In a remarkable display of community spirit and environmental responsibility, two prominent electrical waste management companies, Binn Group and REPIC have joined forces to make a substantial contribution to the Strathardle Highland Games and Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).
Binn Group from Perth and REPIC, a national producer compliance scheme (PCS) based in Bury, Greater Manchester, teamed up to mark the 15 year anniversary of the UK’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations with a donation of £1,000 to two Perthshire good causes.
The annual Strathardle Highland Games, which takes place on the historic Bannerfield, Kirkmichael is an event that has long been cherished by the local community and features the iconic ‘musical cars’ game. Traditionally, this game has involved the use of petrol-powered vehicles, which not only added to the environmental footprint of the event but also contributed to noise pollution. With the generous donation from Binn Group and REPIC, the 132nd Strathardle Highland Games, held on Saturday 26th August 2023, became more environmentally friendly.
Both companies, who recognise the importance of adopting more sustainable practices, made the £500 donation to fund the purchase of more eco-friendly wheelbarrows. These state-of-the-art wheelbarrows replaced the traditional vehicles, significantly reducing the carbon emissions and noise levels during the musical-chair-like game. The Games organising committee was delighted by the response of both the participants and visitors to the cleaner, greener game, and hopes it will become a permanent fixture at the Games.
Brian Harkins, Managing Director from Binn Group, commented: “We are proud to have played a part in supporting the community games to become more environmentally friendly. It’s crucial for businesses like ours to contribute positively to communities we serve, and this REPIC initiative aligns perfectly with our sustainability goals.”
The heart-warming charity endeavour was part of a nationwide event organised to mark the 15th anniversary of electrical recycling in the UK. Organised by REPIC, the leading WEEE compliance scheme, the event rallied its partners, including treatment facilities, reuse organisations and local authorities for a 15-day, cycling extravaganza, marking the WEEE sector’s achievements and highlighting the importance of electrical recycling in the UK.
On Monday 5th June 2023, Binn Group hosted the REPIC event as a peloton of twelve set off to Edinburgh on day four of the REPIC WEEE Cycle Network event. As a fitting legacy, REPIC pledged to work with its supporters to donate £15,000 to local charities associated with the event route.
In addition to supporting the Strathardle Highland Games, half of the donation made by Binn Group and REPIC will be directed to Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. This organisation plays a vital role in providing emergency medical assistance to those in need across Scotland and their efforts have saved countless lives.
Louise Grantham, Chief Executive from REPIC, commented, “The commitment and enthusiasm of all our riders to complete the 15-day WEEE Cycle Network made this event an experience to remember. Rounding off our WEEE Cycle Network event, which provided the opportunity to look back on what we’ve achieved as a sector in this time and look forward together, marking this with a series of donations to worthy causes is a great legacy to a remarkable initiative.
“To be able to support a beloved highland tradition and a critical life-saving service shows the positive impact collaboration can have in taking steps towards a more sustainable caring future.”
The Strathardle Highland Games organisers, along with Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Binn Group and REPIC for their generous contributions and their commitment to the well-being of the community and environment.
