Jeremey Freeth had been a dedicated figure in the recycling industry for over four decades. This year marked what would have been his 40th anniversary in business. 
His journey began in 1978 when he left school and started working for his father, Richard Freeth, at his wastepaper business. In 1984, Mr Freeth branched out and founded his own company, Thamesdown Glass. He began with one lorry, offering glass collection services to pubs, clubs, and councils in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Somerset.
Driven by a desire to expand his recycling services, Mr Freeth ventured into the Secure Destruction market. His opportunity arose when he heard a news report about a nationwide recall by a bottle company. Spotting a used bottle from this company in mixed glass collections, he called the number on the label to offer his destruction services. The company accepted, marking the beginning of his secure destruction operations. This process involved separating fluids from its packaging and recycling each component.
The business flourished, attracting clients from across the UK, and prompted Mr Freeth to rename his company Thamesdown Recycling.
Secure destruction remains a significant aspect of the business, serving drinks manufacturers, logistics companies, warehouses, food manufacturers and government agencies. As his business expanded, Mr Freeth expanded into collecting various recyclable materials, such as cans, paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, film grades and Tetra Pak.
Over the years, Thamesdown Recycling achieved numerous milestones under Mr Freeth’s leadership. It became the Southwest Aggregation Centre for Novelis Recycling and maintained membership in the IWPP/Recycling Association for many years. In 2012, Cotswold district council, in partnership with Ubico, began operating their kerbside dry mixed recyclables collection from Thamesdown Recycling.
Mr Freeth adapted his site to meet Ubico’s needs, providing an efficient handling and processing solution. His efforts were rewarded in 2019 when Thamesdown Recycling was re-awarded the contract for processing Cotswold district council’s dry mixed recyclables, which include glass, plastic, tins, paper, card, small electrical items, textiles and food waste.
Mr Freeth also believed in supporting local charities and causes, notably the Prospect Hospice, dedicated to end-of-life care in Wiltshire. Over the years, he and his company raised several thousand pounds for this charity, a tradition that continues in his memory.
A passionate rugby fan, Mr Freeth supported his local team, Gloucester Rugby, since his school days. He also enjoyed growing vegetables, driving his tractor and spending time with his family.
He was a truly lovely, witty gentlemen and he will be greatly missed within the waste and recycling industry and even more by his friends and family.
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