CSG leads the way in gender equality

08 March 2026 by CSG

The waste industry is traditionally seen as male dominated – but one nationwide industry specialist is bucking the trend with women occupying almost half of the managerial positions.

According to The Energy & Utility Skills Group, just 25% of managers, directors and senior officials are female in the waste industry, compared to 65% for all sectors.

But at leading waste management specialist CSG, 20 of the 45 leadership positions (44%) are currently held by females.

That includes Managing Director Jen Cartmell, who took over the top job from Neil Richards last year.

The company is also owned by the Hart family, headed up by Heather and Hiliary Hart, the daughters of founder Bunny Hart, and their four daughters.

Speaking on International Women’s Day, some of the business’ female employees have spoken about what led them to the industry.

Gemma Moyo is Regional Business Manager for the Midlands, having started as Transport Co-ordinator six years ago.

“My husband and my dad are lorry drivers so they talked me into getting my HGV licence,” said Gemma, who previously worked in the supported living industry.

“The company has supported my progression and I’ve been able to climb the ladder quite quickly. I started as Regional Business Manager in February last year and I’m really getting my teeth into it.

“I have 28 people in my team – four in the office and the rest are drivers. I think the fact I was once a driver gives me an advantage and people know I have firsthand experience.

“Transport is still notoriously male but there are a lot of women at CSG. It’s nice to have more variety and the feeling of equality.”

Louise Fox, 25, is also a HGV driver for CSG’s subsidiary, J&G Environmental.

She was working in admin in a transport office for five years before deciding to get behind the wheel.

Based in Blandford Forum in Dorset, Louise said: “I did the intensive driving course and passed. It’s hard finding a job as a new driver as employers want to see experience – but J&G gave me my break and I’m loving it.

“I’ve been all over the country. You arrive at a drop off and people automatically expect to see a hairy bloke step out so I love the element of surprise when I climb down four steps from the cab and I’m a 5ft 7” female in a pink hi-vis vest.

“It’s good to see more women coming into the industry and I’d encourage more people to think about it.”

Alexi Burns, 19, is Technical Sales Manager at CSG’s Sheffield office.

“I knew nothing about the waste industry when I started, but it’s certainly very interesting,” she said.

“Most of the people in the industry are male but, with so many women in managerial positions at CSG, it really does make you believe there are career opportunities out there.

“CSG are very pro-training and will help you progress if that’s what you want.”

CSG also has a below-average gender pay gap – and is committed to further improvements in the years to come.

MD Jen Cartmell said: “We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can reach their potential.

“We’re proud to be leading the way in the industry when it comes to women in managerial positions and we will continue to work to close the pay gap.

“This company has supported me in my own career development and I am keen to help others to develop and grow as I have been able to.”

With more than 650 employees, 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.

The business has been operational for more than nine decades and has experienced significant growth in recent years.

For more information, visit www.csg.co.uk