Marking Five Years of the Gloucestershire Energy from Waste Facility

On Thursday 24th October, the Gloucestershire Energy from Waste (EfW) facility, operated by FCC Environment on behalf of Gloucestershire County Council, proudly marks its five-year anniversary. Since its opening in 2019, the facility has been transforming non-recyclable waste into a beneficial resource, playing an important role in reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill and contributing to Gloucestershire’s energy needs.

The facility has processed almost one million tonnes of waste that would have otherwise been discarded, converting it into enough energy to power 125,000 homes and businesses across the region. This energy generation not only supports the local grid but also highlights the facility’s key function: recovering value from waste. By reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal, the Gloucestershire EfW facility has proven to be an integral part of the region’s sustainability efforts.

Since its inception, the facility has focused on fostering strong ties with the local community. The visitor centre has hosted over 400 tours, providing the public and local school groups with an insight into the waste recovery process and raising awareness about the importance of sustainable waste management. More than 50 schools have visited the facility, and workshops for children during school holidays have been introduced, encouraging young people to think creatively about environmental responsibility.

The Gloucestershire EfW facility’s impact extends beyond energy generation. In the past five years, the facility has contributed over £123,000 to local projects through its Community Fund, supporting initiatives that benefit the surrounding areas. These contributions underscore the facility’s commitment to positively impacting the local community. Furthermore, regular community liaison group meetings have been held, ensuring transparency and addressing any concerns raised by stakeholders.

Commenting on the facility’s achievements, Dan Pearson, General Manager, said: “We are proud to celebrate five years of reducing waste and creating energy for Gloucestershire. Our focus has always been on maximising the environmental and community benefits of the facility, and we look forward to continuing our work in sustainable waste management and resource recovery.”

In addition to energy generation, the process produces incinerator bottom ash, a byproduct that can be repurposed for use in construction projects, contributing further to the circular economy. More than 200,000 tonnes of materials have been recovered for recycling through this process since the facility opened in October 2019.

Looking ahead, the Gloucestershire Energy from Waste facility will continue to support the county’s environmental strategy, ensuring that waste is managed efficiently while creating lasting benefits for the community.