Exeter’s recycling set for major upgrade with new facility

Exeter is preparing for a major recycling overhaul, with plans approved to move key services to a brand-new facility that will handle more waste and make recycling faster and easier across the city.

The move aims to boost recycling capacity, improve frontline waste services, and secure long-term environmental and financial benefits for the city.

The decision was made at an Extraordinary Council Meeting on 10 February, with plans to establish a modern waste and operations hub at Exton Road. 

The council report noted that the current MRF is approaching full capacity, with key equipment nearing the end of its operational life and in need of costly upgrades. 

The existing site also requires improvements to comply with Environmental Permitting Regulations. Enhancements are intended to increase the range of materials that can be recycled and support city-wide sustainability targets.

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To address these challenges, councillors approved the purchase of the Envirohub building on Marsh Barton Road, located close to the current MRF to ensure operational continuity. 

The council’s financial assessment shows that the Exton Road MRF redevelopment would have cost approximately £13.59 million, including £12.67 million for the budgeted project cost, £506,000 for a 25-week shutdown, and £410,000 in lost income.

By comparison, purchasing the Envirohub building and relocating services is projected to cost £12.87 million, including £5.75 million for the purchase price, £5.75 million for fit-out of plant and equipment, £400,000 for constructing a tipping hall, £850,000 for building modifications and fire suppression, minus £129,000 in capitalised PV income, and £250,000 for Oakwood House refurbishment.

From a financial perspective, the new facility represents a cost saving compared with upgrading the existing MRF. 

Redevelopment of the current MRF was projected to cost £13.59 million, whereas purchasing the Envirohub and relocating services will cost £12.87 million. 

Council also approved transferring £2.5 million from the Parks and Green Spaces premises budget and allocated an additional £2.6 million to complete the project, of which £2 million will come from the Community Infrastructure Levy.

The Envirohub building brings strong environmental credentials. 

It is rated EPC B, has 200 solar panels, rainwater harvesting, a purpose-built vehicle wash, and already holds an Environmental Permit. 

The site also includes a calibrated HGV weighbridge installed in 2020.

Council reports state that the new hub will consolidate waste and operations services, improve efficiency, and allow Exeter to handle a wider range of recyclable materials, including food waste, as part of its ongoing sustainability initiatives.

Environment and Waste Services will transfer to the new facility, while the existing MRF building will continue to be used for storage and for food and glass transfer operations. 

Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for City Management, welcomed the investment, saying: “I very much welcome this investment which will modernise our current operation and also greatly improve the working environment for staff.” 

“Rather than attempting to modernise the existing MRF, we have an opportunity to buy the Envirohub building, a modern and licensed waste facility located right across the road from the MRF. It is a much newer building, and its equipment is also newer.” 

Adding to this, Cllr Williams said that, “this will enable us to upgrade our recycling operation in the city and ensure we have the space we need to complete the city-wide food waste rollout.”