'Mercury leak' company to clean up its act

Nov 17 2008 by Sam Casey, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

A COMPANY under investigation over potentially poisonous emissions at its Huddersfield recycling plant has drawn up a plan to clean up its act.

Electrical Waste Recycling, on School Lane, Kirkheaton, is being probed by watchdog the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Environment Agency.

They want to know how employees at the company, formerly Matrix Direct, were left at risk of mercury poisoning.

The company recycles electrical equipment, including light tubes which contain mercury.

Excessive levels of the chemical were released into the plant during the mercury recovery process.

The Environment Agency issued an enforcement notice, banning the company from carrying out the work indefinitely. And bosses were ordered to investigate why emissions exceeded the agreed level and carry out tests to prove it has dealt with the problem.

Now they have drawn up plans to improve their operation.