3rd March 2025
In a ground-breaking move for the construction industry, Circularity Direct has launched a pioneering pay-as-you-go hard hat recycling service aimed at reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainability across construction sites. Taking on the mantle of the National Hard Hat Recycling Scheme (originally launched eight years ago by Circularity Direct’s Founder, Omer Kutluoglu, and operated by Yes Recycling), this new service uses an AI high-tech platform to deliver a simple, user-friendly solution to an industry-wide problem.
Unlike its predecessor, which operated as a membership scheme where members paid a flat rate and managed their own logistics, Circularity Direct’s new service allows customers to recycle as many or as few hats as they choose and pay per hat. Additionally, the fully integrated collection options make recycling as simple as a click of a mouse button. Furthermore, all hats are fully tracked with Waste Transfer Notes generated upon delivery and automatically sent by email, along with all other supporting paperwork.
The construction sector has long grappled with the challenge of disposing of out-of-date or damaged hard hats. Circularity Direct’s specialized recycling program ensures that these hard hats are collected, processed, and repurposed into new plastic products.
“We are thrilled to introduce this service as part of our commitment to sustainability in the construction industry,” said Omer Kutluoglu. “By providing a streamlined, environmentally friendly disposal method, we are helping companies align with ESG goals while preventing hundreds of thousands of hard hats from ending up in landfills or incineration across the whole UK.”
How It Works
The process is simple: Anyone with hard hats to recycle (whether many or just a single one) can go to www.circularity.direct and order the collection of their hat(s) right there online. Once the small recycling and shipping fee has been accepted, Royal Mail / Parcelforce are notified and come to collect the hat(s) from any designated place, wherever you are in the UK. The hats are taken to Circularity Direct’s recycling facility, where they are broken down and reprocessed into reusable materials. Multi-site companies can have a central account, or leave individual sites to manage their own recycling. It is completely flexible.
The Environmental Impact
A single hard hat may not seem significant, but when considering that circa 3 million are discarded each year in the UK alone, the environmental impact is substantial. Circularity Direct estimates that its recycling program could divert hundreds of tons of plastic waste annually, reducing the carbon footprint associated with plastic production and end-of-life products.
A Call to Action for the Industry
With sustainability becoming a top priority for companies worldwide, Circularity Direct urges construction firms to take action. “We invite all industry professionals to join us in making a real impact,” added Circularity Direct’s Founder. “By integrating hard hat recycling into everyday site operations, companies can demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility and properly contribute to a more sustainable future.”
For more information about Circularity Direct’s hard hat recycling service and how to participate, visit www.circularity.direct or call: 0330 133 9170.
About Circularity Direct
Circularity Direct is a sustainability-focused organization dedicated to reducing end-of-life product waste. It designs and operates innovative recycling programs that merge cutting-edge e-commerce technology with real-world plastics processing capabilities. The company aims to drive positive environmental change while helping businesses meet their sustainability targets.