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Viridor assist zero waste targets
18/06/2009
Another step towards hitting ambitious recycling targets was taken today with the official opening of Scotland's most advanced recycling facility.
Viridor, a key player in the field of recycling and waste management, has invested over £7 million in the purpose built structure on their existing site in Bargeddie, Lanarkshire.
Speaking at the opening today, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:
"This impressive new facility will make a real contribution to creating a greener, more sustainable Scotland, by recycling 60,000 tonnes of material each year. This plant can play a key role in helping Scotland meet our 70 per cent recycling target and is an example of the type of infrastructure Scotland needs to move away from landfill.
"As a result of the investment, Viridor have also created 19 new jobs to add to their existing Scottish workforce of 260.
"Viridor works in partnership with the vast majority of local authorities and some of Scotland's largest private sector manufacturers, including Coca Cola Enterprises, where I recently witnessed their impressive committment to zero waste.
"Good progress is being made by local authorities on the recycling front. It is encouraging to note that eight councils have already reached or exceeded our 40 per cent recycling target for municipal waste - others now need to accelerate the pace of delivery.
"There is no doubt that recycling and landfill targets are challenging; however, they reflect where we need to get to. It won't be an easy journey towards zero waste, it will require behavioural change, investment and commitment - but it is achievable.
"We will soon be consulting on Scotland's National Waste Management Plan which will set out in detail how we move towards becoming a zero waste society. Companies such as Viridor are giving us the means to achieve these targets, now we must step up to the mark and make it happen. "
Colin Paterson, Scottish Regional Director for Viridor, said:
"Scotland is undergoing a green revolution and Viridor is at its core as the nation's leading recycling, energy recovery and waste management provider. Our latest £7.1 million investment in the country's most advanced materials recycling facility is essential in ensuring families, communities, councils and the private sector meet ambitious Scottish and European recycling targets.
"This 'next generation' of green infrastructure is vital to both our zero waste future and reducing taxpayer liability to landfill levies. Today is the next step in a bright future for a sustainable Scotland."
Viridor, part of the FTSE 100 Pennon Group, is one of the UK's leading recycling, energy recovery and waste management companies with an annual turnover of £350 million.
Viridor provides services to 96 per cent of Scottish local authorities (direct contracts with 18) and a host of private sector clients including Coca Cola Enterprises and BAE Systems.
Viridor delivers the full range of recycling, energy recovery and waste management services including recyclate collection and household waste recycling centre services; Scotland's most advanced materials recycling facility; Scotland's leading glass reprocessing facility; Scotland's leading electrical reprocessing facility; wood recycling, special waste and secure final landfill disposal.
The company handles over eight million tonnes of material each year, recycling over one and a half million tonnes and generating 84 megawatts of renewable energy.
All sites and services are operated under the company's business management system incorporating ISO14001 (Environmental Management), ISO9001 (Quality Management) and OHSAS 18001 (Health and Safety) standards, and formally accredited by BSI. These are the highest recognised international standards, ensuring continuous improvement in these key areas and providing assurance to customers and communities alike.