Innovative waste firm projects rapid growth through expert advice and collaboration

Squosh Compacting is a Greater Manchester based waste management business employing four people. Their pioneering service mounts compactors directly onto the waste collection van, boosting capacity by at least 50 per cent and slashing the frequency of waste collections. The process involves decontamination, which improves how the bins are used and leads to higher recycling rates, while cutting operational costs for clients and delivering carbon savings.

The Challenge

Squosh needed support to demonstrate the carbon saving credentials of their service compared to more traditional waste haulage, whilst also reaching key audiences within commercial and public sector markets.

They approached Green Economy for support to address these challenges with Tommy Copestake, Green Tech Consultant at Green Economy.  

Green Economy Support

Tommy worked with Eric to understand how the business was performing currently, identifying areas that would accelerate growth. They identified that improving the website and developing a marketing strategy was a priority to identify and reach key target audiences. In addition there were opportunities to develop their service further, with access to funding streams and specialist technical guidance.

Over a period of 12 months Tommy and Green Economy colleagues provided a wealth of support including:

• Carbon-calculation validation, clarifying the green credentials for customers  - each unit can eliminate one collection trip per week, cutting customers carbon emissions and costs.
• Speaking opportunity at a regional sustainability networking event, opening doors to specialist marketing assistance.
• Facilitated a connection with a Green Economy client who redesigned their website and refreshed their brand.
• Introductions to the Green Deal Forum in Oldham, enabling the founder to explore additional grants and collaboration opportunities.
• Secured Innovation Navigator funding to build a fully operational electric mobile compaction unit powered by high-performance lithium batteries.
• Advised on a franchise rollout model, allowing third-party haulers to mount the electric compactor on their own vehicles and generate new revenue streams.

Impact and Growth

Product development activity has Increased bin capacity per visit by at least 50 per cent, reducing collection journeys and lowering carbon emissions by an estimated 20 tonnes per unit each year. In addition, they are intercepting items bound for landfill and redistributing them - minimising waste, and rethinking what gets thrown away. 

Since working with Green Economy, Squosh have projected to increase turnover and increase headcount. They have won new contracts with two NHS trusts and three local authorities and established a franchise framework projected to boost turnover by 30 per cent in 2026 and drive measurable productivity improvements.