M&J Bowers, the confidential waste recycling specialist, has installed 214 solar panels to the roof of its head office in Yeovil, which since April 2023 have already saved over five tonnes of Co2 emissions – equivalent to planting 328 trees.

The state-of-the-art 81 kw system provides M&J with real time information on how much electricity is being generated as well as savings on Co2 emissions and the equivalent amount of trees planted. The installation was carried out by local Solar PV specialist Electrical Solutions S W Ltd within 4 weeks.

Andrew Bowers, M&J’s managing director and transport manager, said: “Our confidential recycling service already diverts over 5,000 tonnes of recyclable matter from landfill, so the obvious decision was made for this machinery to be powered by solar as a clean renewable source of energy that reduces greenhouse gas emissions and helps combat climate change.

“As well demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, this gives our business more energy independence and over time will save on energy costs which are currently on the forefront of most business owners’ minds.”

The installation of the solar panels comes as M&J Bowers this year celebrates its 50^th year of business.

Formed in 1973 by father and son Michael and John, M&J were pioneers in paper and cardboard recycling and started out with premises at the rear of Michael’s home in Limington, Somerset. Before long, the company started to offer services to recycle confidential material.

“We were one of the original confidential waste companies offering this service from the early 80s”, explains Andrew.

“Our reputation as a data and document destruction company was quickly recognised by organisations including regional council departments, legal organisations and medical institutes located throughout the South West.”

Today, the Yeovil-based firm operates a state-of-the-art shredding and recycling facility. It has continued to expand and now has an extensive fleet of purpose-built vehicles that collect over 100 tonnes of confidential data, documents and company waste every week throughout South and Central England from Cornwall and Devon to the West Midlands and London. The company also has two mobile shredders which offer on-site mobile shredding services.