New Jobs Set To Strengthen Rrecycling Enterprise

Leeds-based U Can Recycling is set to double its workforce in the coming year as demand for its specialist services grows.

The not-for-profit social enterprise plans to expand its presence in the regeneration area of Harehills and employ another 10 staff in 2013. A dedicated computer and IT waste recycling centre in Leeds, U Can is also set to quadruple its turnover from the previous year.

Part of U Can's strategy - and a fundamental reason behind the company's success to date - has been to establish a community business that creates jobs for local long-term unemployed, especially younger people who are not in education, employment or training (NEETs).

Founder and director owner Rob Seal says: "We are passionate about recycling but at the same time we are much more than a commercial outfit. Part of our role is to educate people about recycling and create job opportunities for people in Leeds.

"Our aim is to become the largest and most ethical IT recycling company in Yorkshire, and I believe we are making positive steps to achieving this goal."

U Can launched two years ago and quickly grew from a sole trader entity in an incubation centre, to a 10-strong team. European Development funding will help secure another 10 posts next year as the company seeks to move into larger premises and invest in new technologies to process waste from across the UK.

The team has just secured the Environment Agency's DCF license, making it the only designated collection facility specifically for members of the public to drop off their scrap household computers and IT equipment in Leeds. Committed to reducing the amount of Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) that Leeds sends to landfill, U Can also has a free business IT waste collection service operating nationwide.
U Can's expertise furthermore includes the recycling of aluminium cans and non ferrous scrap metal. It works with schools and businesses to develop recovery schemes, enabling them to generate income from their waste materials.

Rob adds: "In light of impending landfill diversion targets and the need to improve the UK's environmental agenda, our nation is increasingly embracing the 'reduce, reuse, recycle' philosophy. U Can's specialist WEEE and metal recycling expertise upholds the principles of this approach which we fully support and indeed are leading on in our region."

Ends.

Notes to Editor

-U Can Recycling is located at 2a Grant Avenue, Leeds, LS7 1RQ

-U Can is fully licensed by the Environment Agency to collect, store, treat and export Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)

-Businesses have a legal duty to dispose of electrical waste in a responsible manner

-Find out more at www.ucanrecycling.co.uk