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CCL is pioneering vape recycling in Scotland

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 13:50:40 GMT

Did you know that an estimated 8.2 million disposable vapes are discarded in the UK each week?

Alarmingly, most are disposed of as general waste at the end of their life, rather than through approved electrical recycling routes. This staggering figure means 13 single-use vapes are thrown out every second, creating a significant environmental impact as they end up in household waste, street bins, or are carelessly littered across our pavements, parks, and streets.

A recent study revealed that around 50% of respondents were unaware of the proper disposal methods for vapes. This lack of knowledge can lead to serious health, safety, and environmental issues from improper disposal.

At CCl, we are committed to changing this narrative.

Recycling vapes is straightforward, and we have firsthand experience. Since 2019, our Approved Authorised Treatment Facility (AATF) in Irvine, Scotland, has been recycling vapes effectively.

Although vapes are classified as hazardous waste, they contain many valuable, recyclable components. The plastic or metal casings, wiring, and lithium batteries can be extracted and reused in manufacturing. The remaining components, such as nicotine tanks and filters, are repurposed as fuel in energy-from-waste facilities, ensuring nothing goes to landfill.

To make it easier for consumers, we collaborate with producers and retailers by providing containers to store used vapes as part of their legally mandated take-back programs. Our team collects these containers from Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) across the country daily. As a member of the public, you have several options to safely recycle your vapes and support the environment.

Manufacturers, producers, retailers, and distributors:

we welcome your inquiries.

We can offer tailored solutions that benefit your business while promoting recycling as the only sustainable option for our planet.

Together, let's make a meaningful impact by prioritising responsible vape disposal and recycling. Join us in our mission at CCl to safeguard our finite resources for future generations.

Be part of a winning team as Optimum Eco Group expands

Sun, 31 May 2026 18:33:30 GMT

Join a winning team – Optimum Eco Group, leaders in electronic and electrical resource management, are expanding due to continued success.

With our two companies, CCL (North) and Restructa in Irvine, Ayrshire, we're at the heart of the Circular Economy, providing innovative solutions for IT, WEEE, and display product recycling. As we celebrate major milestones in 2025 – CCL's 25th and Restructa's 20th anniversaries – we're adding to our team. New roles include Health and Safety Manager, Sustainability and Compliance Manager, Process Operators and more.

Jim McNulty, Optimum Eco Group managing director, said: “It’s great that we’re continuing to grow our successful team and we’re looking forward to an exciting year ahead.”

Check out current openings on Indeed and look out for more opportunities coming soon. Contact us to learn how you can be part of our 2025 success story.

Going for gold: a WEEE recycling success story

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 13:41:12 GMT

CCL is always pleased to see innovative uses of recycled electronic equipment across fields like technology and the arts. In Tokyo, an initiative highlights this by producing all medals for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games from recycled waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). With around 5,000 medals needed, this initiative poses a significant challenge for organisers.

CCL is always pleased to see innovative uses of recycled electronic equipment across fields like technology and the arts. Our planet has a finite supply of certain elements, metals, and resources, and by creating new items from old ones, we can reduce disposal and recycling costs and save important resources.

Sustainability Targets

At the Rio Olympic Games in 2016, approximately 30% of the silver and bronze used for all medals came from recycled materials, so the Tokyo 2020 target of 100% is ambitious. Starting in 2017, the project set targets to recover 30.3kg of gold, 4,100kg of silver, and 2,700kg of bronze from smartphones, laptops, and other recycled electronic equipment.

By June 2019, the bronze collection target was met, with approximately 90% of gold and 85% of silver collected by October 2019 (BBC News, 2020). The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Committee itself estimated that by March 2019, 79,000 tonnes of electronic devices, including approximately 6.2 million old phones, had been donated and collected.

WEEE Collection

In April 2017, when the project started, there were 624 participating municipal authorities in Japan handling WEEE waste collection; by March 2019, this was 1,621. As the world's eyes turn to Tokyo for the games, this is a fantastic example of how one high-profile project can have a long-term, positive impact on sustainable living and environmental protection. The country has united in embracing electronic waste recycling and the sustainable repurposing of electronic equipment.

At CCL (North) Ltd., we are committed to safe and environmentally friendly WEEE recycling and IT disposal. Electronic waste may no longer serve its primary function; however, that doesn't make it useless. As companies retire IT systems, we can recycle the materials for future use, and we encourage all industries to implement appropriate WEEE recycling and IT disposal protocols.

Modern apprentices: welcome to CCL

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 13:30:27 GMT

We would like to welcome our five new modern apprentices who have recently joined CCL.

They are a talented bunch and have brought fresh ideas and energy. We are delighted to have them join our team. Our apprentices will work across different areas of the business, learning digital skills for the modern working environment.

IT Disposal: Windows 7 Discontinuation

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 13:25:08 GMT

As of 14 January 2020, Microsoft will no longer offer security updates and system upgrades for the Windows 7 operating system.

There are reportedly millions of PCs still using Windows 7 - a substantial number of potentially vulnerable assets carrying unsecured data. Windows 7-operated PCs will not suddenly stop working, but they will become more vulnerable to data threats.

Any PC or laptop running Windows 7 should be upgraded or replaced as soon as possible to avoid unnecessary data security risk.

Upgrade or Replace?

The symbiotic relationship between operating system software and IT hardware often means that when one reaches end-of-life, the other soon follows. If your organisation uses Windows 7, the hardware is unlikely to be as fast or efficient as it could be, which may trigger an overhaul of your IT estate.

Secure IT Asset Disposal

Of course, disposing of IT equipment can in itself carry data security risks. You need to take care and ensure you have a secure IT disposal policy in place to guide. A reliable ITAD partner can guide you to the best options for data destruction and disposal of your redundant kit.

Environmental Responsibility

If you are replacing your Windows 7 PCs and want secure, environmentally friendly, and legally compliant IT disposal, contact us today to arrange hassle-free collection of your redundant devices. With over 20 years' experience, CCL can guide you through the process and ensure secure data destruction and environmental protection go hand in hand.

WEEE Recycling: CCL's new low emission vans

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 13:08:52 GMT

Environmentally friendly IT asset disposal starts with collection from your premises.

Our ongoing environmental commitment to reducing our carbon emissions continues. CCL has invested in and upgraded our vehicle fleet, adding three new low-emission vans that are GPS-tracked and ready to securely collect your redundant IT assets.

With the addition of three new vans, we now have a fleet of 11 vehicles in a variety of sizes, giving us greater flexibility to plan routes and consolidate collections. We can plan a specific collection window to avoid business disruption, or choose the best vehicle for premises with restricted access.

Each route is planned to ensure our vans collect as much equipment as possible while limiting crossover or unnecessary mileage and supporting the most environmentally friendly start to our IT asset disposal and recycling.

Optimum Eco Group celebrates milestone with team spirit

rab.boyce@gmail.com (Rab Boyce) — Tue, 12 Mar 2019 14:29:39 GMT

Team spirit was on show as Optimum Eco Group staff gathered to celebrate milestone anniversaries for its two core companies based in Irvine.

CCL (North) Ltd was founded on 22nd March 2000 and specialises in secure data destruction, IT and WEEE reuse, repair and recycling, while sister company Restructa was formed on 14th April 2005 and specialises in display reuse, repair and recycling.

This year marks a double anniversary celebration for the businesses as part of the Optimum Eco Group.

To kick off the celebrations, employees from both businesses gathered at the South Beach Hotel in Troon for the special event, sporting their ‘Team 2025’ polo shirts. The group now employs over 115 people at its two sites, with many long-serving employees praising the company for being ‘like a family.’

Driver Alex Steele joined CCL less than a year after it was founded, saying: “To me, CCL has always been like a family - I've always been looked after, and it’s a good company.”

Warehouse supervisor Charlie Muirhead said: “The best thing about working at CCL is the people - the work culture is brilliant, everyone's really approachable.”

"We are excited to introduce you to the individuals who are passionate about the circular economy and dedicated to creating a more sustainable future."

Jim M c Nulty

MANAGING DIRECTOR

To celebrate these milestones, Optimum Eco Group is launching "Team 2025," a campaign that highlights the remarkable and diverse individuals who make the group’s achievements possible. The campaign will begin with a group celebration event that brings all employees together to mark the occasion. This initiative will showcase the stories and contributions of the team members who are driving the company forward and shaping the future of sustainable resource management.

"Team 2025 is a testament to the people who make Optimum Eco Group what it is," Jim McNulty continued. "We are excited to introduce you to the individuals who are passionate about the circular economy and dedicated to creating a more sustainable future. As we grow, we are always looking for more talented people to join our team."