WORK will begin next week on a major upgrade to Teignbridge District Council’s Waste Transfer Station, following approval by councillors last year.

The approved works, which start on April 13, include new covered storage buildings with fire‑resistant segregation, an improved drainage system to protect local watercourses, and enhanced sorting and storage capacity for new recyclable materials such as soft plastics.

The project will also see the installation of greywater systems for fire safety and operational cleaning, alongside a solar panel system to generate renewable energy on site.

The Brunel Road Household Waste Recycling Centre will be open as usual throughout the works.

However, during the works, and to accommodate the construction activities, there will be temporary changes to traffic routes to access the recycling centre.

Access to the centre will remain via the current access road.

However, later in the scheme, cars will temporarily exit the site through Teignbridge District Council’s car park.

Visitors are encouraged to follow the signage and directions given by staff on site.

This project will deliver significant infrastructure improvements to ensure the site can meet new national waste legislation and support the Government’s Simpler Recycling reforms.

These changes will allow a wider range of recyclable materials, including flexible plastics and films, to be collected from all households by 2027.

The upgrade also supports the council’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions.

The solar panel system alone is expected to generate around 19,000 kWh of electricity each year, saving almost four tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, alongside wider environmental benefits, including improved leachate management, reduced litter, and best-practice water reuse systems.

Work will be delivered in phases by contractor Prime Build South West Ltd, with the Waste Transfer Station remaining operational throughout construction.

The overall project is scheduled for completion by late summer 2027.