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Chard’s new Recycling Centre set to open
Beeching Close Recycling Centre sets the standard for Somerset and beyond. It replaces the aging centre in Chaffombe Lane, which will close for the last time at 5pm on Monday 11th January.
The new centre has been built with zero waste in mind. Concrete, steel and rubble was recovered from the derelict sewage works that stood there before and used to help build the infrastructure, or recycled. Weeds and grass were cleared and composted and used as a soil improver on the grounds. Despite rebuilding and restructuring several acres of industrial land, by the end of the development only two skip loads of waste were removed from the site.
The main contractor, Dyer & Butler, operating from their South West office, used several local firms throughout the build to help create this unique development.
In addition to the Recycling Centre there are two other major features of the site designed to make things better for local people. Basic infrastructure to build light industrial units has been provided, and is already attracting interest from businesses for further development in Chard, potentially bringing a boost to the economy. There is also a new public green space, created next to the Recycling Centre. This will connect Henson Park with Chard Reservoir local nature reserve, providing an accessible new route from the town to the countryside.
Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew, Somerset County Council Cabinet Member - Environment and Somerset Waste Board member praised the development: “Building this recycling centre has used best practice in waste minimisation. Even before it opens it has excellent environmental credentials and there is potential for social and economic benefits locally. Chard and Somerset County Council can both be proud of this development."
Beeching Close Recycling Centre is expected to recycle between 70% and 80% of all materials taken there.
The site will be officially launched at a ceremony on Friday 8th January. Local people wanting to see the site before it opens are invited to an “open day” preview on Saturday 9th January from 10am to 2pm.
For more information on recycling and waste in Somerset, including advice on how you can reduce the amount you produce, log on to www.somersetwaste.gov.uk
18 December 2009
For further details contact Mark Blaker
01823 625714
Email: Mark.blaker@somersetwaste.gov.uk
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