Major Expansion for Hunter Recycling Facility
A significant development is underway in the Hunter Valley as the Kurri Kurri Integrated Resource Recovery Centre proposes a massive 400 per cent expansion of its operations. The state-significant project, owned by Central Waste Station Pty Ltd, currently processes 90,000 tonnes per annum of non-putrescible general solid waste including building materials, plastics, paper, and cardboard.
Detailed Expansion Plans
Under the ambitious proposal now on exhibition through the NSW government's planning portal, the facility aims to increase its processing capacity to 450,000 tonnes per annum. The expansion would also include on-site storage for up to 40,000 tonnes of material and extend operating hours to 24 hours per day, seven days per week, up from the current six-day operation.
The physical footprint of the facility would expand to encompass multiple properties along Styles Street and Mitchell Avenue, creating a more comprehensive recycling hub. According to the environmental impact statement, the waste types accepted and operational processes will remain generally unchanged, with modifications focused on optimising operations and increasing sorting capabilities.
Exceeding State Sustainability Targets
This development aligns perfectly with the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041, which targets an 80 per cent resource recovery average at all waste facilities by 2030. Impressively, the Kurri Kurri centre plans to exceed this benchmark with a proposed recovery rate of 85 per cent.
The environmental impact statement highlights that this would equate to diverting approximately 382,500 tonnes of waste annually from landfill, creating economically valuable uses for materials that would otherwise be discarded. This substantial diversion will significantly reduce pressure on local government landfills while contributing to circular economy principles.
Additional benefits cited in the proposal include the centre's strategic proximity to the Hunter Expressway, its location within an established industrial zone, minimal environmental impact, and its potential to drive employment and training opportunities in what's described as a low socio-economic area.
Central Waste Station operates additional facilities in Cardiff and Muswellbrook, demonstrating the company's growing presence in the regional waste management sector. The development application remains open for public submissions until December 10, giving community members opportunity to provide feedback on this substantial infrastructure proposal.
