A landmark refurbishment of the iconic Marriott Hotel in Glasgow has achieved an impressive 98.87% waste recycling rate, thanks to a close collaboration between AKP Scotland, a leading construction and fit-out specialist, and the NWH Group, a specialist in recycling and waste management.

The extensive refit, which involved the complete modernisation of the hotel’s 1970s interiors, required a robust, responsive and environmentally focused waste solution. NWH Group was brought in by AKP Scotland to manage a complex array of construction debris, outdated furnishings and mixed materials – with the goal of maximising recycling and minimising environmental impact.

To keep the high-profile project running on time and on budget, NWH Group delivered a fully customised waste strategy, combining daily skip and hook exchanges, wait and load services, and real-time scheduling.

Connor Goldie, Project Manager at AKP Scotland, said: “This was a demanding city-centre site with limited space, tight deadlines and high sustainability expectations. NWH Group’s collaborative approach and commitment to efficiency helped us maintain momentum while significantly reducing waste sent to landfill. The team provided a great service and was a key part in helping AKP deliver the project.”

Key waste management highlights:

• 98.87% of total waste recycled or recovered
• Daily collections ensured clean and efficient site operations
• Real-time scheduling reduced downtime and adapted to evolving site needs
• Wait & Load services provided agility during peak phases of demolition
• On-site segregation optimised recycling and lowered disposal costs
• 1.13% of residual waste converted to energy, supporting local waste-to-energy initiative

Driving circular economy outcomes

NWH Group’s waste strategy focused not only on removal but also on reuse and recycling, supporting Scotland’s wider circular economy goals. Segregated materials – including metals, plastics and glass – were diverted to appropriate recycling facilities, while remaining non-recyclables were sent to waste-to-energy plants to reduce reliance on landfill and fossil fuels.

Kelly Lock, Commercial Sales Lead at The NWH Group, said: “This project is a great example of how smart waste management can deliver both environmental and commercial benefits. By working closely with AKP Scotland from the outset, we were able to implement best-practice recycling processes and ensure maximum diversion from landfill. We continue to support the project's success, underscoring the importance of efficient waste management in large-scale construction endeavours.”

She added: “With construction and hospitality sectors under increasing pressure to reduce their carbon impact, the Marriott Hotel refit sets a new benchmark for how a thoughtful waste strategy can drive sustainability without compromising efficiency.”