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Cory applies for planning permission for MRF in Wandsworth

Cory Environmental has applied to for planning permission for a 84,000 tonne materials recycling facility on the banks of the Thames in Wandsworth, London.

The new plant at Smuggler's Way Waste Transfer Station which would be one of the largest MRFs in the UK, would form a vital component of Cory's waste management contract with the Western Riverside Waste Authority (WRWA).

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A photo montage of the proposed 84,000 tonne MRF at Smuggler's Wharf, Wandsworth

The planning application for the proposed plant, accompanied by an environmental statement, has been submitted to the London Borough of Wandsworth planning department.

Cory began its 30-year contract with the WRWA, which covers the four London boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham, Lambeth, Wandsworth, and the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, in October 2002 (see letsrecycle.com story).

The facility is likely to be operational within 18 months of the planning permission being granted, and Cory hopes that it could be operating by the first half of 2005. The new facility will be used to sort material from recycling collections that are to be designed to be as easy for residents to take part in as possible.

The chairman of the Western Riverside Waste Authority, councillor Brian Levitt said: “A state-of-the-art MRF is an essential part of our plans to increase recycling and so reduce the impact of waste on the environment.”

Pressure
Residents in the Western Riverside area produce over 500,000 tonnes of rubbish every year, which is mainly landfilled. As well as the recycling targets set for the WRWA, there is added pressure to divert material from landfill because Cory's landfill site in Mucking, Thurrock, is to be closed in 2007.

John Boldon, director of planning at Cory Environmental, explained: “Currently, only 9.5% of the area's household waste is recycled. This needs to be increased to 25% over the next few years to meet government targets. This is a challenging task that can be achieved if everyone does their bit for the environment. A MRF would greatly assist in meeting the statutory recycling targets as it makes recycling as easy and convenient for people as possible.”

While Cory has said its contract is to be “recycling-led”, the company is also hoping to send waste by river to the energy from waste plant that is being looked at by planning inspectors this summer (see letsrecycle.com story).

To download copies of the planning application and environmental statement visit the Cory Environmental website.

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