Tip site set for unique eco project

A FIRST of its kind eco park is set to be built at a Cynon Valley tip.

The “ground-breaking” concept will be based at the Bryn Pica Waste Management site.

The waste produced on site, including heat and electrical energy, will be reused and turned into a resource. The plans were announced on Monday by Rhondda Cynon Taf council.

According to the council, the first phase of development will see innovative, eco-friendly firms move into five industrial units on site.

The units will be heated and cooled using large volumes of surplus waste heat produced at a sustainable energy plant already on site.

The council is in discussion with potential tenants to operate full-time from the new park.

The council say that potential tenants include one who collects used paint and produces a new product with the recycled ingredients.

Another of them finds solutions to recycling mattress textiles. Phase two would see plans for a further three hectares of land at Bryn Pica.

It is hoped various recycling companies will move to the site which will see the facility adopt a “circular economy”.

A public consultation into the plans began this week.

Councillor Robert Bevan, the council’s cabinet member for enterprise, development and housing, said: “The eco park will also create commercial opportunities and job creation in the Cynon Valley Gateway.

“This important location builds on the £1bn private sector investment in local energy projects and, working with partners across the private and public sectors, there is potential for significant job creation.”

Councillor Ann Crimmings, cabinet member for environment and leisure, added: “Recycling more, and finding new ways to recycle, continues to be a priority for this council.”