The ongoing project to develop a new £1 million waste recycling facility in Carrickfergus has reached a major milestone.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council announced the existing site will close from Saturday 02 October at 5pm, with residents being asked to travel to Larne South Household Recycling Centre (HRC) in Islandmagee while the new development is completed.

The new facility, which is expected to reach completion in early 2022, will be more than double the size of the existing site to cater for some 40,000 residents.

Work began on the site located directly opposite the original facility in May 2021.

The new Sullatober Household Recycling Centre will help Council to divert over 1,000 tonnes of waste from landfill each year, as well as increasing he amount of waste segregation by over 20%.

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The development will also result in more efficient waste compaction and haulage, with new material streams for recycling and a reduction in carbon emissions.

Planning approval was granted in December 2020, with Council securing £995,000 in funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for the project.

Welcoming the progress on the project, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey said: "The new Sullatober Household Recycling Centre will provide a much more efficient service for the residents of Carrickfergus, and is a welcome milestone in Council's key strategic aim of creating a sustainable and healthy local environment which is protected for future generations.

"By increasing segregation of waste and the quality of materials collected, the new Recycling Centre will support local processors and the circular economy of Northern Ireland.

"The closure of the existing Sullatober recycling centre from Saturday 02 October at 5pm, will allow for construction works to progress. We are pleased to continue providing a recycling centre service to Carrickfergus and the surrounding areas through provision at Larne South Household Recycling Centre, into early 2022.

"Thank you to our local residents for their patience while the work is ongoing."