Enva begins equipment installation at Perth fridge plant

Enva said the facility will be able to process all of Scotland’s waste fridges by Spring 2024.

The project will see Enva continue its partnership with Andritz, a provider of material separation and recovery technology providers. The Andritz solution will incorporate the latest degassing and storage equipment, the ADuro QZ shredder and separation technologies designed to capture a range of materials including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, polyurethane and plastics.

The site was closed in February 2023 after a large fire hit the plant. Emergency services attended and the body of a 46-year-old man, Slawomir Szmeichel, was found (see letsrecycle.com story).

Shore Recycling bought the Perth facility, said to be the only plant in Scotland capable of recycling fridges, from Viridor in October 2020 (see letsrecycle.com story).

Enva’s director, Barry Phillips said: “We are excited to be delivering this vital piece of recycling infrastructure for Scotland. Once operational this new state of the art facility will optimise the recovery of materials from the fridges it processes. In doing so it will maximise their environmental and commercial value, reduce pressure on the Earth’s limited natural resources, and support the development of a more circular economy.”

Standard

The £10 million investment will enable Enva to “attain the highest possible recycling standards”, which includes ensuring that the new facility is accredited to the independently audited WEEELABEX standard.

In addition to the having the potential to manage all Scotland’s waste fridges the Perth facility will also be able to recycle over 10,000 tonnes a year of small domestic appliances such as kettles, toasters, vacuum cleaners, and coffee machines.

Tom Cortaville, partner at Andritz, added: “We are delighted to continue our growing partnership with Enva by providing the latest generation of fridge processing technology which will improve the overall performance and resilience of the Perth facility. Enva have placed orders for this technology so we are well advanced in the production plan which will enable operations to recommence in spring 2024.”