Waste & Recycling

Center Parcs is committed to managing its operation in a way which strives to reduce use of natural resources and where possible to extend their life-cycle through reuse and recycling.  We are also committed to promoting and using sustainable and recycled produces in all areas of our business.  Where practical, our waste is managed through local recycling companies, who share our approach to managing waste in a sustainable manner.

Center Parcs has always taken a proactive approach to the management of waste and we are continually striving to find new and innovative ways to reuse the waste which we produce.

A Center Parcs village produces, on average 1487 tonnes of general waste each year.  In the 2005-06, each Center Parcs village is on target to recycle in excess of 250 tonnes of general waste.  As a result of this we will recycle at least 14.5% of our total general waste.  In addition to this, Center Parcs has a number of well established projects for the return and reuse of packaging; for example, the packaging from the delivery of new white goods and bicycles is returned to the supplier for reuse.  Similarly, when we can no longer use our bicycles they are taken to a local prison to be refurbished and then distributed to charities operating throughout Eastern Europe and Africa. In 2005 we sent 1200 bicycles out to 12 different countries.

Large amounts of surplus furniture and other equipment are generated when we undertake major villa refurbishment programmes, the majority of which is donated to charities within the local community.  In the last twelve months Sherwood Forest alone has donated over 190 items of furniture and nearly 1000 pieces of bedding to the homeless charities of Nottinghamshire.

Currently Center Parcs villages reuse, recycle or compost 18 different groups of waste. These recyclables are listed below.

Glass
Paper
Card
Plastic Cups
Bicycles
Computer
Fridges and Freezers
Toaster Kettles
Mobile Phones
Metals
Shoes
Cloths and Old Uniforms
Furniture
Kitchen Utensils
Bedding and Towels
Inert Construction Wastes
Wood and Forest Residue
Vegetable Oil

Center Parcs has set itself the target of recycling 40% of its total waste by 2008. We hope to achieve this by increasing the number of waste items we are able to recycle and, wherever possible, sourcing new products that are recyclable.  We also intend to provide enhanced recycling facilities for our guests on all villages.