New site will increase recycling and support renewable energy

With a key focus on increasing sustainability and backing the drive to net zero carbon in the UK, Veolia has expanded wood recycling and processing capacity by 50,000 tonnes per year, adding to the 410,000 tonnes of waste wood already processed by the company each year.  The new site will  feed  wide ranging wood recycling operations, and help supply the company’s renewable energy generation.

The new Runcorn Wood Recycling Facility is designed to support the treatment of wood waste from Merseyside, and enable around 80% to have a second life as flooring, furniture, worktops and other particle board applications. High grade wood is also processed by Veolia for bedding products for the equestrian industry, poultry and dairy farms, and other products as diverse as spillage absorbents, fibre board, filtration systems, packaging and paint filler.

Lower grade material is sent to Veolias biomass energy sites which supply renewable electricity and heat that supports industry, healthcare, and around 8,000 residents connected to carbon zero district heating schemes. In the UK Veolia’s renewable biomass energy operations have saved over 500,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions in the last four years.

Gavin Graveson, executive vice president of UK and Ireland said, “To decarbonise our future and protect our planet we know it is essential to act now. We are continually developing our recycling and renewable energy services, and the opening of this new site highlights our commitment to boost sustainability, and cut the financial and environmental costs of wasting these materials.

“By giving this material a new use or transforming it into renewable energy we can cut our carbon emissions, reduce landfill and and help the UK reach its net zero carbon target.”