SAR Metals ISO certification journey.
A short video with the Managing Director discussing their achievements and partnership with Episode Consultants.
“We lean on Episode Consultants, and we treat them as a partner. The journey has been really successful. The advantage of working with Episode Consultants from my perspective is that they help, they are knowledgeable, and they know how to get things done.”
Scott Barry, Managing Director at SAR Metals.
Summary
SAR Metals specialise in the recycling and refining of catalytic converters and and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) containing precious and base metals.
That sounds simple, but there are many complex elements that need to be managed, from health& safety to quality of service provided.
With operations running in countries such as the UK, Brazil, and South Africa, they deliver efficient, compliant, and professional recycling solutions across the globe.
SAR also provides certified data scrubbing (destruction) alongside its core metal extraction services. As such it is critical to ensure customer's WEEE, which often holds sensitive data, is managed correctly to ensure there are not information or data security breaches, hence the need for SIO 27001, information security management.
The business has a series of Environmental Permits from the UK Government's Environment Agency. The permits place demanding and stringent environmental and health & safety requirements on the business.
By it's very nature the activities involved in processing catalytic converters is inherently dangerous. Staff & other stakeholder's health & safety is of paramount importance to Scott & all the management team.
Find out more on their website.
About SAR Metals
Sustainable Recycling Services
SAR combine global expertise with local service to provide reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible catalytic converter and e-waste recycling solutions. SAR Metals recycle IT equipment, recover precious metals, and arrange compliant collection services anywhere in the UK or beyond.
Catalytic Converter Recycling UK
SAR Metals offer specialist catalytic converter recycling services, using state–of–the–art technologies necessary to process Steel and Ceramic Catalytic Converters. Industry-leading expertise ensures that their services are fully tailored to meet the needs of each client.
Trusted E-WASTE Recycling Professionals
They offer onsite e-waste valuations and same day collections. They handle a wide range of electronic scrap from the UK and abroad, including:
- CPUs and Processors
- RAM Modules
- Circuit Boards
- Mobile Phones & Other Components
All waste is handled with care and precision, in full compliance with local and international e-waste legislation. As part of their commitment to green metal recycling, SAR work to reduce landfill waste, recover valuable materials, and ensure the safe handling of electronic waste.
What were the issues
Episode has worked with SAR Metals for over a decade, and is an integral part of the management team. Their management system needs have grown as the business has grown, and we have been with them throughout.
From the outset the Senior Management Team knew that to achieve the growth plans they had, they needed a comprehensive integrated management system to run the business efficiently.
Some time ago personnel changes lead to the recognition that SAR was reliant on individual staff with the appropriate qualifications to maintain compliance with their Environmental Permits.
As the business has grown and expanded it's range of services offered to customers, the need for additional ISO standards, most notably ISO 27001, information security management, arose.
What we did about it
Over a decade ago we drew on our experience from working with other waste management providers to help implement systems and processes that work for SAR - making the standards work for SAR, not the other way around.
That led to them becoming certified to three standards - ISO 9001, quality, ISO 14001, environmental management, and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety.
SAR was reliant on a competant personal to comply with the Environmental Permit. Known as WAMITAB (Waste Management Industry Training and Advisory Board certification), it is the person, not the company, that is deemed competent. The Energy & Utilities Skills competence management system, a UKAS accredited certifiable standard, accepted by the Environment Agency as sufficient evidence of competence, makes the company, not an individual, complaint with the permit's requirements. SAR has been certified for a number of years to this standard with our support.
Most recently, with the launch of their certified data scrubbing service, SAR turned to Episode to implement ISO 27001.
The outcome
SAR continues to be certified to five standards with our support.
The Episode team is onsite every month, not just ensuring certification, but also supporting the company across a range of activities.