Managing space

When we first started, our recovery, recycling, and storage all operated from a small space.

Over time, as we needed to stockpile materials or faced sorting backlogs, space became a major challenge.

Planning for growth

It’s not just about having enough space for current operations – you also need space that can adapt as you grow. At the end of 2024, we moved our material recovery operations to a larger secondary site, freeing up space and allowing us to keep up with Lamu’s growing waste management needs.

Maximising limited space

For three years, we did not have the luxury of a secondary site, and many organisations face the same challenge. If expanding isn’t an option, it’s important to make the best use of existing space by optimising workflow.

Key considerations for efficient space use

1. Ensure a logical sequence of processes: Each step should follow naturally from the previous one. For example, sorting should come before crushing, and storage should be at the end – not placed between key processing areas.
2. Minimise unnecessary movement: Arrange the workspace so materials flow smoothly from one process to the next. This reduces wasted time and effort while ensuring that each stage has the necessary tools and machines.
3. Separate materials properly: Create clearly defined spaces to prevent mixing of different plastics, especially in storage areas. This is crucial for both temporary and permanent storage, as mixing different polymers undoes the effort put into sorting.