Viridor, which is owned by Exeter-based Pennon Group, had been the favourite to buy the company because of its strong presence in the South west and previous contracts working with Devon Waste.
Devon Waste is based in Exeter and has an annual turnover of 12 million. It operates three waste transfer stations and 24 municipal waste recycling centres in the county.
Efficient
Council leader Brian Greenslade said: “Amongst our main criteria for the sale was the continuation of an effective and efficient waste disposal service at the current contract price for the duration of the existing contract.
“We also wanted a bidder who will actively engage with the council in exploring alternative means of waste disposal for the longer term.”
Dan Cooke, external affairs manager for Viridor, said: “Viridor is pleased that the deal has been completed and is confident that the post-completion strategy will protect jobs and retain the quality of service to Devon Waste Management and Viridor customers.”
Viridor already operates 21 landfill sites, more than 70 waste processing sites and various recycling facilities across the UK.
Few
Devon Waste was one of the few remaining Local Authority Waste Disposal Companies (LAWDCs) formed after the Environmental Protection Act 1990, which forced councils to divest themselves of their waste disposal operations.
The council decided to sell the company in July 1999 and now hopes to use the money from the sale for building roads and schools.
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