Work Gets Underway On £10m Waste Management Facilities

Work started today on new integrated waste management facilities in the Western Isles as the first turf was cut at the location for the new plant at the Creed Business Park.

The facilities will act as the cornerstone for the Council’s municipal waste management service delivery, allowing it to not only to meet but exceed the challenging targets for recycling and landfill diversion that have been set by the Scottish Executive.

Environmental Services Chairman Angus Nicolson said: “I am delighted that work is underway on the integrated waste management facility which, once completed, will allow us in a beneficial and economic way to help the environment and assist us in meeting targets set by the Scottish Executive.”

The main waste treatment facility, situated in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, will be the first in the UK to incorporate anaerobic digestion of source-separated biowaste (food, paper and garden waste). The biogas produced is used to generate up to 2 million kWh of electrical power annually for export to the local network, whilst the solid digestate is matured to produce a high-quality compost for local use. The second facility will be at Market Stance in the Uists.

Mr. Nicolson said: “The new Integrated Waste Management Facilities is a great investment for the island. The energy management helps pollution control and the ecology. The site will help create jobs on the island and boost the economy as well as providing a fantastic service for the community.”