Kent-based electronics-recycling giant Sweeep Kuusakoski has started operating a £3 million ring-crushing machine.
The newly arrived kit pulverises motors and transformers from waste electrical devices to separate copper, plastic, ferrous metal and aluminium.
Waste minister Robbie Moore officially launched the crusher last week at the company’s Sittingbourne recycling facility.
The 120 tonnes of machinery was brought to the UK in 10 shipping containers from a Kuusakoski site in Philadelphia and took four months to reassemble.
It has a capacity of 50,000 tonnes per year and will gather plastic from motors and transformers present in electronic devices to allow processing in line with persistent organic pollutants laws.
Moore said: “It’s essential that we improve our use of resources – ensuring that more valuable materials are reused and recycled in the UK.
“We’re taking action on this, and recently introduced new proposals to make it easier for the public to recycle old household electrical goods.
“But it’s crucial that we work closely with industry to make our recycling goals a reality, which is why it’s so encouraging to see this new facility open today.”
