KMFG Site Visit to Countrystyle Recycling: Insight, Innovation and Sustainability

You are here: Home » Project updates » KMFG Site Visit to Countrystyle Recycling: Insight, Innovation and Sustainability

This week, members of the Kent & Medway Manufacturing Focus Group (KMFG) were welcomed to Countrystyle Recycling’s impressive Ridham facility for a morning of learning, collaboration and behind‑the‑scenes insight into one of Kent’s leading waste‑management operations.

Hosted by Jolene Simionato, Tony Filson and the wider Countrystyle team, the visit provided attendees with a unique opportunity to see first‑hand the scale, capability and community impact of Countrystyle’s work across the waste lifecycle.  From collection and processing to recycling, resource recovery and sustainable innovation.

Countrystyle is a dynamic, family‑owned waste‑management business, delivering integrated, closed‑loop solutions that process over 1.7 million tonnes of waste every year. With one of the largest independent fleets in the UK and a clear commitment to innovation and resource efficiency, they serve businesses across Kent with tailored, practical waste‑management services.

An Engaging Presentation and Guided Tour

The morning began with a warm welcome and a boardroom presentation offering an overview of Countrystyle’s operations, community ethos and role within the wider Heathcote Holdings Group, a network of 13 complementary companies providing solutions across waste, land management, engineering, environmental services and more.

Jolene and Tony shared insights into the company’s:

• Fully integrated waste‑management processes
• Local employment commitment, with nearly 500 employees at Countrystyle and over 1,000 across the wider group
• Long-term partnerships supporting businesses, local authorities, education providers and community groups
• Tailored services across commercial waste, skip hire, compaction, bulk haulage, land management and environmental solutions
• Dedicated compliance framework ensuring safe, transparent and fully auditable waste handling

Attendees were then taken on a guided tour of the Ridham site, observing operations in action and gaining a deeper understanding of how different waste streams are processed, recovered and recycled.

Innovation and Sustainability in Action

A standout theme throughout the visit was Countrystyle’s forward‑thinking approach to sustainability. The company is actively investing in:

• HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel, reducing emissions by up to 90%
• Trials of bio‑LNG vehicles, offering 100% renewable fuel options
• Plans for green hydrogen production through the Kent Hydrogen Cluster
• Transition to electric vehicles and equipment where practicable
• Planet Mark Certification to measure and reduce carbon emissions

These initiatives demonstrate Countrystyle’s commitment to supporting Kent’s environmental priorities while driving ongoing innovation in the sector.

Championing Social Value Across Kent

Beyond their operational footprint, Countrystyle plays an active role in supporting communities, education and local economy initiatives across the county. Their social value activity includes:

• Donating compost and litter‑picking kits to schools and community groups
• Supporting school gardens, sustainability education and habitat regeneration
• Providing apprenticeship and graduate opportunities with guaranteed employment
• Partnering with Social Enterprise Kent and sponsoring the Green School Awards
• Fundraising for The Young Lives Foundation, including a Kent‑to‑Paris charity cycle raising over £53,000

This commitment reflects the organisation’s long‑standing values rooted in people, partnership and community impact.

A Successful and Inspiring Visit

We extend our sincere thanks to Jolene, Tony and the entire Countrystyle team for their hospitality and for sharing such a rich and insightful look into their operations. The visit was a fascinating opportunity for attendees to gain real‑world insight into sustainable waste‑management practices, innovation, and the vital role businesses like Countrystyle play in supporting our region’s economic and environmental goals.

We look forward to continuing to work closely with Countrystyle through KMFG, LSIP and wider collaborative activity across Kent and Medway.