The Edinburgh-based business has used the funding to purchase state-of-the-art machinery that uses the latest screening and air separation technology to sort through construction and demolition waste. Materials, from wood to stone, are salvaged through the sorting process and are then washed and separated before being sold back to the building trade.

The recycling process not only ensures that no unnecessary waste occurs, but also reduces the need for new raw materials to be manufactured.

Robin Stevenson, managing director at Hamilton Waste & Recycling, said: “This new, sophisticated aggregate recycling plant will stand us in good stead for achieving our circular economy ambitions. With this Green Loan from HSBC UK, we’re looking forward to significantly reducing the impact the construction and waste sectors have on the environment.”

Marcus Sangster, relationship director HSBC Equipment Finance, added: “HSBC UK, Green Loans are key to our net zero ambitions at HSBC UK, so we are proud to work with Hamilton Waste to help to reduce the carbon emissions associated with the building trade.”

Hamilton Waste & Recycling is installing the new equipment – a Parnaby cyclone technology wash plant – at its site in Loanhead, and expects the machinery to be up and running by the end of the year.

Founded in 2002, the family business is Scotland’s largest independent recycling company.