Press release - Jul 31, 2008 12:00 AM

MP Andrew George officially opens recycling centre

SITA Cornwall’s household waste recycling centre (HWRC) and refuse transfer station (RTS) at St Erth were officially opened by MP Andrew George on Monday 28th July, to celebrate completion of a £2.2 million redevelopment of the facility.

Adam Paynter, Environment and Heritage Portfolio Holder and local Councillors were among the guests that were taken on a tour of the site to see the improvements that have been made.

• The capacity of the HWRC has increased to accommodate the recycling and waste disposal needs of Penwith, after the St Ives HWRC was closed in 2007.
• A split-level system has been introduced on the HWRC for ease of public access to the recycling containers. The lower level containers remove the need for climbing steps, making the facility safer to use.
• There are designated parking spaces and road markings on the HWRC to help traffic flow through the site and reduce waiting times.
• The RTS is equipped with an automated weighbridge and now has the capacity to bulk up recyclables as well as general waste.

During the official opening MP, Andrew George said: ‘’I am passionate that Cornwall should be leading the way nationally in environmental matters by working with SITA and Cornwall County Council to become a green peninsula."

“The staff at St. Erth really are first class and SITA should be very proud of what they achieve. After volunteering at Helston HWRC for a day, I can appreciate how hard the staff at the recycling centres work to ensure waste is separated and as much as possible is recycled.”

Louis de Poncheville, General Manager of SITA Cornwall said: ‘‘I would like to thank those who use the facility for their patience and co-operation during the refurbishment process. We have received many positive comments and we hope that Cornwall is proud of this facility. The St Erth redevelopment is a leading example of the type of improvements we intend to make in other parts of Cornwall, including Falmouth, Scorrier, Launceston and St Austell.’’

In June 2007, before the redevelopment of St Erth HWRC, the recycling rate was 32 per cent and it is expected that with the improvements to the site this can be increased to more than 60 per cent.

The redevelopment of the St Erth HWRC and RTS is part of a £15m scheme being undertaken by SITA Cornwall to modernise recycling facilities across the county.