Update on Blandford Waste Management Centre: Construction and habitat work advancing

Work on Dorset Council’s new Blandford Waste Management Centre is moving quickly, with major construction milestones achieved and a large-scale environmental improvement programme underway.

The centre will transform waste and recycling services for residents while creating new habitats for wildlife. Alongside the construction, a comprehensive planting scheme is being introduced to boost biodiversity and support local species. 

Environmental improvements include:

• Over 8,000m² of new native woodland
• 205 metres of hedgerow with trees
• 6,450m² of wildflower meadow
• 3,900m² of wetland and ponds
• 5,000 native trees and shrubs
• 150 large nursery-grown trees.

These measures will help wildlife thrive, improve soil health, and benefit pollinators for years to come. The design also prioritises sustainability, with careful planning to limit impact on the surrounding environment.

Construction progress so far:

• New access road nearly complete
• Fire water tank installed underground
• Transfer barn walls finished – this is the main building where waste is sorted and prepared for onward transport to recycling or disposal facilities
• Retaining walls for recycling area about 70% complete
• Drainage system mostly in place
• Kerbs being fitted in recycling area
• One water basin completed and ready for planting; groundwork for another basin underway
• Over 17,625 tonnes of chalk reused on site and 1,438 tonnes of recycled stone used in the construction
• First 350 cubic metres of concrete poured for building foundations.

The next steps are to start planting the first trees and shrubs, keep working on the drainage systems, finish the foundations, and begin building the smaller supporting structures.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:

“This project is about more than waste management - it’s about creating a facility that works for residents while enhancing the local environment. The scale of planting and habitat creation will make a real difference for biodiversity in the area. I’d also like to thank Heidelberg Materials for their support in helping us deliver this important project.”

Dorset Council is also reviewing other older HRCs across the county as part of its long-term infrastructure planning, with future investment proposals to be considered through the Local Plan process.

The Blandford Waste Management Centre is currently on track to open in late 2026/early 2027, supporting Dorset Council’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and better recycling services.