Waste plant opens up
HUDDERSFIELD’S huge recycling and waste incineration facility is opening its doors to the public for the first time.
Visitors to the plant on Diamond Street at Hillhouse are being invited to take a one-hour tour tomorrow.
The private firm Suez, which runs the facility on behalf of Kirklees Council, said visitors would be shown how recyclable material is processed, separated and baled ready to be re-used, and how non-recyclable material is used to generate electricity via the ‘energy-fromwaste’ (incineration) system.
Anna Bell, regional manager for Suez, said: “This is the first time we have opened up our doors to the public so that residents can come in and see what happens to their recyclable and non-recyclable waste.
“We’re really looking forward to the event and can’t wait to show off how we are putting waste to good use.”
Clr Rob Walker, cabinet member for culture and environment, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to see the enormous scale of the operation in Kirklees and how much work goes in to ensuring we recycle as much as we possibly can.
“We are committed to improving recycling rates in Kirklees and are working hard with Suez to do this,” he added.
“We all have a part to play and visiting these facilities yourself will give you a great understanding of the importance of recycling and how seriously we take it.”
According to Kirklees Council, the Hillhouse facility incinerates around 130,000 tonnes of waste per year, while around 15,000 tonnes of waste is recycled.
The incineration process creates enough electricity to power over 15,000 homes, according to Suez.
However, when it comes to recycling, Kirklees is the worst among the eight local authorities that surround the district.
To book go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kirklees-recycling-facility-energy-fromwaste-facility-heritage-openday-tickets-66553638725