Work begins on Dumfries Zero Waste Park

18 Jun 2025

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Councillors Ian Blake and Jackie McCamon with Alan Mawson – head of facilities, Waste and Neighbourhood Services, Gillian Harris – senior project manager, David Cheetham – senior operations manager, Stefan Stankiewicz – area manager with Ashleigh, Scott Schendel – project manager, Craig Patterson – quantity surveyor, Lyndsay Canon principal architectural technician

Dumfries and Galloway Council has marked the official start of construction of the Dumfries Zero Waste Park (Dumfries ZWP), marking a significant milestone towards the delivery of the region’s Waste, Recycling and Reuse Strategy 2023–2030.

The project will deliver a brand-new, modern Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) at Locharmoss and see the transformation of the refinements hall at the EcoDeco MBT Facility into a dry recyclates bulking facility. These improvements will provide residents with an enhanced recycling experience and support Dumfries and Galloway’s ambitious aims to drive up recycling rates, optimise waste processing, and help deliver on Scotland’s wider circular economy goals.

The strategy, approved by the council’s Communities Committee on 3 October 2023, focuses on five key themes: Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling; optimising kerbside collections; improving Household Waste Recycling Centre experience and efficiency; optimising residual waste processing; and maximising efficiency. The Dumfries ZWP will be a central component in achieving these goals.

The council’s investment of £11.197 million from the approved 10-year Capital Investment Strategy will fund the work, delivering vital infrastructure to support a greener future.

Councillor Ian Blake, chair of the council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “The start of construction on the Dumfries Zero Waste Park is a clear demonstration of our council’s commitment to delivering a cleaner, greener future for our communities. This modern facility will not only enhance recycling opportunities for residents but will also ensure we meet our obligations under the Scottish Government’s Circular Economy ambitions.”

Councillor Jackie McCamon, vice-chair of the committee, added: “Our investment in the Dumfries Zero Waste Park reflects a long-term vision for a more sustainable Dumfries and Galloway. We are providing the facilities and services that residents expect, while also supporting our local economy and improving the environment for generations to come.”

The new split-level Locharmoss HWRC will offer improved access, better customer service, and a safer, more efficient site layout, designed to make recycling easier and more intuitive for users. The new bulking facility will also bring significant operational efficiencies, allowing the council to manage and transfer materials more effectively without reliance on the private sector.