APEM Group ESG Impact Report 2024: Leading with Purpose
Now in our fourth year of ESG reporting, APEM Group continues to set the standard for integrating Environmental, Social and...
APEM Group’s “Cash for Trash” initiative is making waves once again – this time across Yorkshire on behalf of Yorkshire Water.
Originally launched by APEM’s field teams during walkover surveys in 2019, the Cash for Trash programme began as a grassroots effort to remove potentially harmful plastics from UK watercourses. What started with a few bin bags of litter and a commitment to environmental stewardship from APEM’s team has since evolved into a recognised not for profit, environmental and social impact initiative – one that’s now being embraced by several key industry partners.
A Cleaner Watercourse for Yorkshire’s Rivers
The latest deployment took place during survey work on behalf of Yorkshire Water across several river catchments. While on site collecting environmental protection data, APEM teams collected single use plastics (and other litter) where was safe to do so, with material either recycled or disposed of responsibly.
How It Works
- Teamwork: APEM surveyors collect litter where it is safe and practicable to do during survey deployments across the UK.
- Client Contribution: APEM’s clients who have joined the scheme contribute a voluntary fee per bag of litter collected, which is match-funded by APEM Group.
- Charitable Impact: All proceeds are then donated to a local environmental charity engaged in improving water quality and river health.
From Local Action to Global Recognition
The initiative has already attracted media attention and industry praise. APEM’s Cash for Trash programme was previously featured in regional news and environmental publications and is now being positioned for wider rollout across other projects.
The initiative also aligns with APEM’s broader ESG commitments, including:
- Supporting local businesses and communities
- Reducing environmental impact during fieldwork
- Collaborating with global organisations like Big Blue Ocean Cleanup, where APEM staff serve as ambassadors
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“We’re pleased to support this worthwhile cause, keeping Yorkshire’s watercourses clean and tidy, and protecting our local environment. The trash for cash initiative is an added benefit alongside the important environmental monitoring work we are undertaking during the current drought status.”
“We’re pleased to support this worthwhile cause, keeping Yorkshire’s watercourses clean and tidy, and protecting our local environment. The trash for cash initiative is an added benefit alongside the important environmental monitoring work we are undertaking during the current drought status.”
– Yasmina Gallagher, Water Recourses Environment Manager, Yorkshire Water
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What’s Next?
With new imagery captured on-site and further clean-ups planned, Cash for Trash is set to continue growing – demonstrating how environmental innovation, client collaboration, and community impact can go hand in hand.
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“This is about more than just litter picking in and around rivers. It’s about intercepting plastic pollution before it enters Yorkshire’s main rivers and marine environment, protecting fragile ecosystems, and showing that environmental responsibility can be embedded into every stage of a project.”
– Peter Dennis, Stakeholder Engagement Director at APEM Group.
“This is about more than just litter picking in and around rivers. It’s about intercepting plastic pollution before it enters Yorkshire’s main rivers and marine environment, protecting fragile ecosystems, and showing that environmental responsibility can be embedded into every stage of a project.”
– Peter Dennis, Stakeholder Engagement Director at APEM Group.
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