Having only recently gained employment in the third sector, I am by no means an expert about the scope of social enterprises. However I refuse to believe that anyone could fail to be impressed by the work and ethos of Kintyre Recycling based in the Argyll and Bute region of Scotland.

Kintyre Recycling offer services including: Kerbside collection, Recycle banks, Secure shredding, Amenity site operation, and a Bio-fuel programme- a perfect example of the successful transferance of recycling services to the third sector!

All their collected materials are hand sorted, baled and sold at market to fund employment in their local community. To that end, they employ 12 full-time staff and 21 part-time staff. Additionally, Kintyre Recycling promote and practice social inclusion by seeking to employ those who are disadvantaged; therefore, 10 part-time staff members have special needs and two full-time staff member have learning difficulties.

I think this dual approach to environmental and social guiding principles should be applauded and encouraged- does anyone else know of social enterprises which equally addresses environmental, social, societal, ecological or economic issues?