The Sims Recycling Solutions’ WEEE recycling facility, in Newport, Gwent, was officially launched by Rhodri Morgan, first minister for Wales on Monday.

The purpose-built facility, which sits alongside Sims’ existing facility in Newport, is said to be one of the most advanced recycling centres in Britain, and the home of the world’s largest metal shredder.

It will recover and recycle all types of domestic and commercial waste electrical and electronic equipment, which is currently one of the fastest growing waste streams in Europe.

In the UK alone, households throw away about one million tonnes of waste electrical equipment every year.

Mr Morgan said: “This new investment by Sims Recycling Solutions – supported by the Assembly Government – makes this facility not only the biggest but also the most advanced recycling centre in Britain.

“I congratulate Sims Recycling Solutions, as a world leader in the field of recycling, on a development which makes this site in Wales one of the flagships of the recycling industry.”

Graham Davy, global CEO of Sims Recycling Solutions said: “We are extremely proud of this new facility which not only demonstrates our commitment to meeting the UK demand for WEEE recycling in the long term, but is great news for Newport too.

“We would like to thank the Welsh Assembly Government for their support in this venture, which has enabled us to continue our growth strategy of investment in the area.

“Although times are difficult at present, we are confident that in the long term this world-class facility will pay dividends in attracting new business, safeguarding jobs and making a significant contribution to the local economy.”

Sims said the facility uses the latest electronics shredding technology and has a designated area for refurbishing computer and IT equipment for reuse and resale.

It also uses specialist technology to separate polymers from residual plastic which would otherwise go to landfill, and bosses say the site houses the world’s largest fridge recycling plant.

Kate Martin

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