Bristol’s ambition to be a zero-waste city have taken a major step forward with the construction of a state-of-the-art processing centre at Avonmouth.
With Bristol is already the number one core English city for recycling, the new building will not only minimise the environmental impact of recycling but also enable local businesses to reduce their mileage by using the site. 
Developed by Bristol Waste Company, the city council-owned waste handling business, in partnership with Cardiff-based Encon Construction, the 23,250 sq ft building, pictured, will transform recycling in the region when fully operational from next year.
It will house cutting-edge sorting and processing equipment, substantially increasing Bristol Waste’s capacity to handle recyclable materials. The fit out is due to be completed early in 2025.
This expansion will not only benefit Bristol Waste’s commercial operations but also unlock opportunities for local businesses seeking to process recyclables locally.
Bristol Waste said the investment reflected the commitment of the business and the council to sustainability and value for money for the city as well as the company’s commercial customers.
Bristol Waste Company interim managing director Dave Knight said: “This new facility represents a significant investment in Bristol’s future.
“Bristol is already the number one core English city for recycling, but we’ve got our sights set even higher. By improving local recycling facilities, we not only improve sorting and processing for Bristol Waste Company, but also for the sector in the South West.”
Bristol Waste Company operations director Dan Kelly added: “We are confident that this new facility will play a vital role in achieving our long-term sustainability and business goals.
“The investments we’re making in our Avonmouth site will allow us to generate additional revenue and, in turn, invest that money into our services for the city.”
Once fitted out the new building will be equipped with machinery capable of efficiently sorting a wider variety of recyclable materials.
This will generate additional revenue by separating an even higher volume of valuable materials like steel, aluminium cans, cardboard, and plastic bottles.
It will also have increased processing capacity, allowing Bristol Waste to process a significantly higher volume of recyclables. This means more valuable resources can be saved from going to waste, further reducing Bristol’s environmental impact and the need for virgin materials.
Encon Construction head of business development and social value Antonia John said: “We are proud to showcase the successful delivery of Bristol Avonmouth Waste Processing Plant project.
“The project was developed in partnership with our client Bristol Waste Company and SLR Consulting, and is our second project for Bristol Waste, following on from the successful delivery of Hartcliffe Way Household Reuse and Recycling Centre in 2022.”
Bristol City Council leader Tony Dyer added: “Increasing recycling capacity in the city is important to help minimise the environmental impact of our residents.
“The new facility at Avonmouth will also give us opportunities to work with businesses in the surrounding areas, helping them to get the most out of recyclable materials.
“This latest milestone in the project is a motivational boost for everyone working towards making Bristol a zero-waste city.”
The completion of the Avonmouth facility fit out would demonstrate Bristol Waste’s dedication to environmental responsibility and its commitment to supporting a thriving circular economy within the Bristol area, he added.
