally.”
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