Viridor
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Recycling, renewable energy, waste management |
| Predecessor | Harrison Western Limited, Haul Waste Limited |
| Founded | 1956 |
| Headquarters | Taunton , United Kingdom |
| Products | Recycling services, energy-from-waste facilities, waste collection, landfill services |
| Owner | KKR |
Viridor Limited—a name derived from the Latin term meaning 'to become green'—is a recycling, renewable energy, and waste management enterprise headquartered in the United Kingdom, currently owned by KKR.
History
The company was originally established in 1956 under the name Harrison Western Limited and was later known as Haul Waste Limited. It became part of the Pennon Group in 1993, enhancing its operations through strategic acquisitions in waste collection and landfill services. In 1995, the acquisition of Blue Circle Waste Management led to South West Water's rebranding as Pennon Group in 1998, at which point Haul Waste and Blue Circle Waste Management were consolidated into Viridor.
Further expansion involved acquiring segments of Churngold's waste operations in 2003, Thames Waste Management in 2004, Somerset LAWDC Wyvern Waste in 2006, followed by Grosvenor Waste Management and Skipaway Holdings in 2007, and Shore Recycling in 2008. In 2015, Viridor broadened its collection capabilities by purchasing Commercial Recycling, a company based in Dorset.
Currently valued at approximately £4 billion, Viridor prioritizes the enhancement of its recycling services and energy-from-waste facilities. It holds the UK's largest waste and renewable energy contract awarded through the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority's Waste PFI agreement.
On 12 August 2010, Viridor gained media attention when CEO Colin Drummond appeared incognito as a new employee on Channel 4's Undercover Boss.
In March 2020, private equity firm KKR agreed to acquire Viridor for £4.2 billion, with the transaction finalized on 8 July 2020.
Viridor Credits
Established in 2001 under the Landfill Communities Fund tax credit initiative, the Viridor Credits program directs financial support toward community heritage and biodiversity projects. During the 2017/18 period, it awarded grants totaling £7.6 million.