Project Title

RECYCLING CENTRE

Code

E3

Project summary

A comprehensive recycling centre could be created to recycle a wide range of materials including: glass, paper, plastic, cardboard, low energy light bulbs (not recyclable in Sheffield at time of writing), batteries, foil, clothes (possibly at the Salvation Army centre), etc. The existing Blue Box scheme in Stocksbridge is limited in what can be recycled, so a local centre that can handle a wider range of items is much needed.
This project could easily be set up in conjunction with the composting centre or a community garden site. The litter strategy would link neatly into this idea.
This project could be self-funding if it is operated at a sufficiently large scale. Such a project should aim to offer interesting features and schemes to encourage local people to recycle their waste. An example could be the introduction of 'one arm bandit' drinks can recycling machines in schools and community centres.
A recycling and community composting centre with either a biofuel or windmill power source could form the nucleus of a sustainable visitor centre to entertain and inform people about recycling.
If a large project is unfeasible, then smaller recycling centres commonly seen throughout Sheffield and country could be introduced.

Project management

A large project would need specialist knowledge from its initiation.

Project locations

Large and small sites.
More Hall restored tip area could be an excellent site for both a recycling and composting centre and is easily accessed. The existing dump-it site (which does no glass recycling) could also be upgraded and linked into this proposed project. Supermarket car parks often have small recycling points, but none of the supermarkets in Stocksbridge at the time of writing.

Planning permission

YES

Project links

Litter and fly tipping strategy (A1)
Blue Box scheme
STEP Recycling Officer
Community Composting (C5)
Wind turbine (E1)
Biofuel planting (L14)

Economic Implications

Funding - set up costs

More research and specialist knowledge would be required but this could possibly be a self-funding project.

Funders: Shell Better Britain, Lottery, Transco Grassroots, European Life Fund, SRB, ERDF and New Opportunities Fund (sustainable communities).

Funding - running costs

Again more research is required, but recycling credits and the value of recycled materials would provide income.

Employment

Recycling officer and the possibility of a number or workers and training opportunities for local people.

Tourism

If interpretation is provided, this centre could form part of the sustainability trail.

Social Implications

Community involvement

Community consultation on the location of the project.
Local people to supply the waste to be recycled.

Schools involvement

Opportunities for classes to learn about and initiate recycling schemes.

Recreational benefits

Limited.

Environmental Implications

Local Agenda 21

Fits very closely with LA 21 priorities. A large-scale recycling centre would go a long way to securing the sustainability of many different projects within the area, including open space projects, housing schemes, etc.

Wildlife

Strong indirect beneficial effects through reducing global warming and land-take for landfill.

Project viability

Constraints

Unsightly, undesirable.
Lack of local support for another centre for recycling materials, additional to the local dumpit site at Manchester Road, Deepcar.
The market for recycled items can be very volatile, especially for glass and paper. On many occasions they have cost more to collect than income received from recycling and glass recycling is locally still a problem.