The 2,160sq m plant is capable of processing six tonnes an hour of material, and will \u201cdramatically\u201d increase the city\u2019s recycling capacity, said the company.<\/p>\n
Managing director Richard Williams described the opening of the facility as a \u201cmomentous\u201d development by creating an enhanced ability to process, sort and bale waste.<\/p>\n
\u201cBristol has long been a leader in recycling. We\u2019ve held the top spot for recycling among\u00a0comparable English cities for eight years,\u201d said Williams. \u201cWhile we are doing amazing things already, this investment allows our city and region to reach even greater heights.\u201d<\/p>\n
The fully automated MRF was built by Encon Construction, which also worked on Bristol Waste\u2019s Hartcliffe Way household waste and recycling centre.<\/p>\n
Martin Fodor, chair of the council\u2019s environment and sustainability committee, said the Avonmouth facility was a \u201csignificant step towards Bristol\u2019s ambition of becoming a zero-waste city\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis increased capacity will benefit our residents, and ensure vital capacity for crews across the north of the city to process our recycling collections promptly and get materials ready to market,\u201d said Fodor.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also ensures our approach to waste management is sustainable and creates opportunities for collaboration with local businesses, minimises waste, reduces reliance on unused raw materials and cuts carbon emissions across the region.\u201d<\/p>\n
The MRF, which Bristol Waste notes is one-and-a-half times the size of the city\u2019s iconic SS Great Britain landmark, will reduce the mileage of the company\u2019s collection vehicles by around 120 miles every day.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Bristol council caused controversy when it appeared to be considering switching to four-weekly household residual collections. The authority had estimated that the proposals, if approved, could boost recycling rates by 10%.<\/p>\n
However, after\u00a0intense local opposition<\/a>, councillors said this had always been an unlikely option, with a transition to three-weekly collections the more likely policy.<\/p>\n