RECYCLING is ‘common sense’ and delivers real benefits for communities.
That was the message from Scottish Conservative deputy leader, Murdo Fraser, as he toured Viridor’s industry-leading electric and electronic equipment facility in Perth today (3rd May).
The Friarton Road site, with over 95 employees, is considered one of Europe’s leading specialist centres for the recycling of electronic equipment and gives new life to some 90 per cent of components arriving on site – from disused TVs and domestic appliances to electronic equipment ranging from kettles and toasters to PCs and games consoles.
The company, which is investing £800m in ‘next generation’ recycling and waste infrastructure across Scotland, recycled over 350,000 televisions at the site in the last year – a 60 per cent year-on-year increase as Scots upgraded for the digital switchover.
Mr. Fraser, Scottish Conservative candidate for Perthshire North, also witnessed how Viridor recycles over 230,000 fridges each year from 96% of Scotland’s local authorities.
Speaking with recycling operatives on site, Mr Fraser said:
“Scottish Conservatives are committed to protecting Scotland’s quality of life and international impact.
“Not only is recycling a common sense approach to improving our local environment, but it also means investment and Green jobs in our communities.
“Throughout the campaign Conservatives have been focusing on supporting enterprise, growing the economy and creating jobs.
“Viridor’s advanced infrastructure is an excellent example of a British company with the confidence to invest in our local economy.”
Commenting, Martin Grey, communications manager for Viridor, said:
“From renewables to recycling, Scotland is undergoing a Green revolution.
“Viridor’s advanced recycling technologies and £800m investment in ‘next generation’ infrastructure will be central to turning policy into practice and realising benefits for our economy and communities.
“We’re delighted that parties across the political spectrum are prioritising economic growth, investment and jobs.
“Murdo Fraser is a long standing advocate of sustainable economic development and we look forward to working with him as a common sense champion in the next Parliament.”
Notes for editors:
ELECTRICAL RECYCLING
- Opened in 2003, Viridor’s Perth facility is considered Scotland’s only dedicated Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling facility, working on behalf of producer compliance schemes covering 96 per cent of Scottish local authorities.
- The location was one of the first UK facilities to employ the latest MeWa WEEE recycling technology and recycles 95 per cent of components from TVs, fridges and small domestic appliances.
- The facility recycled over 50,000 tonnes of electronic and electrical items in Scotland over the last two years including resources from 625,000 fridges alone.
- Viridor Perth delivers impressive results, including a 60 per cent year-on-year increase in recycling of televisions and small electrical items since the adoption of the WEEE directive in 1997.
- The facility recycles around 330,000 TVs, 230,000 fridges and around 10,000 tonnes of small domestic appliances such as irons, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, telephones and games consoles from across Scotland each year.
VIRIDOR
- Part of the FTSE 250 Pennon Group, Viridor is one of Scotland’s leading recycling, renewable energy and resource efficiency partners, working with 96 per cent of Scottish local authorities and some of the biggest names in Scottish business such as Scottish Power, RBS, BAE Systems and Coca Cola Enterprises.
- Operating the nation’s most advanced network of recycling and waste infrastructure, the company is investing up to £800m in ‘next generation’ Green infrastructure to turn Scottish zero waste policy into practice.
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Contact: Martin Grey
Email: mgrey@viridor.co.uk
