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 £7m 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% recycling target and is an example of the type of infrastructure Scotland needs to move away from landfill."

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As a result of the investment, Viridor have also created 19 new jobs to add to their existing Scottish workforce of 260.

The form works in partnership with the vast majority of local authorities and some of Scotland's largest private sector manufacturers, including Coca Cola Enterprises.

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 £7.1m 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."

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 £350m.

(GK/BMcC)