Chemist in her element as she finds winning formula

09 October 2025 by CSG

A chemist who swapped pulling pints for handling hazardous waste little over two years ago has been honoured with an award for excellence by her employer.

Danielle Swallow has won the Shining Star of the Year Award at CSG, where she is a chemist at the waste management specialist’s Middlesbrough laboratory.

The accolade recognises individuals who are outstanding at what they do and excel throughout the year.

It’s a significant achievement for Danielle, 23, who was working at her local pub having completed her chemistry degree at the University of Nottingham when she spotted an opportunity at CSG in 2023.

Danielle said she had never considered a future in waste – but is loving her new career.

“I knew I wanted to work in a role that heavily involved the environment and sustainability but that was it,” she said. “I certainly didn’t plan to work in waste. I applied without thinking too much about it and I really am so grateful I did.

“My first day was terrifying. Going from a pristine university lab to a waste site was a bit of a shock but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I think I settled in really quickly, it’s the kind of role where you just have to get stuck in and everyone was so friendly which helped massively.

“This award means a great deal to me. It’s really rewarding to know that the effort I’m putting in is making a difference and doesn’t go unnoticed.”

CSG employs almost 600 people across 30 sites around the UK.

As well as a trophy for winning the Shining Star of the Year Award, Danielle has scooped £750, which she plans to use on a celebratory holiday.

Danielle was nominated by four of her colleagues, including Regional Business Manager Craig Dufferwiel.

Craig said: “Danielle has gone above and beyond, taking on jobs that aren’t necessarily her responsibility. This has helped us maintain standards, revenue and compliance over the last 12 months.

“She had no direct experience of the industry having joined us immediately after university, but she wanted to learn straight away and was constantly asking questions.

“Today, Danielle is the person everyone goes to with their questions, regardless of whether they are office staff, site workers or other chemists, which is remarkable considering she has only been with us for two years.”

Danielle’s day-to-day role includes checking and sampling all incoming packaged loads, using the information to correctly route the waste. She also checks for non-conforming waste and deals with it appropriately.

CSG helps households and organisations by offering a complete variety of services ranging from waste collection through to treatment, recovery and disposal of countless waste streams.

It has two bases in Middlesbrough which specialise in processing industrial waste, services which are in high demand in the North East.