Staff from an Irvine-based recycling services provider have taken part in a huge national cycling event.

Optimum Eco Group workers recently took part in a gruelling 125-mile cycle as part of a nationwide event to mark the 15th anniversary of the UK’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations.

They also marked the milestone by pledging £1,000 to North Ayrshire Foodbank, giving something back to the local community.

The cycle was organised by REPIC, the leading WEEE compliance scheme, which works with companies and local authorities to meet their recycling obligations.

It staged a cycling relay over 15 days, inviting its recycling partners from across the UK to pedal with them.

Restructa Ltd (Optimum Eco Group’s TV recycling arm) works closely with REPIC to handle electrical waste from Scottish Borders Council and City of Edinburgh Council sites, while CCL North Ltd (its other specialists recycling arm) has widened the work carried out to include other waste streams including small electricals and batteries.

Brian McMahon, Director at Restructa, said the company was keen to take to two-wheels to celebrate what had been achieved to-date and to keep the spotlight on the importance of recycling. 

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He was joined by Alison Gallacher, Director at CCL, on the peloton over two days on pedal and e-bikes from Edinburgh to Eyemouth, then on to Morpeth.

He said: “The WEEE Cycle gave us the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with REPIC and showcase how far we have come in the reuse and recycling of WEEE.

"Joining the event for over 125 miles was tough but our team was determined and we are proud to have covered the distance we pledged – and using the occasion to pledge a charitable donation and give something back is the icing on the cake.

“At the end of last year Restructa and CCL merged under the parent company Optimum Eco Group and as we move forward with our combined expertise, we are confident our relationship with REPIC and the rest of our client base will only get stronger as we continue to invest in new, improved technology and continued training and development in order to continue offering our first-class service.”

REPIC applauded the efforts of its partners from all over the country, who completed a combined 850miles over the course of the challenge.

Louise Grantham, Chief Executive at REPIC, comments: “This event was about celebrating success collectively and saying a huge thank you.

"At a time when recycling unwanted electricals has never been of greater importance, it's important to recognise what can be achieved when we all work together.”