Circularity Scotland’s official DRS logistics service partner Biffa is to create up to 140 jobs in Motherwell in a multi-million-pound project that will see the area play a pivotal role in the scheme, which launches on 16 August 2023.
Biffa is to transform the former parcel depot on the Eurocentral industrial park into a state-of-the-art recycling centre, which will form part of a network of facilities across Scotland that will count, sort and bale the billions of plastic, glass and aluminium drinks containers collected through the scheme each year. The material will then be recycled back into brand new bottles and cans.
Gavin Money, Biffa’s DRS Operations Director, said: “We are working closely with Circularity Scotland and progressing well with the exciting and ambitious plans for the launch of DRS in Scotland, which will see new recycling infrastructure developed across the country.
“The Motherwell site will play a key role as a regional collection and counting hub, handling some of the billions of plastic, glass and metal drinks containers collected each year from across Scotland.”
Circularity Scotland is also working with Biffa to explore the opportunity to build a PET recycling plant in Scotland to support the scheme and deliver further employment opportunities.
David Harris, Circularity Scotland Chief Executive, said: “This is another important milestone in preparing for the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme in August. The DRS will transform how Scotland recycles, preventing billions of bottles and cans each year from ending up as waste. This is a ground-breaking initiative that can act as a catalyst for the green economy in Scotland, creating jobs and supporting local economies while also helping protect our environment for generations to come.”
Circular Economy Minister Lorna Slater added: “It is great news that a state-of-the-art recycling centre is coming to Eurocentral – this investment is a direct result of Scotland’s deposit return scheme and shows the wider benefits it will bring to our environment and economy.”
