New £1m recycling machine to boost Swindon’s green efforts

A £1 million baler machine has been introduced at Swindon’s household recycling centre to improve recycling rates and reduce environmental impact.

Located at Cheney Manor Industrial Estate, the machine processes dry waste materials such as plastics and metals, compressing them into bales for sale.

Swindon’s current recycling rate stands at 38%, significantly below the government target of 65%. The new baler is expected to increase efficiency by allowing the council to sort recyclable materials on-site.

The initiative is part of a broader plan to enhance waste management in Swindon. This includes the introduction of food waste collections for residents in flats by early 2025. Additionally, permanent changes to bin collection schedules will begin from Christmas Day, shifting collection days forward by two working days to avoid a backlog like the one that disrupted 40,000 collections in 2023.

The council aims to use these measures to improve Swindon’s recycling performance and advance its environmental goals.