It provides collection, landfill, recycling and special waste services to local authorities and industrial and commercial clients in the UK. As of 2017, it was the UK's second-largest waste-management company. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.
History
The company, which was originally engaged in the removal and sale of ashes and clinker from London power stations, was founded in Wembley by Richard Henry Biffa as Richard Biffa Limited, in 1912.
In 1958 Richard Henry Biffa's grandson, Richard Charles Biffa, joined the business and, after becoming general manager in 1963, grew the business organically and by acquisition.The business was acquired by British Electric Traction in 1971 and by Severn Trent for £212 million in 1991. It acquired the American-owned UK Waste for £380 million in 2000.
Severn Trent demerged the company to a consortium formed by Global Infrastructure Partners, Montagu Private Equity & Uberior Co-Investment in 2008. It acquired recycling firm Greenstar UK for £135 million in 2010.
The company was re-listed on the London Stock Exchange on 17 October 2016.
Operations
Biffa cover 95% of the UK. The company runs two Material Recycling Facilities (MRF).
Prosecutions for illegal activities
Biffa has been prosecuted for the following breaches of environmental waste export laws:
2018-2019
The company was convicted of four breaches of waste shipment regulations during the period 2018-2019.
2020
The company was convicted of attempting to export used nappies and materials illegally.
2021
In 2021, the company was found guilty in a case brought about by The Environment Agency, having attempted to illegally export banned household waste items, including plastic bags, tins, clothing and condoms - incorrectly identified as waste paper. The company was fined £1.5m, and severely rebuked by Judge Shane Collery QC, who described Biffa as "having shown no contrition" for this crime, referring to their actions as "reckless, bordering on deliberate".
