Who we are
Trusted waste and recycling
experts for over 50 years
What began as a small local operation has grown into one of Northern Ireland’s leading providers of skip hire, commercial bin collections, wood recycling, and metal recycling.
Across every division, the focus remains the same: great customer service, clear communication and reliable, responsible waste handling that businesses and households can trust.
A business built on hard work and local roots
McKinstry was founded over 50 years ago by Albert “Tiny” McKinstry, who built the business around straightforward principles: turn up when promised, do the job properly, and treat customers fairly. Those values shaped the company’s early reputation and continue to guide how the business operates today.
Today, the group is led by Darren McKinstry, who continues that practical, grounded approach while overseeing significant growth across Northern Ireland and beyond. Under Darren’s leadership, McKinstry has expanded from a single local operation into a multi-site group with specialist divisions serving construction firms, businesses, local authorities, and domestic customers alike.
Despite that growth, the business has retained a hands-on culture, with familiar faces, long serving staff, and a strong understanding of local operating conditions.
Responsibility runs through every operation
At McKinstry, we operate all services through licensed facilities, supported by clear documentation and compliance processes. This gives customers confidence that their waste is handled properly, transparently, and in line with regulatory requirements, as well as:
Improving recycling and recovery rates
Reducing landfill reliance
Supporting energy-from-waste
Part of the communities we serve
Our staff play an active role in communities across Northern Ireland, supporting local causes, employing local people, and building long term relationships with customers, councils, and contractors.
This ethos reflects the same family values that shape our day-to-day operations. It’s an approach that balances growth with keeping the business closely connected to the place we’re proud to call home.
“This business was built locally, and that responsibility doesn’t disappear as you grow. It becomes more important.”
Darren McKinstry
McKinstry’s people make the difference
Our operations rely on experienced drivers, site teams, plant operators, and office staff who understand the day-to-day pressures customers face. Many of our team members have worked with us for 10+ years, bringing deep local knowledge and practical site awareness to every job.
McKinstry is led by a senior management team with deep operational experience across waste management, recycling, and logistics.
Our Team
Darren McKinstry
CEO
Arran Rutledge
Finance Director
Tony Kirkpatrick
Operations Director
Bradley McKinstry
Commercial Manager, Metal Recycling
John George Willis
Chairman
Work with McKinstry
Careers built on reliability, safety, and long-term opportunity
We employ people across Northern Ireland, including drivers, plant operators, site staff, engineers, and office-based roles.
Our managers are always looking for individuals who take pride in their work, communicate clearly, and understand the importance of doing the job properly.
