J&B News & Updates

16.04.25

It’s not every day that a materials recycling facility becomes the unexpected star of a coastal rescue mission – but yesterday (15th April 2024), that’s exactly what happened at our Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in Hartlepool!

Residents across Hartlepool couldn’t help but notice the dramatic flurry of activity involving the Coastguard, a circling helicopter, and search vessels combing the shoreline. But the source of the concern wasn’t lost at sea – it was right here in town, travelling along the conveyor belt at J&B’s Materials Recycling Facility (MRF).

The commotion was triggered by an emergency beacon – the type typically used on boats to signal distress – which had somehow found its way into the recycling stream. As it passed through the MRF’s advanced sorting equipment, the signal was picked up, prompting a rapid Coastguard response.

J&B Recycling, who process household recycling for local authorities and businesses across the North East, were just as surprised as anyone to discover the culprit behind the confusion.

Vikki Jackson-Smith, Managing Director at J&B Recycling, said: “We’re used to unusual items turning up in the recycling stream, but this one certainly tops the list! We take our environmental responsibility seriously, and we’re also glad to know the Coastguard response was swift – even if this time it turned out to be a beacon on a one-way trip through our MRF!”

While this incident had an amusing twist, it carries a serious message too.

“Items like this should never end up in household recycling,” Vikki added. “Not only can they cause disruption, but they pose a risk to safety and can lead to unnecessary emergency call-outs. If you’re ever unsure about how to dispose of something – especially electricals or marine equipment – check with your local council or take it to a designated recycling point.”

According to the Coastguard, the emergency beacon was registered to a “large car carrying vessel” in Belgium.

Hartlepool RNLI said in a statement: “Hartlepool RNLI inshore lifeboat Solihull with volunteer crew members took part in a search with a Coastguard helicopter this morning to locate an electronic positioning indicating beacon that had been activated in the Hartlepool area.

“The device appears to have been located at a recycling site in Hartlepool.”

J&B Recycling wants to thank the Coastguard for their quick and professional response – and remind everyone that recycling is important, but so is getting it right.