Exeter's new waste recycling plant to cost £13 million

New building will be cheaper than modernising existing plant

A new waste recycling plant in Exeter will cost almost £13million, but will end up saving the city council money.

At the end of a full council meeting, members voted unanimously to buy the Envirohub Materials Reclamation Facility (MRF) at Marsh Barton, which is currently privately-owned.

The move will also involve relocating some other council services into new state-of-the-art facilities.

The meeting heard that taking on the new facility would cost £12.8million, but redeveloping the existing MRF nearby would cost even more – just over £13.5million.

Cllr Ruth Williams (Lab, Mincinglake and Whipton) said : “This will modernise our current operation and also greatly improve the working environment for staff.”

A report to councillors highlighted that the current recycling plant is reaching capacity, and expansion would provide a more efficient and sustainable base for essential frontline services.

Some of the equipment at the current MRF is nearing the end of its operational life and require significant upgrades, councillors heard. Work is also needed to update the plant to recycle different materials.

Instead, the Envirohub building on Marsh Barton Road will take over, while the current MRF building will continue to handle food and glass.

“Rather than attempting to modernise the existing MRF, we have an opportunity to buy the Envirohub building, a modern and licensed waste facility located right across the road from the MRF,” said Cllr Williams. “It is much newer building, and its equipment is also newer.

“This will enable us to upgrade our recycling operation in the city and ensure we have the space we need to complete the city-wide food waste rollout.”

The council’s operations services will also relocate from the ageing Belle Isle facility to Oakwood House and the Exton Road depot hub, which the authority says will improve joint working and provide better staff welfare facilities.