New look Recycling Centre gets seal of approval

Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority’s Ravenhead Recycling Centre at Burtonhead Road in St Helens has reopened this week after an extensive redevelopment.

Improvements to the Centre include a new split-level layout to make depositing of waste and recyclables easier, with a canopy over the skip area and a new Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) building.

A new access road for operational and public vehicles incorporates bypass lanes to allow residents vehicles to exit or overtake when skips are occupied. The site also has additional road space and improved traffic management, which will keep vehicles off the highway.

 The redeveloped Centre has a redesigned layout to help recycling and improve residents experience on site. The redeveloped Centre is open to public:
·         1st April – 30th September: 8.00 am to 8.00 pm

·         1st October – 31st March: 8.00 am to 5.00 pm

Cllr Graham Morgan, MRWA Chairperson said: “We’re really excited to be reopening this popular Centre. This fantastic improved facility will contribute to achieving improved recycling and composting across Merseyside. 

When we consulted residents they told us they were keen to recycle more and the facility accommodates a wide range of different categories of waste containers for recycling. It is another step towards our aim of zero waste to landfill. This newly redeveloped Centre is much more pleasant experience for visitors, and will be easier to navigate, which will hopefully encourage more recycling.”

 Carl Beer, MRWA Chief Executive said: “This redevelopment of this Recycling Centre is part of a drive to improve all our facilities, as well as build brand new ones. Merseyside needs to reduce its reliance on landfill and our push for new and improved waste management amenities will help us to achieve this.”

As part of the redevelopment of the site, local artist, Bernie Hughes from the Rainford Design Studio has worked with pupils from Hope Academy in Newton le Willows and members of the local University of the Third Age to develop a permanent piece of public artwork for the site in the form of a mosaic.  The mosaic picked up the themes of ‘Reduce Reuse Recycle’ and was produced following workshops held in the Academy and in the local community. Pupils from the Academy have also produced a range of bird boxes using recycled materials for the site.

Hope Academy students with some of the recycled bird boxes they have produced for the redeveloped Centre. Pictured from left to right Leah Prescott, Laura Pendleton, Nathan Sharratt, Shane Peet and Phoebe Chandler.