An Ellon-based social enterprise has been able to purchase new equipment thanks to a fundraising campaign.
Wood RecyclAbility provides practical work experience and training to people with additional support needs in the area and has now been able to buy a new baler.
The equipment will help diversify their work recycling rigid plastic for the city and shire – preventing it from going into a landfill.
Operations manager Brian Smith said: “I am delighted that we have our new baler and we are now ready to begin recycling plastic for the north-east.
“Wood RecyclAbility appreciates all the help we have received since launching this fundraising campaign.
“We are looking forward to achieving our growth plans with this new acquisition.”
The fundraising campaign was launched last year by Aberdeenshire East MSP Gillian Martin, who also welcomed the news.
She said: “This is incredibly good news for a well-deserving social enterprise.
“People and businesses have been tremendously generous and been moved by the work Wood RecyclAbility do locally.
“Not only will this baler be transformational for the environment as we see plastic being recycled closer to home, but it will also unlock even more opportunities for people with additional support needs in our communities to gain practical life experience.”
Since opening in 1997, the organisation has prevented over 30,000 tons of waste wood from going to landfill.
