Don’t Dump Your Rep And Profits

Getting rid of old frames responsibly should be imperative for installers who want to retain their profits and their reputations. What are the challenges and how can they be resolved?

Skip hire costs will go up as increased VAT is to be applied. Alongside increasing scrutiny of waste disposal processes, businesses must ensure materials are being passed on to trusted, competent and compliant operators.

Since FENSA’s recycling scheme relaunched in February 2026, more than 103 tonnes of PVC-U have been diverted from landfill, with participating installers saving an average of £470 per year on waste disposal costs.

“For an industry operating under continuing cost pressures, that’s a significant benefit,” said Sam Davies, Technical Manager, FENSA.

“Installers are dealing with significant economic and regulatory challenges right now, so we want to make life as easy as possible for them. The recycling scheme is free for our members to use. It’s actually improving profitability for installers by saving the money that would have been spent on skip hire and associated costs.”

Reputable channels

Providing access to recycling services for glass, timber and aluminium in addition to PVC-U, FENSA’s partnerships with specialist recycling partners such as VEKA and REHAU ensure waste materials are processed through recognised and reputable channels.

Conveniently, in most cases, old windows can now be handed over as complete units, exactly as they have been removed from the property, cutting out the hassle of deglazing and material separation.

With such a strong incentive for use, the scheme also addresses the issue of fly-tipping, which has been under increasing scrutiny after recent cases of illegally dumped waste attracted significant media attention.

“There have been some really shocking stories in the news about unlicenced operators dumping waste on an industrial scale, so installers need to be absolutely confident that their waste materials will be handled and disposed of legally,” said Davies.

Found and fined

Waste that is collected and subsequently fly-tipped can potentially be traced back to the original producer, with serious legal consequences for those involved. Installers must ensure their waste is transferred to an authorised carrier and handled appropriately, including the provision of the correct documentation to demonstrate compliance.

FENSA recycling scheme collections come with legally required Waste Transfer Notes to provide evidence of how materials have been processed and diverted from landfill.

“By offering free, trusted, legal and compliant disposal routes, there’s no financial incentive for installers to take a chance with an unlicensed ‘man in a van’ waste collector,” said Davies.

“Providing the right documentation and an accessible, nationwide service also helps to prevent old frames from ending up in the wrong hands.”

FENSA value

Davies added: “The financial element is particularly relevant at a time when installers are monitoring overheads and comparing the value of the services they receive from industry organisations such as FENSA.

“It’s all part of our commitment to put installers first and give them the tools they need to operate compliantly and professionally.”

Selling point

Being able to explain how old frames and glass are collected, processed and recycled, supported by appropriate documentation, gives homeowners greater confidence that they are working with an environmentally responsible, reputable installer.

The FENSA scheme offers a practical way for members to demonstrate that, without having to establish their own recycling arrangements or take on additional collection costs.

Picture: Old windows can be recycled into new windows.

www.fensa.org.uk