Chance to shape the new household waste and recycling centre plan

People who use the borough’s household waste and recycling centres are invited to share their views and experiences to help shape a proposed new service designed to serve all of Blackburn with Darwen.

The Council has developed a detailed plan for the new £7.7m Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) on Goose House Lane, Darwen to replace the two existing sites on George Street West, Blackburn and Spring Vale Road, Darwen.

It’s been identified by independent consultants as the most efficient location for the borough, with almost all residents living within a 15-minute drive.

The current HWRC’s pose many issues to residents, including lack of space, steps; and having to close when skips are changed, causing queues.

However, the new site:

• Will be open 7 days a week
• Will be on two levels
• Will have much more space, including for vehicles
• Will have more options to recycle
• Will be much more accessible, with no steps
• Won’t need to close when skips are changed
• Will have better signage
• Will have plenty of off-road space to ensure residents can drive straight in, without having to queue on the road
• Will have a reuse shop for pre-loved items

The proposed design and service is based on best practice from existing sites across the country, and the impact assessment on the environment, including car emissions and biodiversity has been completed, confirming it meets all the national standards.

Councillor Jim Smith, Executive Member for Environment and Resident Services said:

Our current sites have served us well, but we know people who use them don’t always have a good experience. I’ve seen people really struggling with the steps and becoming really fed up with waiting around.

Investing in a purpose-built, split-level facility is about future-proofing our services and ensuring safety and accessibility for everyone. I look forward to hearing what people have to say about the detailed plans so that we can consider them as part of the next phase of this project.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen borough council added:

There is a clear commitment for this investment from the Council because these centres are no longer fit for purpose.  As with any big project, people have a lot of questions. Its right that before we do anything else we make sure that people who already use these services can get more information as well as tell us about their experiences and priorities.

Find out more and take part in the survey.

The survey runs for four weeks from today, Monday 2 February.

People visiting Blackburn or Darwen HWRC sites over the next month may be asked by staff to take time to give their view. Paper copies of the survey are available to be collected.

The results will be shared at a future council meeting, where the project will be discussed by all councillors.