Falkirk Council’s waste management service has scooped a top award that recognises its involvement in recycling old IT equipment and promoting reuse.

Working in partnership with Re-tek UK Ltd, Valpak, LAMH Recycle and XS Resources, the team picked up the ‘Best Service Award - Micro and Small Businesses and Third Sector Organisations’ at this year’s GO Awards Scotland Excellence Awards.

Re-tek, in partnership with Falkirk Council and Valpak, has been collecting IT equipment from Roughmute and Kinniel Kerse Recycling Centres for over two years producing a 22% recovery yield.

Since April, the partners, alongside LAMH Recycle and XS Resources, with funding from DEFRA, have also created materials for a WEEE Education Centre, conducted school and community workshops within Falkirk to promote reuse, and collected Small Domestic Appliances (SDAs) from the recycling centres.

Over 800 children took part in school workshops and 576 SDAs, such as kettles, toasters, microwaves and heaters, were presented to community and charity groups such as the Falkirk Food Bank to support those entering accommodation.

John Kirkhope, Waste Services Co-ordinator, said: “We are delighted to be part of the winning team. The award highlights how working with other organisations can bring benefit to our local communities, helping those in need and providing educational opportunities to promote recycling to the younger generation.”

The GO Awards Scotland, which were held on October 23rd in Glasgow, aim to celebrate excellence in public procurement, providing organisations with an opportunity to highlight innovative procurement initiatives that are changing lives or exploring new ground.

This year’s judging panel comprised representatives from the likes of the Scottish Government, NHS National Services Scotland, and Scotland Excel, the Centre of Procurement Expertise for Scotland's local government sector.

For more information on the awards visit: www.goawards.co.uk.