New recycling facility creates 19 jobs

Jun 24 2009 by Wendy Scott, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

Waste management taken to new level

SCOTLAND’S most advanced recycling facility was officially opened in Bargeddie creating an extra 19 new jobs.

Viridor, a key player in the field of recycling and waste management, have invested over £7m in the purpose-built structure on their existing site.

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 work 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 commitment 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 are at its core as the nation’s leading recycling, energy recovery and waste management provider.

“Our latest £7.1m 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.”