Operations at a major waste and recycling site in High Wycombe could get a major overhaul if new plans to build a biowaste transfer station are given the go-ahead.

The new single-storey waste transfer station would replace the “unfit for purpose” system that is currently in place at High Heavens in Clay Lane – which the contractor, Galliford Try, says needs modernising because it is “unlikely” to be able to cope with a predicted increase in future waste growth.

The new biowaste station would mean green and bulky rubbish would no longer need to be processed outdoors in two different places within the site, which Galliford Try says will dramatically reduce dust, noise and odour problems for nearby residents.

While 8,881 tonnes of food waste, 35,211 tonnes of green waste and 8,503 tonnes of bulky waste – like sofas and mattresses - is currently processed per year at High Heavens, the new biowaste building would see that increase to 20,000 tonnes, 45,000 tonnes and 40,000 tonnes respectively.

The planned biowaste station is not related to Bucks County Council's household recycling centre, but they share the same site. 

Galliford Try has insisted that traffic from lorries heading in and out of the site if the new building is given the green light will not change “significantly” however, a small increase in traffic will happen during construction.

In a bid to minimise traffic “nuisance”, the contractor said: “Apart from District Council delivery vehicles, non-essential site traffic associated with the proposed facility will be spread throughout the day, and especially make use of off-peak hours to minimise traffic congestion on local roads.

“All waste vehicles will be suitably covered or sheeted to minimise incidents of wind-blown litter. On-site wheel washes will be used to ensure vehicle do not carry waste/litter onto roads.”

If given planning permission, the construction could begin later this year and the new facility would be fully operational one or two months after the work is finished.