As England prepares for the nationwide introduction of mandatory household food waste collections, waste vehicle manufacturer NTM-GB has unveiled its latest innovation – the Mini-MAS – designed to help food waste collectors meet new regulatory requirements with greater efficiency and sustainability.
The new Mini-MAS model, officially launched at September’s Environmental Services & Solutions (ESS) Expo, marks a significant development in food waste collection technology. Compact, durable, and British-built, the Mini-MAS is intended to support users as they adapt to tighter environmental targets and operational challenges ahead.
A compact solution for a growing challenge
From 2026, all local authorities in England will be required to collect household food waste separately, under a government plan aimed at reducing landfill use and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The change is expected to place additional logistical and financial pressure on local authorities, many of which are still evaluating their readiness for the shift.
NTM-GB believes the Mini-MAS offers the practical answer. The vehicle retains the proven reliability of the MAS, but introduces a more compact chassis to navigate narrow residential streets and high-density urban routes.
“Local Authorities face increasing demands to deliver cleaner, more efficient food waste services within tight budgets,” said Grahame Jones, Managing Director of NTM-GB. “The Mini-MAS is designed to make that easier – it’s agile, robust, and hygienic, perfectly suited to the realities of British roads and local authority operations.”
Engineered for performance and hygiene
Designed and manufactured in Britain, the Mini-MAS is purpose-built for chassis sizes up to 12 tonnes, offering the same durability and performance standards that NTM’s vehicles are known for. Its fully sealed tensile steel body ensures leak-free, hygienic operation – a crucial feature for collecting organic waste with high liquid content.
The vehicle’s electrically operated bin-lift and compaction cycle improve efficiency while minimising manual handling, helping operators work more safely and productively. With a loading time of less than 20 seconds, the Mini-MAS also enables faster collection rounds – an advantage for managing large or complex collection networks.
Additional features include a customisable body to meet most requirements, and all backed up with extendable warranties, providing flexibility and certainty for different operational needs. Its leak-proof design prevents cross-contamination and odour issues, making it well suited
for the handling of food waste in warmer months.
Built in Britain for British Conditions
Unlike many imported food waste vehicles, the Mini-MAS is designed and assembled in the UK to exactly meet local infrastructure and environmental standards. Its compact size makes it ideal for the country’s often narrow, congested streets, where larger refuse collection vehicles may struggle to operate efficiently.
Grahame Jones said that domestic production of the Mini-MAS also means quicker supply chains and greater control over quality. “We understand the challenges our customers face and building the Mini-MAS here in Britain ensures it meets those expectations from day one.”
Driving the future of food waste collection
The Mini-MAS arrives at a pivotal moment for the UK’s waste and recycling sector. As the government moves closer to enforcing separate food waste collections, local authorities are under pressure to upgrade their fleets and infrastructure. NTM’s new model aims to help them do that without compromising service quality or environmental performance.
Beyond its technical features, the Mini-MAS reflects broader trends in waste management innovation. By combining compact design with durability and hygienic operation, NTM-GB is helping customers align with national sustainability goals and community expectations.
The company also emphasises that the Mini-MAS can integrate seamlessly with existing recycling and residual waste fleets. For customers already running NTM vehicles, this continuity helps simplify maintenance and training requirements.
Market response and availability
Early response to the Mini-MAS from the sector has been very positive. Since it’s unveiling in September 2025, customers have expressed interest in acquiring the Mini-MAS to strengthen and speed up their food waste collection capabilities.
Looking ahead
As we prepare for the nationwide rollout of food waste collection, the Mini-MAS offers a timely and practical option. With its blend of compact design, robust performance, and hygiene-focused engineering, it stands out as a key tool in helping transition smoothly into the next phase of environmental regulation.
For many in the sector, the new model represents more than just another vehicle – it symbolises how the waste management industry is adapting to a changing world. By focusing on smarter, cleaner, and more sustainable solutions, companies like NTM-GB are helping shape a future where efficiency and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
For further details, please visit NTM-GB at: www.ntm-gb.com or call: 01902 365880.