14 B & NES - Future-Proofing Waste Services
BATH AND NORTH EAST SOMERSET COUNCIL IS INVESTING HEAVILY TO MODERNIZE AND FUTURE-PROOF ITS WASTE SERVICES
B & NES has invested £ 41.8m in construction of its new state-of-the-art Keynsham Recycling Hub to meet current pressures and future demand from an increasing population . The facility will allow for the safe sorting of increased quantities of waste for recycling and provide modern , easily accessible waste and recycling services and facilities , expand public recycling provision , make it easier for residents to recycle and help to reduce general waste and operational costs .
The first phase of the build , a new purpose-built public household waste , reuse and recycling centre to replace the former facilities at Pixash Lane in Keynsham , was completed and opened to residents of B & NES in April as planned .
The two-level facility was designed to be quicker and easier for residents to use than the old site , with space for safer reverse parking , a one-way traffic flow and off-highway queueing space if needed . Wayfinding signage helps users of the site locate where to recycle a variety of materials , with large bulky wastes on the upper level accessed by ramps , up and down . It has more recycling bays and the option to recycle additional materials in future such as mattresses and hard plastics , together with separation of other items such as upholstered furniture for appropriate treatment . A reuse shop , due to open later in the summer will provide cost-effective pre-loved items for sale and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill .
Phase 2 of the construction project is focused on the ‘ behind the scenes ’ operational hub to deliver the high performing frontline services much valued by residents . This includes a central depot for 100 + refuse and recycling collections vehicles and modern welfare facilities for over 200 operations and support staff who will be based on site . The council will consolidate its current operational facilities from three sites across the B & NES area including the waste transfer station from central Bath . Investment is being made in a Materials Recovery Facility ( MRF ) with a large installation of state-ofthe-art baling and sortline equipment , replacing an outdated , space-constrained depot nearby .
When complete the site will also include an MoT and Servicing Centre for council vehicles that will also be open to public and commercial vehicles , a facility for small traders to recycle and dispose of waste safely and EV charging points for the council ’ s expanding green vehicle fleet . A domed salt barn will provide storage for 1,000 tonnes of salt and storage for the gritter lorries , allowing the Highways team to deliver their Winter Services from November to March , complementing the existing depot situated further south in the district .
The modern facilities will allow the services to adapt to changes and take advantage of improved technology and ways of working .
In line with the council ’ s climate and ecological emergency declarations , the scheme has been designed with carefully considered sustainability measures built in , including design and materials , energy efficiency , renewable power and future maintenance considerations .
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