Composting centre starts using waste

The first batches of waste collected from thousands of households by Bolsover District have arrived at the state-of-the art facility in Arkwright.

And now the waste is being turned into compost to be sold as a soil improver for use in farming and agriculture.

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Economy and Transport, Coun Joan Dixon, said: “Sending waste to landfill is expensive.

“The county council is facing budget cuts of £157 million by 2018 and with landfill tax currently set at £80 per tonne, landfill is a cost we just can’t afford in the future.

“This new facility will allow us to manage the cost of dealing with the county’s waste more effectively in the future by helping to protect against further landfill price increases.

“Residents can help by making sure they put as much food and garden waste as possible into their green waste bin ready to be taken to the new site.”

Items including garden trimmings, fruit, vegetable, meat and fish waste are shredded and placed into sealed chambers to be sterilized.

Air is forced through the waste to heat it up to 60 degrees centigrade for a minimum of 48 hours to destroy any harmful bacteria which may be present.

The facility has brought more jobs to the area with seven full time equivalent posts.