The 270 million contract will involve Shanks processing about 95,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste a year over the 25 years, run through a new subsidiary Shanks Dumfries & Galloway Ltd.
The contract will include the construction of an Ecodeco mechanical biological treatment plant (MBT) on the outskirts of Dumfries. This will treat 60,000 tonnes of waste a year through Italian composting and mechanical separation technology.
” As planning permission for the new facilities has already been secured, work can start forthwith. “
– Michael Averill, Shanks Group CEO
Material at the Ecodeco plant will have metals and other recyclable materials separated physically, with biodegradable material composted and converted into solid recovered fuel. A “small fraction” of residual material from the process will go to landfill.
Philip Jones, chief executive of Dumfries and Galloway council, said: “We need to play our part in reducing our impact on the environment and meeting the tough targets set by Europe and the government. This contract means we can do this and achieve some of the highest landfill diversion and recycling targets in the country.”
Under the contract, Shanks will operate, complete and restore the council's landfill sites as well as running the council's 10 civic amenity sites.
Infrastructure
As well as the MBT plant, new infrastructure will include a new 18,000 tonne per annum composting plant near Stranraer and a new waste transfer station – with civic amenity site attached – in Stewartry. The transfer station will bulk up material destined for the MBT plant in Dumfries.
Commenting on the new contract, Shanks Group chief executive Michael Averill said: “This reinforces the Group view that the technology developed with our Italian partner Ecodeco represents the most effective and deliverable waste treatment option for the 21st century.
“Furthermore, as planning permission for the new facilities has already been secured, work can start forthwith,” Mr Averill added.
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