With ambitions to implement greener cleaning practices along with the added pressure of new recycling legislation to comply with, the Vale Resort were keen to upgrade their recycling processes and their cleaning equipment. What’s more, with the introduction of multi-stream recycling shown to help similar hotels reduce waste management costs by 32% and increase recycling rates by 30%*, they knew there were significant savings to be made across the board.
The changes the Vale Resort made to its cleaning and recycling operations has moved them closer than ever before to Green Key accreditation, the leading standard of excellence for sustainability in the hospitality sector.
Challenge 1: Reforming Recycling
Following the introduction of commercial recycling rules across Wales in April 2024 that require businesses to separate recyclable waste prior to collection for processing (or face hefty fines), the Vale Resort knew they needed to upgrade their waste management systems.
As well as the 143 hotel rooms, the resort’s facilities also include a spa, golf course, and several restaurants. With multiple areas to consider, all with different requirements plus the tough demands of a hospitality environment, the Vale Resort needed waste management that aligned with the new regulations and could keep up with their fast-paced operations.
They implemented a multi-stream recycling system with dual-language labels and clear symbols, making it easy for users to know which waste should go where. The Vale Resort also educated employees and guests on best recycling practices.
The results? Reduced waste management costs, the introduction of a culture of recycling amongst staff and guests alike, a future-proofed recycling system that can be added to if and when recycling laws change in the future, and improved sustainability practices.
Challenge 2: Leaner, greener cleaning
Driven by their desire to implement greener and more efficient cleaning practices as well as champion the wellbeing of their housekeeping team, the Vale Resort updated their cleaning equipment. The carts, mops and other cleaning materials needed to get the job done to the resort’s high standards, while looking smart enough to match the hotel’s luxury surroundings.
For the cleaning side of the challenge, the Vale Resort’s housekeeping team swapped out their traditional string mops and buckets for the HYGEN™ PULSE™ Spray Mop. The high-capacity reservoir meant that the team no longer needed to drag a water bucket around, allowing them to clean floors faster, easier and more effectively. It also eliminated the need for single-use mop heads because the spray mop works with reusable microfibre pads.
The introduction of the new fleet of housekeeping carts further supported the Vale Resort’s drive for efficiency. As well as being more ergonomic and easier to move, meaning less hassle for housekeepers, the carts' increased capacity meant fewer trips to the supplies room, having a positive effect on overall productivity.
The introduction of the new equipment has driven productivity reducing cleaning time by 60%, meaning that cleaning operatives could move onto other tasks. This increased productivity ultimately led to lower costs for the resort.
Additionally, the housekeeping team used less water and cleaning fluid, and found that the new carts were much easier to move around the hotel. With workers in the hotel sector facing a 40% higher injury rate than other service sector workers†, swapping to more ergonomic carts and not having to drag round heavy water buckets was crucial for the safety and comfort of the resort’s cleaning team.
The Head Housekeeper said:
“We absolutely love RCP’s range of housekeeping carts and cleaning tools because they make it easier for us to achieve the outstanding level of cleanliness that our guests are accustomed to. Our housekeeping team work exceptionally hard to deliver high standards and the new equipment means that we can do our jobs more efficiently, saving time and making our jobs even more enjoyable!”
OUR EXPERT APPROACH
At RCP, our solutions always go beyond box-ticking – and the Vale Resort was no exception.
Our cleaning and waste management products have long been favourites of the hospitality industry, due to their unmatched durability. Businesses who use our recycling stations, such as the Vale Resort, are also able to use our Label Customisation Portal to tailor their bins to their venue’s specific needs.
Custom recycling bin labels mean you can feature icons that align best with how your customers and staff use the facilities. For example, the cardboard recycling bin in a takeaway restaurant could show a food carton rather than a parcel. It’s about making the messaging as clear as possible to reduce miscommunication and improve recycling compliance. Because with all our clients, including the Vale Resort, we put in the work to ensure best practice becomes a consistent, long-term habit, not a short-lived change.
Vale Resort’s Procurement Manager explains:
“[RCP’s] expertise in the hospitality environment, particularly in recycling and waste management, was a significant factor as to why we chose them for our product solutions.
“The Vale Resort is renowned for best-in-class guest experience and RCP’s products help us to achieve the high-end look that matches our facility.”
* Typical sector savings - RCP’s online Love Recycling Audit Tool
† Source: Unite Here!
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