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Gable Business Finance specialises in arranging asset finance for waste processing and separating
systems used across the UK waste management and recycling sector. These integrated systems combine
multiple technologies into a single, coordinated process line, enabling businesses to handle high
volumes of mixed waste efficiently, consistently, and profitably.
As waste streams become more complex and regulatory requirements more demanding, standalone machines
are often no longer sufficient. Modern waste processing and separating systems bring together
shredding, screening, sorting, separation, and material recovery technologies to transform mixed
inputs into clean, saleable outputs.
Asset finance allows UK waste and recycling businesses to acquire complete processing systems without
the need for a large upfront capital outlay. Gable Business Finance can arrange funding for:
This flexibility is particularly important for high-value, multi-machine systems that form the core
infrastructure of modern recycling operations.
Waste processing and separating systems are integrated solutions designed to handle mixed waste
streams and separate them into individual material fractions. Rather than relying on a single piece
of machinery, these systems combine several technologies into a continuous processing flow.
A typical system may include:
Together, these components allow waste operators to process high volumes of mixed material efficiently
while producing cleaner outputs suitable for recycling, recovery, or energy-from-waste applications.
In the UK, waste processing facilities are under increasing pressure to achieve higher recovery rates,
reduce contamination, and divert waste away from landfill. Integrated processing and separating
systems are central to achieving these objectives.
By automating and optimising multiple stages of processing, these systems:
For high-volume operations such as Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), construction and demolition
(C&D) recycling plants, and commercial waste processors, integrated systems are essential rather than
optional.
While integrated waste processing systems are often associated with large facilities, UK SMEs are
increasingly adopting modular or phased systems that can grow alongside the business.
SMEs use integrated systems to:
Larger operators rely on full-scale integrated systems to handle thousands of tonnes of waste per
week, meeting contractual obligations with local authorities, commercial clients, and reprocessors.
Asset finance plays a crucial role in enabling both SMEs and large operators to invest in these
systems without restricting cash flow.
Integrated waste processing and separating systems are designed to handle a wide range of waste
streams, including:
The ability to process mixed waste at scale makes these systems particularly valuable in the UK
market, where waste composition varies significantly between regions and sectors.
Waste processing systems represent some of the largest capital investments within the recycling
sector. Asset finance allows businesses to spread this cost over time while benefiting immediately
from increased processing capability.
Hire purchase is commonly used where the system will form a permanent part of the facility. The
business uses the system from day one and gains full ownership once the agreement is completed.
This option is popular for fixed MRFs, long-term recycling plants, and waste transfer stations with
stable throughput.
Finance leases provide flexibility where systems may be upgraded, reconfigured, or expanded over
time. This structure is well suited to evolving waste streams and technological advancements.
Operating leases may suit temporary facilities, pilot projects, or transitional processing
arrangements where long-term ownership is not required.
Existing waste processing systems owned outright can be refinanced to release capital for expansion,
upgrades, or additional equipment.
Many UK waste operators install processing systems in phases, adding new technologies as throughput
increases or waste streams change.
Gable Business Finance can structure funding to support:
This phased approach allows businesses to scale operations without overcommitting capital at an early
stage.
Used and refurbished waste processing systems are widely used across the UK recycling sector. Many
systems are built from robust industrial components with long service lives.
Unlike many traditional lenders, Gable Business Finance can arrange funding for:
This enables businesses to invest in large-scale processing capability at a significantly reduced
initial cost while still benefiting from structured finance.
Yes. Integrated systems, including multiple machines and conveyors, can often be financed together.
Yes. Systems of any age can be financed, subject to condition and suitability.
Yes. Finance can be arranged for privately sourced equipment as well as dealer-supplied systems.
Yes. Additional modules or expansions can often be financed separately or added to existing
agreements.
Terms are usually aligned to system life and cash flow, often between five and seven years for larger
installations.
The following case studies demonstrate how Gable Business Finance has supported UK waste management,
recycling, and processing businesses in securing asset finance and business loans for a wide range of
waste processing and separating systems. Each example reflects the practical challenges faced by
operators as recycling regulations tighten, waste streams become more complex, and investment in
advanced technology becomes essential to remain compliant and competitive.
A regional commercial waste operator servicing offices, retail parks, and hospitality businesses
needed to prepare for the upcoming Simpler Recycling requirements in England. The business was
required to support separate collections of paper, card, plastics, metals, glass, and food waste for
its commercial clients.
To meet these obligations, the company planned to install a two-stream processing system at its waste
transfer station, incorporating screens, magnets, and balers to separate dry recyclables while
diverting food waste to anaerobic digestion facilities.
Gable Business Finance arranged a structured asset finance solution covering the full system,
including conveyors, a trommel screen, magnetic separation, and balers. By spreading the cost over
five years, the operator preserved working capital and successfully rolled out compliant services to
hundreds of customers ahead of regulatory deadlines.
An established Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) handling commingled household recyclables was
struggling with contamination levels and rejected bales, particularly in plastics and paper
fractions.
The operator identified the need for advanced optical sorting to improve separation of polymers and
paper grades. The project involved integrating new near-infrared optical sorters, additional screens,
and upgraded conveyors into an existing processing line.
Gable Business Finance arranged asset finance for both new and refurbished equipment sourced from
multiple suppliers. The finance structure allowed phased installation without disrupting operations.
Following the upgrade, the MRF improved material purity, reduced contamination penalties, and secured
higher-value reprocessing contracts.
A contractor servicing a local authority collection contract was required to transition from
commingled recycling to a multi-stream system to improve recycling rates and material quality.
This required investment in new sorting infrastructure, including manual picking stations, screens,
and balers, to handle separate streams of paper, card, glass, metals, and plastics.
Gable Business Finance structured a combination of asset finance and working capital funding to cover
the infrastructure upgrade. This enabled the contractor to meet contractual requirements, improve
recycling performance, and extend the local authority contract.
A specialist food waste processor operating in the South of England sought to expand capacity by
installing an in-vessel composting system for organic waste collected from commercial clients.
The system included shredders for pre-treatment, biological drying technology, and screening
equipment to produce a stable output suitable for composting and energy recovery.
Gable Business Finance arranged long-term asset finance aligned with the expected lifespan of the
biological treatment system. The funding enabled the operator to scale operations, reduce landfill
diversion costs, and support clients complying with food waste separation rules.
A construction and demolition (C&D) recycler handling mixed rubble, wood, metals, and plastics wanted
to increase recovery rates and reduce disposal costs.
The business planned an integrated processing and separating system combining shredders, screens,
air classifiers, magnets, and manual sorting stations.
Gable Business Finance arranged asset finance for a mixed new-and-used processing line sourced through
a specialist supplier and private sale. The structured finance solution allowed the recycler to bring
processing in-house, significantly improve recovery rates, and create new revenue streams from
recycled aggregates and metals.
An SME waste transfer station handling commercial and industrial waste identified an opportunity to
produce Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) to reduce landfill reliance and improve margins.
The project involved installing shredders, screens, and balers to produce a consistent RDF output
meeting export and energy recovery specifications.
Gable Business Finance structured a hire purchase agreement that aligned repayments with projected RDF
revenues. The funding enabled the business to diversify operations and improve long-term resilience
against landfill cost increases.
A multi-site recycling group sought to improve operational visibility, reduce contamination, and
address waste crime risks across its network of facilities.
The group implemented a digital waste tracking and optimisation platform using AI and big data to
monitor material flows, identify anomalies, and improve resource efficiency.
Gable Business Finance arranged a business loan alongside asset finance for associated hardware,
allowing the group to deploy the system across all sites. The result was improved compliance,
operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making.
Two manufacturing businesses participating in an industrial symbiosis programme sought to repurpose
one company’s waste as another’s raw material.
This required investment in specialist separation, shredding, and baling equipment to prepare waste
streams for reuse.
Gable Business Finance arranged asset finance for the processing equipment, enabling both businesses
to reduce waste disposal costs and secure long-term supply chain benefits through resource sharing.
A start-up recycling business entering the market faced significant capital constraints but needed to
install a functional processing and separating system to handle mixed commercial waste.
The founders sourced refurbished screens, magnets, conveyors, and balers through private sellers.
Gable Business Finance arranged funding for the used equipment, despite its age and private sale
origin. This enabled the business to launch operations quickly, preserve cash, and establish a track
record for future expansion.
A national waste operator preparing for the introduction of Deposit Return Schemes (DRS) invested in
new sorting and separation infrastructure to handle high volumes of returned drink containers.
The system included optical sorters, magnetic separation, and dedicated baling lines to produce clean,
high-quality material streams.
Gable Business Finance structured asset finance for the complete system, enabling the operator to
deploy infrastructure ahead of scheme rollout and secure early-mover advantage in material recovery
markets.
These case studies highlight the breadth of waste processing and separating systems financed by Gable
Business Finance across the UK. From simple separation upgrades to advanced MRF technology, biological
treatment, and digital platforms, asset finance and tailored lending solutions play a critical role
in enabling businesses to comply with regulation, improve recovery rates, and extract maximum value
from waste.
By understanding the operational realities of the waste and recycling sector, Gable Business Finance
supports businesses of all sizes in investing confidently in the systems that drive a more circular
economy.
Gable Business Finance has extensive expertise in arranging asset finance and business funding for the
UK waste management and recycling sector, including some of the most advanced processing, sorting,
shredding, and baling technologies in use today. As the sector evolves in response to regulation,
sustainability targets, and economic pressure, investment in robust, high-performance machinery has
become essential rather than optional.
Across the UK, waste operators rely on globally recognised manufacturers and proven technologies to
process mixed waste streams efficiently. While individual machine models are often proprietary or
custom-configured, the underlying systems and technologies are well established. Gable Business
Finance understands how these systems are specified, purchased, integrated, and financed, enabling
operators to secure funding confidently and strategically.
Unlike standard plant or vehicles, waste and recycling equipment is rarely purchased “off the shelf”.
Systems are typically bespoke, modular, or configured specifically for a facility’s waste stream,
throughput, and regulatory obligations.
This creates challenges when seeking finance:
Gable Business Finance specialises in navigating this complexity. We work with lenders who understand
the waste sector and are comfortable funding complex, integrated systems rather than just individual
machines.
The UK waste and recycling industry relies on a relatively small group of globally recognised
manufacturers whose technologies underpin most modern processing facilities. Gable Business Finance
regularly arranges funding for systems supplied by these manufacturers, either directly or as part of
turnkey installations.
TOMRA systems are widely used across UK Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) and Plastic Reclamation
Facilities (PRFs). Their sensor-based sorting technology uses Near-Infrared (NIR) and colour detection
to identify and separate plastics, paper, and metals with high accuracy.
These systems are critical for processing comingled recyclables collected from households and
businesses, enabling operators to meet quality specifications demanded by reprocessors.
Bollegraaf is synonymous with large-scale, high-throughput MRFs in the UK. Their systems combine
screens, optical sorters, magnets, conveyors, and manual sorting stations into fully integrated
processing lines.
Gable Business Finance regularly supports funding for complete Bollegraaf-style facilities, including
phased installations and upgrades.
M&J shredders are widely used for Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Commercial & Industrial (C&I) waste,
Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste, and plastics. Shredding is often the first step in preparing
mixed waste for downstream sorting.
Shredders represent significant capital investment and are commonly financed through hire purchase or
lease structures aligned with throughput and revenue.
UNTHA shredders are used across varied waste streams, from wood and plastics to mixed commercial waste
and RDF production. Their machines are often integrated into processing lines alongside screens and
balers.
Gable Business Finance understands the long service life of these machines and structures finance
accordingly, including for used and refurbished units.
Magnetic separation is fundamental to UK recycling. Eriez systems remove ferrous metals from mixed
waste streams, protecting downstream equipment and increasing recovery value.
Magnets are often installed as part of wider systems and financed alongside conveyors, screens, and
optical sorters.
Presona balers are widely used to compact paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals into dense bales for
transport and resale. High-density baling reduces haulage costs and improves margins.
Balers are frequently financed as part of MRF upgrades or new facilities, often bundled with sorting
and separation equipment.
These systems support shredding and size reduction across metals, bulky waste, and specialist
materials. They are commonly used in metal recycling, WEEE processing, and industrial waste
applications.
While brand names vary, the technologies underpinning modern waste processing are consistent. Gable
Business Finance structures funding around the function and value of the system, not just the label
on the machine.
Near-Infrared sorting is now standard in UK MRFs and PRFs. It enables precise separation of plastics
(PET, HDPE, PP), paper grades, and cartons from mixed streams.
Ferrous and non-ferrous metal recovery is essential for both material value and equipment protection.
These systems are often financed as critical components of processing lines.
Colour sorting improves plastic quality, enabling separation of clear, coloured, and opaque
materials, which commands higher resale value.
Balers and compactors transform loose materials into transport-efficient commodities, making them
central to commercial viability.
AI-driven robotic picking is increasingly used to reduce labour dependency, improve accuracy, and
support high-throughput facilities. These systems are often financed alongside associated hardware
and software.
The structure of UK waste collection directly influences processing infrastructure investment.
Still the most common system in the UK, comingled collections place heavy reliance on robust MRF
technology to manage contamination and recover value.
Multi-stream collections produce cleaner material but require sorting and baling infrastructure to
manage multiple separated flows efficiently.
MRFs sort mixed recyclables into commodities, while PRFs further refine plastics. Both rely on
advanced machinery and significant capital investment.
These trends are driving continuous investment in equipment upgrades, expansions, and new facilities,
often supported by asset finance rather than outright purchase.
Gable Business Finance understands that waste and recycling equipment finance is not generic asset
finance. It requires:
By working closely with operators, suppliers, and specialist lenders, Gable Business Finance ensures
that funding structures support long-term operational success rather than short-term constraints.
From sensor-based sorting and shredding to baling, magnets, and AI-driven systems, the machinery used
in the UK waste sector is becoming increasingly advanced, integrated, and capital intensive.
Gable Business Finance has the expertise to fund this infrastructure – whether through asset finance,
structured loans, or phased funding solutions – enabling waste and recycling businesses to comply
with regulation, improve recovery rates, and build resilient, future-proof operations.
© 2026 Gable Business Finance. Specialist asset finance brokers for the UK waste and recycling sector.
Integrated waste processing and separating systems are essential infrastructure for modern, high-
volume waste and recycling operations in the UK. By combining multiple technologies into a single,
efficient process, these systems enable higher recovery rates, improved material quality, and lower
operating costs.
Asset finance allows UK businesses to acquire these complex systems without compromising cash flow.
By arranging finance for complete waste processing systems of any age, whether new or used,
and whether supplied by a dealer or sourced privately, Gable Business Finance supports
scalable, compliant, and future-proof waste and recycling operations.
© 2026 Gable Business Finance. Specialist asset finance brokers for the UK waste and recycling sector.