Plans submitted for new London recycling plant

The MRF and a container handling facility, are proposed for the Peruvian Wharf site in Silvertown. If built, the facility would receive both unsorted and sorted mixed waste and recyclables, largely by river.

” The new MRF would enable waste generated within the capital to be dealt with in the capital, helping to make London a more sustainable city. “
– John Boldon, Cory Environmental
Cory said recyclable materials such as glass, paper, cardboard, aluminium and plastics would be sorted at the MRF and forwarded for reprocessing. The MRF would be housed within a fully enclosed architecturally designed building that incorporates a visitors centre. Public access would also be provided by a riverside footpath.

The company said the wharf site was ideal for the facility, as it has been safeguarded for cargo-handling purposes by the Mayor of London, and would be compatible in appearance and use to the adjacent heavy industrial and factory units.

Up to 90 new jobs would be created at the site, Cory said.

Transport
A key benefit for the project being highlighted within Cory's planning proposal is the use of river transport in keeping traffic off London's congested roads.

Substantial quantities of materials would be transported to the MRF by Cory's lighterage operation from its river-served transfer stations along the Thames, including the Walbrook Wharf Transfer Station in the City of London, Smugglers Way in Wandsworth and Cringle Dock and Northumberland Wharves.

John Boldon, Cory's group planning and communications director, said: “Locating a MRF at Peruvian Wharf makes good sense for London. The new MRF would enable waste generated within the capital to be dealt with in the capital, helping to make London a more sustainable city. The Mayor's London Plan identifies a need for 83 more MRFs in East London alone and the Peruvian site is an ideal location for this facility.”

The MRF would initially handle 50,000 tonnes of recyclable materials each year, with a potential maximum throughput of 150,000 tonnes per annum over three shifts.

The application to build the MRF was submitted to the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation via the London Borough of Newham's Planning Department.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) that provides details on such matters as traffic, air quality and noise, accompanies the planning application.