Work on a new £2.8 million recycling centre in Blaenau Gwent is at the final stage of completion, with the site set to open in the new year.
The new facility in Roseheyworth, Abertillery will be the second Household Waste Recycling Centre in the borough, and will open to residents six days a week.
Skips and containers are due on site soon, and works such as signage, IT infrastructure and permit applications are being carried out.
The council says the site is expected to be completed and operational by early 2021.
Joanna Wilkins, executive member for community services, said: “I am pleased that work on this modern and accessible facility is progressing well and construction is nearly complete.
“This site will make it even easier for our residents to recycle more of their household waste.”
The new centre is seen as vital to further improving the authority’s recycling rate and helping to meet Welsh Government targets.
It will provide recycling services to take items such as sofas, white goods such as freezers, fridges and washing machines, all free-standing furniture including tables, chairs and wardrobes, plus carpets and underlay.
The centre will also feature a furniture re-use facility operated by Wastesavers, where residents can donate items that are in good condition and free from defect so that they can be bought and re-used by someone else.
The centre has been designed with easy access in mind with a long entrance road for users to prevent traffic queuing onto nearby roads, electric charging points for cars and 28 parking spaces.
A new traffic signal facility has also been implemented at the A467/Roseheyworth junction.
Funding for the development has been provided by Welsh Government.
Alun Harries, charity manager from Wastesavers, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council to create this exciting new charity reuse project.
“We are sure “The Den” will be very popular with local residents and help the council reach its recycling targets.”
