The 300,000 tonne facility, which is being built by construction firm CNIM Clugston, will be take in residual waste from households across the county.

Veolia is developing the site to help the council meet its waste reduction targets, which could deliver up to £250M of savings for Staffordshire residents over the next 25 years.

County council leader, Philip Atkins, said: “We are committed to innovative approaches which make the most of the private sector’s entrepreneurial energy. That’s why the relationship with Veolia is so important. But it’s also all about cross border public sector co-operation.”

The plant will also help neighbouring councils in Walsall, Sandwell and Warwickshire handle their non-recyclable residual waste.

Veolia’s chief operating officer, Tom Spaul, said: “The start of work on site was an exciting moment for the company. We have dedicated significant resources to developing the most efficient, cost effective, and environmentally sophisticated solution to Staffordshire’s residual waste problems.

“Backed by our local team, this project is very important to us and now we are looking forward to bringing this technology on stream as soon as possible.”

The plant is also anticipated to boost the local economy and create a number of jobs.

Carys Matthews

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