Biffa is one of the UK’s leading waste management companies, providing services including general waste collection, mixed recycling and hazardous waste disposal to commercial and public sector customers nationwide.
Its Wigan facility serves customers throughout Greater Manchester and forms part of a wider network of depots including Liverpool, Manchester, St Helens and Preston.
MTech has supported Biffa at a number of sites over the years, supplying two way radio systems to help teams communicate effectively, coordinate everyday operations and support health and safety. When preparations began for the new Wigan depot, Biffa once again approached MTech to provide the communication equipment required for the site.
Communication in a Busy Waste Facility
Waste management sites are demanding working environments. Collection vehicles are constantly moving around the facility alongside heavy machinery and employees working across different operational areas.
Clear and dependable communication is therefore particularly important. Teams need to coordinate vehicle movements and everyday activity while also having a quick way to contact colleagues if an incident or safety concern arises.
The new Wigan depot required radios that could perform reliably in these conditions while remaining straightforward for employees to use throughout their shifts.
Selecting the Right Radios
Based on our experience supporting waste management and industrial sites across the UK, MTech recommended a fleet of digital two way radios for the new facility.
Digital technology provides several benefits in busy environments, including clear audio that helps users hear messages over background noise from vehicles and machinery. Improved coverage and longer battery performance also help keep teams connected throughout their working day.
Following a review of the site’s requirements, Motorola DP1400 radios were selected for the Wigan depot.
The DP1400 is a robust non-display radio designed for straightforward everyday operation. Its durable construction makes it suitable for demanding industrial environments while still providing the features employees need to communicate effectively.
Digital noise cancellation and automatic volume control help maintain clear audio in noisy areas while private calling and hands free Voice Operated Transmit (VOX) provide additional communication options.
Safety features including a one touch Emergency Button and Lone Worker monitoring also give employees a quick way to raise an alert or request assistance when required.
Flexibility Across Biffa’s UK Sites
The radios were supplied using a Simple UK Ofcom licence, giving Biffa greater flexibility over where the equipment can be used.
Rather than limiting the radios to the Wigan facility, the licence allows them to be used across Biffa depots throughout the UK. This provides a practical approach for a business operating multiple locations and allows teams to use the same dependable communication equipment wherever it is required.
The Results
Motorola DP1400 radios now support everyday communication at Biffa’s Wigan depot, helping employees coordinate teams, vehicles and machinery across the site.
Clear communication supports more efficient working while features including Lone Worker monitoring and the Emergency Button provide additional reassurance for employees working in a demanding environment.
Combined with UK-wide licensing, the system gives Biffa a reliable and flexible communication setup that can support safe and efficient operations at Wigan and across its wider depot network.
