Rieck Waste Logistics Celebrates 30th Anniversary

Efficient recycling continues to gain importance: For this year’s 30th anniversary, Rieck Waste Logistics from Neuss is commissioning a polystyrene recycling plant and a fully automated digital weighing terminal. The in-house logistics department is also a driver of growth.

(Grossbeeren/Neuss) Whether it’s circular economy, extended producer responsibility, or mandatory recycling quotas – the current societal developments are directly reflected at the premises of Rieck Waste Logistics in Neuss. By 2030, 70 percent of packaging waste is to be recycled across the EU. The company is now investing in its own polystyrene recycling plant, which compresses packaging polystyrene – one of the most commonly generated waste materials worldwide. It can then be used as a raw material for the production of new polystyrene, clothing, or thermal insulation. In the first year, Rieck expects a recycling volume of around 16,000 cubic meters.

Ten years ago, the company started its own channel baler system. In the past fiscal year, more than 30,000 tons of waste paper were sorted, processed, and baled for the first time. “The industry is dynamic, and so are we,” says Stefan Rieck, managing partner of the Rieck Logistics Group. “Whether it’s new materials, innovative recycling solutions, legal requirements, or societal rethinking – we stay in tune with the times.”

Everything from a Single Source

The company places great importance on offering its customer service from a single source. From the beginning, its own logistics department has complemented the site’s offerings with nationwide and global logistics solutions. “Many companies appreciate the one-stop shopping experience with us,” explains Managing Director Daniel Gartmann. “The share of total sales is continuously growing – thus, the department now contributes an important and growing part to our business success.”

Additionally, Rieck continuously invests to ensure optimal service. The company is fully transitioning to a paperless process for its roll-off and drop-off container vehicles. This year, a fully automated and digital weighing terminal will also be put into operation. The fleet is up to date regarding safety standards and Euro norms.

From Pioneer to Industry Leader

Within three decades, the company has evolved from a small innovator to an industry leader: In April 1994, the then-smallest Rieck branch in Mülheim entered the waste management business with five employees and 700 square meters of hall space. Shortly thereafter, it was renamed Rieck Waste Logistics GmbH & Co. KG and moved to Neuss in 1999. Today, the company offers waste management services on 40,000 square meters, including a special waste interim storage facility and various recycling solutions, employing 76 staff members.

Search for Additional Space

Stefan Rieck is confident that two developments will shape the industry: “On the one hand, the increasing mandatory recycling quotas. However, only what is sorted cleanly can be recycled. Therefore, the trend is towards ever faster fully automated sorting and recycling technologies – with sensors and AI support.” Rieck Waste Logistics looks forward to the upcoming challenges and is currently searching for additional space for positive business development.

Photo: © Rieck / Caption: Stefan Rieck (left), managing partner of the Rieck Logistics Group, and Daniel Gartmann (right), Managing Director of Rieck Waste Logistics