RECYCLING centres all around Essex are now benefiting from the installation of more than 20 defibrillators.

Recycling Centres for Household Waste operated by Veolia on behalf of Essex County Council now have 21 emergency defibrillators installed on site.

The launch happened at the South Woodham Ferrers recycling centre on Monday, July 16.

The cost for this has been shared equally by Veolia, Essex County Council and the GMB Union, which represents a number of the staff operating these sites.

Regional Director for Veolia Keith McGurk said: “Our sites in Essex are visited by around 2.5m people each year so whilst we hope that the defibrillators will never have to be used, if they are, this vital equipment and training could literally save a life."

Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste Councillor Simon Walsh said: “This is a fantastic initiative.

“I am delighted ECC has been able to work alongside Veolia and GMB to support the installation of these potentially life-saving machines at each of our recycling centres across the county.”