Bristol Waste’s new managing director pledges to deliver ‘reliable services’

Rob Heath will start his role in September

Bristol Waste, the council-owned body responsible for street cleaning and recycling, has appointed a new managing director. Rob Heath, who will take up the role in September, has pledged to deliver “reliable services” across the city.

Mr Heath has nearly 40 years of experience in the waste management and environmental services sector. He started his career in the industry as a driver before moving on to site management roles and later executive positions with companies including Biffa and SUEZ.

He is currently executive operations director for Cheltenham-based environmental services firm Ubico.

A spokesperson for Bristol Waste said Mr Heath “deeply understands” the organisation and “the vital daily work” its staff perform across Bristol.

“Having worked across all levels of environmental services, from driving — almost 40 years ago — to directing operations, I know how vital our frontline work is to local communities,” said Mr Heath.

“I look forward to working closely with Bristol City Council, building on Bristol’s innovative and dedicated attitude towards sustainability, and ensuring we continue to deliver reliable services that residents can be proud of.”

Andrew Pollard, chair of Bristol Waste Company, said he was “delighted” to have attracted someone of Mr Heath’s “calibre” to lead the business.

“Rob brings considerable experience in the waste management and recycling sector, particularly in Teckal trading businesses like ours, and a strong track record of leadership in operational services,” he said.

“The team and I very much look forward to working with him as we continue to strengthen Bristol Waste Company’s profile and reputation and deliver for the city in the years ahead.”

Councillor Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, added: “Our city’s residents value clean streets and neighbourhoods and we are committed to investing in measures that will help to reduce litter and fly-tipping, improve reliability of collections whilst decarbonising our fleet and make it easier for people to reduce their waste and recycle more.

“Rob’s leadership and experience will be key to delivering on these priorities and I look forward to working closely with him and the team as we drive forward these important improvements.”

For the last financial year, Bristol Waste turned over £65.8m – up from £63.3m a year earlier. The latest available documents on Companies House show the organisation narrowed its total losses for the year to the end of March 2025 to £507,064, compared to a loss of £961,436 the year before.

At that time, Bristol Waste had total equity of £7m.