A £24 million waste transfer station in Ware, Hertfordshire, is officially operational.
The new facility has been built to increase the waste management capacity in the county.
Located behind the current Ware Recycling Centre and next to the former Biffa landfill site, the new station has to the capacity to handle up to 140,000 tonnes of waste per year, once operational.
Now operational, the transfer station will receive kerbside waste and recycling materials from the surrounding areas, while a shredder capable of processing 15 tonnes of waste per hour will assist in the early delivery of the council’s target to send zero waste to landfill by 2030.
The facility will also reduce carbon emissions as it will prevent hundreds of dust cart journeys across the county to Watford every year.
Councillor Paul Zukowskyj, Executive Member for Environment, Transport and Growth at Hertfordshire County Council, commented: “The opening of the Eastern Transfer Station is a critical step forward for efficient waste management in Hertfordshire.”
“This modern facility will help ensure we can continue delivering efficient waste management services across the county.”
“It will assist in reducing the environmental impacts of managing waste while helping us prepare for future demand.”
The facility contains a weighbridge and gatehouse area for monitoring incoming and outgoing vehicles, an odour and dust suppression system, fire water retention tanks and a pumping station for the sprinkler systems and water cannons.
A main transfer building and a second, smaller building have been constructed on the 1.4-hectare site, along with new office space as well.
Matthew Griffiths, senior project manager at Pick Everard, said: “The eastern waste transfer station will support the council’s aim to cut the number of waste journeys across the county, reduce carbon emissions and improve how waste is managed day-to-day.”