The new split level Pallion HWRC will be replacing the Beach Street site which had been in use since the early 1980s.
According to the council, the new Pallion HWRC is more than five times the old site’s size and offers improved facilities and better access for residents.
The split-level design of the new HWRC is said to make it easier for householders to use the waste containers, as well as operationally possible to change over the waste containers without having to close the site.
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland city council, said: “This is all about us listening to our residents. They told us that they wanted to see bigger and better household waste and recycling facilities and that’s something we have taken on board with this fantastic new centre.”
Cllr Miller continued: “In line with the council’s commitment to the green agenda, the new site is much more energy efficient, with solar panels, rainwater harvesting and low energy lighting all helping to contribute towards our low carbon ambitions.
“In keeping with these green credentials, we’ve even used recycled concrete from the Rolls Royce buildings which once stood on the site in its construction.”
Contract
The new site will be operated by Suez under a specific contract. Suez is active in the region and with Sunderland as part of a separate PFI contract agreed with three North East councils in 2011 (see letsrecycle.com story).
Last year, the Beach Street site handled more than 193,000 visits and over 9,600 tonnes of recyclable materials and waste.
But it was said by the council to be an ageing facility, operating beyond capacity with no further scope for refurbishment. Just over 50% of waste delivered to the site was being recycled.
The Pallion site will operate an online booking appointment system, which has “proved popular” since first introduced at Beach Street in 2020 and aims to minimise any delays.
Deputy Leader of Sunderland city Council, councillor Claire Rowntree, said: “I’m also very excited about the new re-use shop due to open this summer where residents can bring and shop for preloved household items and furniture.
“This will be operated by a charity and will allow items people no longer have a use for, which might otherwise end up going to energy from waste, to be recycled and resold.”
The site will open seven days a week, closing only on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
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