Bath Recycling Centre redevelopment - environmental information

Read about sustainability plans and the environmental impact of Bath Recycling Centre. 

The new Bath Recycling Centre places our Climate and Ecological Emergency policy at its forefront and complements our new state-of-the-art central waste and recycling facility at Keynsham Recycling Hub.

We aim to reuse existing infrastructure wherever possible so that the overall carbon footprint of the development is minimised. The existing office accommodation will be retained and refurbished as part of the new development, thereby avoiding the need to construct a new building. We are also investigating the use of solar panels, following their successful installation at the Keynsham recycling hub.  

Use the links below to learn more.  

Ecological and biodiversity impact 

Local ecology consultants have undertaken site surveys. Whilst the site itself has limited ecological significance, its proximity to the River Avon is important as the river is a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI), and an important wildlife corridor for commuting and foraging bats. Therefore, the scheme has been designed to avoid impacts onto the adjacent river through careful design and location of lighting to avoid light spill onto the river and ensure minimal impact on wildlife.

The scheme will also include areas of native planting and we will be exceeding the 10% Biodiversity Net Gain within the site. Due to the scheme’s proximity to the watercourse, biodiversity net gain watercourse units will be procured to ensure the scheme meets the national requirements.

Noise, odour and pest management 

The Environment Agency (EA) permit requires the documented details of all mitigations relating to environmental factors such as noise, odour and pests.

We have many years of experience of successfully and compliantly operating similar sites in accordance with the highest environmental standards. Specialist consultants have also been used to ensure risks are adequately identified and effective mitigation measures are adhered to for Environmental Permit compliance. Such measures include a Noise Management Plan, an Odour Mangement Plan and a Pest Mangement Plan.

See the documents on the Planning application for more details, including Noise Assessment, Air Quality & Odour Assessment, and Gull Management Strategy..

Statutory consultation and planning permission 

After the first round of round of statutory consultation, areas where further technical work was needed were identified. You can learn more about these on this page: You said, we did - Bath recycling centre consultation responses.

The project team updated the plans with additional technical studies and a further statutory consultation took place in April 2025 to support the application for the EA permit.

Flood risk and mitigation 

The layout of the facility is designed with careful consideration to the site’s proximity to the River Avon. The planning application demonstrated all appropriate measures required to deal with the risks posed by future flood events and we are working with consultants to ensure the Environment Agency and Local Flood Authority requirements are met.

The Environment Agency permit requires the production of a flood evacuation plan and a flood management plan for the new facility (one already exists for the existing Cleansing operations on site).

The recycling centre scheme has been designed with metal gantries and movable collection containers to the east of the site rather than permanent structures. In the event of a flood warning the site will be closed to the public and containers will be removed to the recycling hub at Keynsham Recycling Centre.