Shanks extends its reach in Scotland with AD and MBT

Shanks Group has opened anaerobic digestion (AD) and mechanical biological treatment (MBT) facilities in Glasgow, as part of its strategy to extend its reach north of the border.


In a joint venture with Scottish-based Energen Biogas, the AD facility in Cumbernauld will treat organic waste from local authorities and food waste producers, including Glasgow Airport, Strathclyde University and Greater Glasgow & Clyde NHS.

When up to full capacity the plant will be able to process 60,000 tonnes per annum, generating 22,5000MWh of renewable energy – enough to power more than 3,000 homes. Shanks has anticipated the plant will operate at full capacity within 12 months.

Meanwhile, a new materials recycling facility (MRF) in Blochairn will operate 24 hours a day to process 150,000 tonnes per annum of municipal waste and co-mingled recyclables from North Lanarkshire and East Dunbartonshire councils, as well as waste producers.

The site has been designed to achieve a 95% recovery rate from non-segregated general waste, along with co-mingled recyclate to extract materials such as cardboard, paper, aluminium, glass, wood and metals. The remaining waste will be converted into solid recovered fuel (SRF) for heat and power.

Shanks’ UK managing director, Ian Goodfellow, said that it is “continually investing” in recycling and recovery technology to reduce the amount of waste it sends to landfill and incineration.

He said: “Scotland’s vision where all waste is seen as a resource is one we are firmly aligned with and we are very pleased that with the opening of these new plants we can contribute to making a zero waste Scotland a reality.”

Carys Matthews

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