Creating Social Value Through WEEE Recycling: Valpak & GAP North East Partnership

In the North East, many communities face economic challenges due to historic declines in heavy industry. Recycling sectors such as WEEE often see lower volumes and quality of materials, and opportunities for local employment and apprenticeships are limited. Local authorities and suppliers needed a way to deliver social value while maintaining recycling excellence.

Valpak worked closely with GAP to embed social value into the WEEE contract:

• Local employment: Ensuring that GAP hires staff from the North East, supporting the regional economy.
• Apprenticeship opportunities: Two full-time apprentices gain skills in organisational processes, data management, reporting, and sales.
• Skill development & personal growth: Apprentices build confidence, independence, and career foundations through hands-on experience.
• Community focus: Partnership strengthens engagement with local residents and promotes awareness of recycling initiatives.

This approach ensures that the contract delivers measurable social and economic impact without compromising environmental performance.

The Valpak-GAP partnership has achieved significant social value outcomes:

• 12 full-time local jobs retained and created at the GAP North East site.
• Two full-time apprenticeships providing critical early career experience and skill development.
• Apprentices report improved confidence, independence, and career readiness:

“This has helped me build confidence, develop valuable skills, and grow both personally and professionally, laying a strong foundation for my future career.”

• Positive contribution to the economic and social wellbeing of local communities, particularly in areas of high deprivation.
• Continued delivery of world-class WEEE recycling, demonstrating that social value and environmental excellence can go hand-in-hand.