At Axil, our supply chain needs to reflect our values — and our customers’ expectations. That’s why we partner with organisations who share our standards, our mindset, and our commitment to doing things properly. iWaste is one of those partners.
From dismantling TVs in a garage to supporting some of the UK’s most complex waste challenges – they’ve come a long way. What’s stayed the same? A commitment to doing the right thing. That’s why iWaste is a trusted partner in Axil’s national supply chain.
In this spotlight, we chat to Sam Mountain, one of iWaste’s founder and Managing Director, to explore the journey from a double decker bus office to nationwide service – the origin stories, shared values, and what makes a great partnership tick.
Q: How did iWaste get started?
Honestly? A bit of luck, a lot of curiosity. I was a disillusioned college student with no real plan — just a parrot, a dog, and a few mates with a band rehearsing in an office we couldn’t afford.
After working for several waste companies (big and small) we felt there was a niche within the market that needed commitment and quality with service. We started off trying to broker waste with a small office we couldn’t afford, a parrot, a dog, and renting a room out to bands in the evenings to practise.
We started collecting small WEEE just to cover rent — dismantling TVs by hand, doing the admin ourselves, and looking after a handful of customers the best we could. There was no big plan, just a belief that even waste collection could be done better: with more care, more personality. Over time, we moved from brokering waste to managing it ourselves. That shift gave us control – and the responsibility to do things properly. The goal was simple then, and still is now: solve problems, build trust, and always put the customer first.
Q: What’s iWaste’s role in Axil’s supply chain, and where are you now?
We’re a national provider of WEEE and data destruction services – from secure asset disposal and confidential waste to batteries and small tech. What sets us apart, and what aligns us with Axil, is how we do it. It’s never just a task; it’s a responsibility.
When Axil brings us onto a site, we step in as part of their team. We carry their standards with us – clear reporting, fast response times, and service customers can trust.
We’ve supported Axil for years, delivering secure, compliant collections across the UK with consistency. When Axil sends us in, the customer doesn’t get a third-party — they get a fully briefed, professional service that feels like an extension of Axil.
As for growth – we’ve built steadily over nine years. Today we’ve got a 35-strong team, handheld tech for every driver, and compliance systems that match national operators. Becoming a certified B Corp was a big milestone for us. It’s not something we had to do, but it reflects how we think. We’re not here just to lift bins – we’re here to build something with purpose. We’re not just here to move waste. We’re here to do things properly and build something meaningful.
Q: So how did the relationship with Axil come about?
It started with one small bin – but Axil wasn’t after another collector. They wanted partners who could flex, solve problems, and genuinely care. That stood out.
From day one, they treated us like part of the team, not just a contractor. We’re in the loop, involved in service reviews, and trusted to deliver. It’s a grown-up relationship built on mutual respect.
What makes it work? Shared values. We both care about doing things properly — for the customer, not just the contract. Axil sets the bar high, and we match it with tech, transparency, and teamwork.
We’ve grown together – now supporting national WEEE and secure shredding. But the mindset hasn’t changed: it’s about trust, collaboration, and building a supply chain that strengthens the whole service.
That’s why it works.
Q: Why is supply chain so crucial in the waste industry right now?
Customers don’t have time to chase — they want confidence. That’s where Axil stands out. They’ve built a capable, trusted network — and that’s rare. When Axil manages the process, it takes the weight off the customer’s shoulders.
Working with Axil means gaining access to a national network of vetted providers who know what ‘good’ looks like. The job doesn’t just get done — it gets done properly.
No one wants to juggle five waste providers, five sets of paperwork, and five different standards. When a company works with Axil, they expect a complete, joined-up service — and rightly so.
That level of reassurance really matters, especially in sectors like pharma, tech, or healthcare, where compliance isn’t optional.
Our role is to deliver that seamless service, wherever it’s needed. Whether it’s an office in Glasgow or a lab in Bristol, the experience should feel consistent, reliable, and professional.
Customers don’t see “iWaste” or “Axil” — they see one service. And our job is to make sure it reflects the standards of both. Because Axil’s supply chain isn’t just about logistics — it’s the brand experience, delivered every day.
Q: How has the industry changed since you started — and how have you adapted?
When we started, everything was manual. Now, customers want traceability, real-time data, compliance built in.
We’ve evolved. We built our own portal, tailored to work alongside Axil’s. Our drivers are trained to do more than collect – they check sites, flag issues, talk to customers. They take pride in their work. That’s not common in this industry, but it should be.
We’ve also introduced cameras, compliance systems, and better fleet tech. It’s all about reducing wasted time, wasted fuel, and wasted opportunities to fix problems early.
Q: What would you say to a customer thinking about working with Axil — and by extension, iWaste?
You’re in safe hands. Confidence that they’re working with a provider who has done the legwork behind the scenes. A provider who doesn’t just promise good service — but builds the structure to consistently deliver it.
Axil’s supply chain isn’t the cheapest, fastest-assembled option. It’s curated. It’s tested. It’s constantly reviewed. That means customers get reliability, accountability, and performance across the board – not just when things are easy, but when things get tough.
We’ve seen it firsthand. A missed collection, the wrong asset flagged – the focus is always on fixing it fast and making sure it doesn’t happen again. That culture of ownership builds trust. And it’s why the model works.
Q: What would you say to a customer reading this thinking, ‘Why should I care?’
Because you want a partner who cares — and backs it up with action.
The Axil-iWaste relationship gives you national scale, local service, and flexibility most providers can’t match.
You’re not a number. You’re a relationship. We’ve been in your shoes, we’ve built it from the ground up — and we know trust is everything.
Q: What keeps you going?
The people and the challenge. Some of our team started as apprentices – now they’re running national operations and have evolved into key members of the business we’ve all built..We’ve grown a lot, but we’ve stayed true to what matters: doing good work, treating customers right, and surrounding ourselves with partners who care. It’s not about bins – it’s about trust. Always has been. And the beauty with this industry is you never know what’s round the corner and what challenge is going to befall you next.
Final thought — what does the future look like for this kind of partnership model?
Axil is already ahead of the curve – building a network of like-minded partners who are ready to grow, adapt, and deliver. It’s not just about waste anymore – it’s about trust, performance, and impact. And we’re proud to be part of that story.
Customers expect more than just waste removal. They want visibility, action, and partners they can rely on. Axil understands that. They’ve created a flexible, values-led supply chain that’s built to solve real problems – not just tick boxes. That’s the future, and we’re proud to be part of it.
As a supplier, we know what’s expected – and we’re proud to meet that standard, every time.
At Axil, we build supply chain partnerships that reflect our values and raise the bar. Because our customers deserve nothing less.
Want to know more about how Axil works with its trusted supply chain to support your business? Get in touch.
What customers get from the Axil and their supply chain:
- Flexibility – Fast, tailored responses to your waste needs
- Compliance Confidence – Real-time reporting means total visibility
- Genuine People – Local teams who own their work and care about your business
- Reduced Admin & Risk – Axil handles the network; you get results
- Proactive Support – If there’s a problem, we find a solution
- Shared Values – Sustainability, service, and accountability