Aberdeen’s council leader has claimed a controversial multi-million pound recycling plant in Aberdeen will bring “significant long term savings” to the city.
Jenny Laing made the comments on a visit to the plant yesterday.
The new £27million materials recycling facility, designed to reduce the city’s carbon footprint, is due to open in the summer of 2017, despite some initial hiccups caused by Storm Frank earlier this year.
The Altens facility will eventually remove 71,000 tonnes of waste from Aberdeen’s landfill every year, enabling the city to meet Scottish Government recycling targets, which the council has argued will save residents an annual bill of £5million in landfill tax.
Ms Laing said: “We are delighted to visit today and see the mixed recycling facility construction taking shape.
“This is major investment for the future of the city, which will not only result in significant long-term savings in landfill taxes for Aberdonians, but will create new jobs.”
The council leader was joined by councillors Jean Morrison, zero waste sub-committee convener, and finance convener Willie Young.
She added: “And most importantly, the centre will help us meet our environmental targets as set out in our long term City Waste Strategy and Scotland’s Zero Waste plan.
“We are already taking important steps in this direction with the introduction of our kerbside mixed recycling scheme.”
The development in Aberdeen has employed up to 65 people through its construction. A further 40 fixed positions will be opened when the facility operations begin next summer.
The site will include a replacement vehicle depot for the waste collection fleet, currently located on Powis Terrace and office space.
The plant will be fitted with solar panels and energy efficient light bulbs.
Cove and Altens Community Council objected to the proposals, voicing concerns about the plant being visually unattractive, its proximity to the local Doonies Farm and the increase in volume of traffic.
