by business editor Trevor Sturgess

A recycling firm has swept to victory in a national award scheme.

SWEEEP Kuusakoski, a leading recycler of electrical waste and based in Sittingbourne, has been named Recycling Business of the Year. The accolade was presented in The Savoy Hotel, London.

The letsrecycle.com Awards for Excellence in Recycling and Waste Management are seen as the "Oscars" of the waste industry.

The Prova-sponsored Recycling Business of the Year award recognises a company that has provided a service in a consistent and thorough way for its customers.

SWEEEP Kuusakoski processed 27,000 tonnes of waste electronic equipment (WEEE) in 2010, achieving recovery rates of 94 per cent. The organisation recycles domestic waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) from London, the Midlandfs and the North.

Mananging director Patrick Watts was delighted with the award. "We're passionate about improving Britain's response to the WEEE regulations, as well as creating a business that we can all be readily proud of," he said.

"This is another step in the evolution of SWEEEP, as well as in the process of raising awareness of the need for Britain's consumers and businesses to recycle more WEEE."

Prova's managing director, Richard Postins, added: "The purpose of the new category is to recognise companies at the forefront of the recycling arena - and it's great to see SWEEEP Kuusakoski taking the plaudits."

SWEEEP was set up four years ago and now employs more than 150 people at its Gas Road plant.

The company has invested more than £6.5 million over the last five years, and processes 10 tonnes of waste electrical equipment every hour. It also recycles 4,000 televisions and monitors a day and is powered by 100 per cent renewable energy.