Simon Howie acquires Perth electrical recycling business

Perthshire businessman Simon Howie has completed a deal to buy a major Perth recycling operation.

His company Shore Recycling Limited has bought the waste electrical recycling arm of Viridor.

Mr Howie previously operated in the waste electrical equipment (WEEE) field from 2002 to 2008 when his company was acquired by Viridor in a £23 million deal.

Mr Howie’s acquisition includes a Perth plant in Friarton Road, which is the only facility in Scotland capable of recycling fridges as well as other waste electrical equipment.

The purchase was comp le ted for an undisclosed sum on Friday.

Company chairman Mr Howie – who is best known for his butchery business – said he

welcomed the opportunity to return to the waste recycling sector.

He said: “We are delighted to return to the sector and we very much look forward to working with customers past, present and future to drive the business forward.

“There’s a strong team in the business and we’re looking forward to getting started.”

WEEE is a high-profile sector in the battle to use resources better.

In the UK, each person disposes of an average of 25kg each year.

The Perth facility is an integrated plant which process all forms of WEEE from fridges to computers to microwaves. It services material from 25 of Scotland’s councils.

A statement from Viridor described the sale as a “strategic decision”.

It said: “Whilst Viridor recognises the recycling of electrical items is a vital part of waste management, it has made the strategic decision to exit this activity.

“We would like to thank all our customers and staff at the Perth facility for their support over the years.

“We know that this support will continue for Shore Recycling to drive the business forward.

“We wish everyone the best for the future”.

Simon Howie.