Leeds opens recycling and energy recovery facility

A recycling and energy recovery facility has officially been opened in Leeds. It will process all of the household black bin waste from across the city, separating out recyclable materials […]

A recycling and energy recovery facility has officially been opened in Leeds.

It will process all of the household black bin waste from across the city, separating out recyclable materials and then recovering what is left to generate energy.

It is expected to generate 11MW of energy – enough electricity to power 22,000 homes – and help boost recycling rates in Leeds, which aims to become a zero waste city.

The plant will also use a combined heat and power system to generate hot water and heating to local homes, buildings and potentially schools and hospitals.

It was developed by Veolia and created around 200 jobs during construction and currently employs more than 70 members of staff.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Sustainability said: “This excellent facility is at the heart of our commitment to sustainability and making the best use of our resources. It allows us to divert black bin waste away from landfill and into environmentally friendly further recycling or energy creation.”

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