Recycling Centre Stays Open Amid £3m Upgrade

The recycling centre located in Newton Abbot, Devon, will remain accessible to the public throughout a substantial £3m upgrade project. These essential works are designed to modernize the facility and ensure compliance with the latest government waste legislation and recycling reforms.

The comprehensive renovation will introduce new covered storage buildings with fire-resistant segregation, an improved drainage system to protect local watercourses, and expanded capabilities for sorting and storing new recyclable materials, including soft plastics. Works commenced on Monday, April 13, with completion anticipated in late summer 2027.

Additional improvements include the installation of advanced fire safety and operational cleaning systems, as well as a solar panel system expected to generate approximately 19,000 kWh of electricity annually. This renewable energy source is projected to save nearly four tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. Access to the centre will continue via the existing road, with a temporary alternate exit planned through a nearby council car park later in the scheme.

These infrastructure enhancements are crucial for Teignbridge Council to meet new national waste standards and to expand the range of materials collected from households. The depot currently handles 16,000 tonnes of waste annually, and these changes are vital for securing an Environment Agency permit and maintaining efficient recycling services across the district.