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Plymouth social enterprise Collectrical has been acquired by waste management firm Devon Contract Waste (DCW) for an undisclosed sum.

According to its new owners, the not-for-profit organisation - which reuses white goods, computers, laptops and other electrical items - had faced “the challenges of a tough economy”.

The organisation had worked with businesses in the region such as independent South West electronics retailer HBH Woolacotts on environmental sustainability initiatives.

Exeter-based DCW, said the deal would allow it to expand the scope of its services in electrical waste management, and grow its client base across Devon and Cornwall.

Managing director Simon Almond said: “Acquiring Collectrical means that DCW can continue the excellent work that founders Sonia and Alex have done to raise awareness across the region of the importance of recycling electrical waste.

“They’ve saved valuable resources from going to landfill, re-using materials wherever they can, and we will ensure this legacy lives on.”

The purchase will see DCW take on Collectrical’s 50 active clients, adding to the 800 it took on after it bought the assets of Somerset-based firm South West Computer Recycling earlier this year.

DCW, which said it was the first waste management firm in the South West to adopt a ‘Zero to Landfill’ service, reported 27% growth last year with turnover of £15m. The firm estimates that it empties more than 10,000 bins per week, and has a 70-strong fleet of vehicles.