At an Extraordinary Meeting held on 10 February 2026, members of the Council agreed proposals to acquire the Envirohub building on Marsh Barton Road and develop an upgraded recycling and operations centre at the Exton Road depot.
A report presented to councillors concluded that the authority’s current recycling plant is nearing capacity, with elements of the equipment approaching the end of their operational life and requiring significant upgrades to remain compliant and efficient.
A financial assessment presented to members stated that purchasing the Envirohub building and relocating services would cost £12.9 million, compared with an estimated £13.6 million required to redevelop the current MRF site.
The approval forms part of a wider strategy to modernise frontline environmental services, improve recycling capability across a broader range of materials and ensure the operation can meet Environmental Permitting Regulations going forward.
Councillor Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management, said: “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.
Exeter Council to purchase Envirohub building
Under the plans, the council will purchase the Envirohub building located close to the existing MRF, enabling continuity of service while upgrades are delivered.
Williams added: “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.”
Environment and Waste Services will transfer into the new facility, which already benefits from a purpose-built vehicle wash and holds an Environmental Permit.
The site also includes a calibrated HGV weighbridge installed in 2020, supporting improved monitoring and operational control.
The existing MRF building will be retained and repurposed for storage as well as food and glass transfer operations.
Operations services also to relocate
Alongside the MRF move, operations services are set to relocate from the Belle Isle site to Oakwood House and the Exton Road depot hub.
According to the council, the Belle Isle location faces compliance constraints, limited electrification capacity and relies on ageing temporary accommodation.
The relocation is expected to improve joint working between teams and provide enhanced staff welfare facilities.
Councillors approved the transfer of £2.5 million from the Parks and Green Spaces premises budget to the MRF project.
A further £2.6 million has been allocated to complete the purchase and relocation, with £2 million of that additional funding to be financed through the Community Infrastructure Levy.
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