A new waste contract between NHS Lanarkshire and disposal specialists Viridor will boost the health board’s recycling rates and help reduce waste disposal costs.

The partnership will manage general recyclable, battery, e-waste and special waste using Scotland’s most advanced materials recycling facility to drive the health board’s recycling rates towards 75 per cent.



Marie Porteous, NHS Lanarkshire’s head of sustainability and environment, said: “We are delighted to have agreed this deal with Viridor which will bring significant improvements to our waste management and recycling processes.



“Not only will these processes be more energy efficient and reduce our carbon footprint, but they will achieve significant financial savings to the organisation and we expect to save up to £40,000.



“The contract aims to reduce the amount of waste disposed of across Lanarkshire, while increasing the quantity of waste recycled.



“It will also reduce the overall carbon footprint of the process by looking at vehicle routes, bin sizes and uplifts.”



Viridor is Scotland’s leading recycling, renewable energy and sustainable waste partner and partners 96 per cent of Scottish local authorities and leading businesses such as RBS, Scottish Power and Coca Cola Enterprises.



Chris Sloey, Viridor’s NHS Lanarkshire account manager, said: “Viridor is delighted to use the very latest technologies to help NHS Lanarkshire boost recycling towards an ambitious 75 per cent, diverting more waste from landfill. 



“Not only is this green procurement in action, it represents real and substantial cost savings to the health board – money which can be re-invested in frontline staff and patient care.



“Driving environmental benefits and value from enhanced recycling is what we do – for corporates, councils, communities and a range of public bodies. 



“We’re delighted to be working with NHS Lanarkshire on their journey towards sustainability, and look forward to continued success moving forward.”



Viridor will utilise a mix of advanced recycling technologies located at its Bargeddie hub to process NHS Lanarkshire’s waste.



This facility at Bargeddie, which forms part of plans to invest some £800m in Scottish ‘next generation’ sustainable waste’ infrastructure, was opened by Scottish Environment Secretary, Richard Lochhead MSP in 2009. 



Current investment of an additional £2.5m will enhance capabilities further.