SUEZ expands and acquires Devon Contract Waste

They obtain the Devon-based company

Founded in 1989 by Simon Almond, DCW has grown from just Simon as a sole trader with a pick-up truck to a leading firm that provides recycling and waste management services to its commercial customer base across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. Staff and a fleet of 37 trucks operating out of three depots, and a transfer and sorting operation in Exeter will transfer to SUEZ.

The acquisition expands SUEZ’s offer in the southwest with recycling solutions for food waste, glass, Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) and confidential waste solutions. It sees SUEZ provide commercial customers with a wider range of services, greater flexibility and a full value chain solution from collection through to recycling and energy recovery through its network of facilities across the region.

After over a quarter of a century at the helm, Simon Almond and his leadership team will work with SUEZ over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition for staff and customers alike. 

DCW Polymers will continue to operate as a separate business run by the Almond family and based at the Enviro Hub, Marsh Barton, Exeter. Offering specialist plastic recycling services, DCW Polymers will continue to make and develop its range of recycled plastic products.

John Scanlon, Chief Executive Officer for SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK said: “With values aligned to SUEZ’s triple bottom line approach and offering excellent customer service, DCW is a great addition to SUEZ’s business. The acquisition will see us develop our regional footprint and create greater flexibility for our customers across the full range of recycling and recovery services we offer. Significant change lies ahead for commercial waste and recycling collections and, with our wealth of experience and in-house sector experts, SUEZ are well placed to help DCW’s customers navigate this period of uncertainty whilst continuing to deliver high-quality services.”

Simon Almond, Managing Director for DCW said: “I’m proud to have spent over a quarter of a century building DCW to become a leading independent recycling and waste management operator in the south west. We have been careful to find a buyer for our family business that shares our values and commitment to innovation and outstanding customer service - with its strong regional network, wealth of experience and commitment to enhancing the environment and adding value to the communities where it operates, SUEZ was the natural choice for taking the business forward.”

“Together with my family, I’ll be supporting SUEZ in the coming weeks to ensure a seamless transition for our customers who will continue to receive the same great service from their usual local crew and account manager. Looking ahead I’m excited to focus on the DCW Polymers business, replicating our success by growing our specialist plastic recycling services and expanding our range of recycled plastic products.”