A NORTH-EAST company has developed a unique system to recycle 90 per cent of waste in a move that could transform the treatment of clinical waste in the UK.

Medical Waste Solutions (MWS), from Stockton, has created a system with the potential to significantly reduce the 200,000 tonnes of clinical waste land-filled or incinerated in the country each year.

MWS is pioneering a three-stage system that sterilises and shreds waste before producing a dense material.

The material is processed and used to manufacture rigid plastics that can be used to replace wood in industrial products, such as pallets and shuttering.

The plant is expected to be operational next year and will handle up to 4,500 tonnes of clinical waste a year.

Backed by £700,000 of funding from NorthStar Equity Investors, the company has landed its first contract with Nottingham University Hospitals.

Charles Everson, managing director at Medical Waste Solutions, said: "We are producing for the first time commercially usable products from waste that was previously landfilled, incinerated and generally regarded as too difficult to recycle.

"For hospitals and other producers of clinical waste, the advantages are numerous.

"It means they can recycle their waste easily, safely and reliably."

Alex Buchan, investment manager at NSEI, said: "This is a major advance in clinical waste treatment technologies and makes the process far greener.

"There is a real demand for technology of this quality and we're delighted our investment is helping a North-East company to lead the way."