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Wincanton Unveils WEEE-Compliant Recycling Plant

Posted on: Thursday, 9 February 2006, 15:00 CST

Supply chain specialist Wincanton has opened a state-of-the-art Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) recycling plant in the UK. The company has invested GBP4.5 million in the recycling plant, which is the first of its kind in the country.

Capable of processing up to 75,000 tons per year, the equivalent of 826,500 washing machines, 67 million kettles, or 536 million mobile phones, the machine takes waste electronic and electrical items - excluding cathode ray tubes and lighting equipment - back to the basic material suitable for recycling, in line with the requirements of the EU's WEEE Directive.

On opening the new facility, Graeme McFaull, Wincanton CEO, commented, "This is a significant investment in an innovative capability that, for the first time, will facilitate the full spectrum of recycling and reprocessing services in the UK.

Goods will be collected from local authorities and businesses across the UK to be processed by the machine. Electronic goods will go through a cross-cut grinder to release the internal components, such as circuit boards, batteries, and capacitors, without damaging their integrity. These components can then be recycled. The remaining components, including metals and plastics, are granulated and separated to their constituent parts for recycling.

"Our reverse logistics services offered to retailers, manufacturers, businesses and local authorities now include an all-encompassing solution for all aspects of the WEEE Directive, including refurbishment, sorting materials, recycling and waste management," commented Mr McFaull.

Source: Datamonitor

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