Shanks Group plc (‘Shanks’), a leading sustainable international waste management business, is pleased to announce that it has commenced building work on its new state-of the-art waste treatment facility in Wakefield.

Shanks and Wakefield Council marked the occasion by hosting a ground breaking ceremony to signify commencement of construction of the facility which is set to revolutionise waste management in the Wakefield District.

The energy self-sufficient residual waste treatment facility at South Kirkby, Wakefield forms part of a 25 year PFI contract with Wakefield Council. The facility will employ a number of processes to treat and recycle waste from the Wakefield District, transforming it into valuable products and green energy. The facility will process up to 230,000 tonnes of municipal solid waste per annum, helping to increase the local authority’s landfill diversion rate towards 90%.

Peter Eglinton, Managing Director of Shanks UK, said:

“We are delighted to mark this significant milestone in the project and look forward to continuing the construction through to completion, where the facility will transform waste management in Wakefield.”

Leader of the Council, Cllr Peter Box said:

“This is an exciting and momentous occasion as we mark commencement of works on the South Kirkby site. The new waste treatment facility will not only reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, but 60 new jobs will be created when the facility is fully operational.
This will make a significant contribution to the local economy and is great news environmentally for the District.”