The Sustainability of Aluminium Ladders: Recycle for a Greener Future

January 7, 2025

We are ensuring sustainability is at the heart of our operations at Lyte Ladders, and we’re proud to use Recycled Low-Carbon Aluminium 4.0 in the rungs of our ladders and treads of our steps. However, the sustainability benefits of aluminium don’t stop there. Aluminium is one of the most recyclable materials in the world, making ladders made from this versatile metal a smart choice for environmentally conscious businesses and individuals alike.


Why Aluminium is a Sustainable Choice

Aluminium is often referred to as the “green metal” because of its unique properties:

• Infinite Recyclability: Unlike many other materials, aluminium can be recycled indefinitely without losing its strength or durability. This means old aluminium can be reprocessed to create new products, including ladders, with no compromise on quality.

• Energy Savings: Recycling aluminium uses 95% less energy than producing it from raw materials. This drastic energy saving translates to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Circular Economy: Recycling aluminium supports a circular economy where materials are reused, not wasted. This reduces the demand for mining new raw materials, conserving natural resources for future generations.


Recycling Aluminium Ladders in the UK

The UK is well-equipped to recycle aluminium ladders, with facilities across the country capable of handling this versatile material. Here’s how it works:

• Community Recycling Centres: Many local recycling centres accept aluminium items, including ladders. Simply check with your local council for drop-off points in your area.

•  Scrap Metal Facilities: Specialist scrap yards actively purchase aluminium scrap for recycling. Aluminium ladders can be taken to these facilities, where they’re processed into raw materials for new products.


By taking your ladder to the right facility, you can help reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable recycling process.


How to Prepare Aluminium Ladders for Recycling

To ensure your ladder is recycled efficiently, some preparation is required. Here’s a quick guide:

• Remove Non-Aluminium Components: Any plastic or rubber feet and caps, plus steel bolts should be removed before recycling. These components can often be recycled separately.

• Peel Off Labels: Remove adhesive labels, stickers, and any other non-aluminium material that could contaminate the recycling process.

• Check with the Facility: If in doubt, check with your chosen recycling centre or scrap yard for specific preparation requirements. Some facilities are equipped to handle minor contaminants.


Proper preparation not only ensures the recycling process is smoother but also improves the quality of the recycled aluminium, making it easier to reuse.


The Benefits of Recycling Aluminium Ladders

Recycling aluminium ladders isn’t just good for the environment — it’s also a win for businesses and individuals alike:

• Lower Carbon Footprint: Recycling saves energy and reduces emissions, helping both individuals and organisations meet their sustainability goals.

• Cost-Effective: Aluminium’s recyclability helps keep raw material costs down, ensuring sustainable products remain affordable.

• Support for the UK Economy: By recycling in the UK, we reduce reliance on imported materials and support local recycling facilities, jobs, and industries.


A Commitment to Sustainability at Lyte Ladders

From using Recycled Low-Carbon Aluminium 4.0 in our rungs and treads to ensuring our products are repairable, we’re focused on reducing waste and minimising our environmental impact. By choosing aluminium ladders, you’re investing in a product that’s not only built to last but also built to be part of a sustainable future.


Join Us in Building a Greener Future

By recycling your old ladders and choosing products made from sustainable materials, you can play a vital role in reducing waste and conserving resources. Together, we can make a difference — one ladder at a time.


If you’re interested in learning more about our sustainable products, get in touch with the Lyte team today. Let’s take steps toward a greener, more sustainable future.


Blue fibreglass extension ladder being used in a school rewiring

The Best Ladders for Electricians - Safety First with Fibreglass

September 9, 2025
Handy guide for the best ladders for electricians to use. Compare fibreglass steps, combination & extension ladders — safe, EN131 certified & UK made.

Supporting National Foodbank Day

September 5, 2025
At Lyte Ladders & Towers, we believe sustainability isn’t just about reducing environmental impact, it’s also about strengthening the communities where we live and work. That’s why on Friday 5th September 2025, we were proud to support National Foodbank Day by collecting donations for Swansea Foodbank . Why National Foodbank Day Matters Across the UK, foodbanks play a vital role in supporting families and individuals facing hardship. National Foodbank Day shines a spotlight on this work, raising awareness of the growing demand for foodbank services and encouraging businesses and communities to take action. In Swansea, the foodbank is part of the Trussell Trust network, providing emergency food parcels to those in crisis. Their work goes beyond just food, they also offer advice, support, and practical help to people navigating difficult times. Lyte’s Contribution As a UK manufacturer with deep roots in South Wales, we’re proud to give back to our local community. This year, our team came together to collect donations of non-perishable food, toiletries, and essential household items for Swansea Foodbank. Every contribution helps, from tinned goods and cereals to hygiene products, and we are grateful to our colleagues for showing such generosity. ESG in Action Supporting Swansea Foodbank is part of our wider commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) responsibility. While much of our ESG focus is on reducing environmental impact through initiatives like recycled aluminium and solar energy, we are equally committed to the “social” pillar: Supporting local charities and causes Promoting wellbeing within our workforce Giving back to the community where we manufacture How You Can Help If you’d like to support Swansea Foodbank or learn more about their work, please visit: https://swansea.foodbank.org.uk Together, we can make a difference for those who need it most. National Foodbank Day is a reminder that sustainability is about people as much as it is about products. At Lyte, we’re proud to stand alongside Swansea Foodbank and support the vital role they play in our community. We’d like to thank our team for their generosity and encourage others to consider how they can support foodbanks locally, today and every day.

Bespoke vs Standard - What’s the Right Access Solution for Your Business?

August 6, 2025
Choosing the right equipment for working at height can significantly impact site safety, task efficiency and long-term value. At Lyte Ladders & Towers, we manufacture a full range of standard access equipment certified to the latest safety standards, as well as bespoke access solutions tailored to solve complex or industry-specific challenges. But how do you know which is right for your needs? In this post, we explore the pros and cons of standard vs bespoke solutions, and how to make the best choice for your business. Standard Access Products: Certified and Ready to Use Our standard ladders, steps, podiums and towers are independently tested and certified to the relevant standards (such as EN131 or EN1004 ), ensuring they meet strict safety and performance requirements for regular trade and industrial use. ✔️ Advantages of Standard Products Fully Certified: Products like our MagnaStep range are EN131 Professional certified, which is reassuring for both Health & Safety teams and users. Faster Lead Times: Manufactured in volume at our UK factory, standard items are available with shorter turnaround times and higher stock availability. Cost-Effective: Ideal for bulk purchase for use across large teams or multi-site operations. Widely Applicable: Suitable for general use across construction, maintenance, utilities, and facilities management. ⚠️ Limitations One-Size-Fits-All Design: May not suit specialist tasks or restricted environments. Workarounds Can Introduce Risk: Using the wrong type of ladder or adapting it on site can lead to unsafe practices. Bespoke Access Solutions: Built Around Your Challenge Not all jobs fit within a standard set of dimensions, and that’s where Lyte’s bespoke design service comes in. From access towers for the transport industry to maintain their vehicles to compact platforms designs to fit in confined portable buildings and telecoms pole ladders for utilities , we work closely with customers across multiple industries to design safe, purpose-built solutions. View some of our recent bespoke projects here: 👉 Bespoke Products Gallery ✔️ Advantages of Bespoke Solutions Tailored for Your Task: Designed specifically to fit the working environment, user needs and operational requirements. Solves Access Challenges Safely: Reduces reliance on unsafe workarounds or modifications. Long-Term Value: Bespoke solutions can reduce downtime, improve productivity, and enhance operator safety over time. Built and Tested In-House: Even though many bespoke products don’t fall under a formal certification like EN131, we apply our rigorous in-house testing protocols to ensure every product is safe, stable, and fit for purpose. Learn more about our testing process: 👉 Bespoke Access Testing & Development ⚠️ Considerations Longer Lead Times: Bespoke items require consultation, design approval and testing. Not Always Certified: As these products don’t always align with a defined European standard, they cannot carry an EN131 badge, however they are still tested to the highest standards by our in-house team.