Cornwall Council can confirm that the United Mines landfill site will stop landfilling of wastes on 31 October this year. The Council and SITA Cornwall have now placed a large sign at the entrance to the site to inform residents and site-users of the date.
Julian German, Cornwall Council cabinet member for Waste Management, Climate Change and Historic Environment, said: “We want to make it absolutely clear to everyone that from the end of October this will no longer be used for the landfilling of waste.”
After the cessation of landfilling natural sub soils will be imported to the site to enable the restoration of the area. The landfill will be returned to a natural state of agricultural pasture, heathland and moorland over a period of years.
Following the closure of the landfill site on 31 October Connon Bridge, near Liskeard will be reopened for the receipt of both household and commercial wastes.
Mark Kaczmarek, Cornwall Councillor for St Day and Lanner, said: “I am pleased to see that we are making it absolutely clear to everyone that the landfill site will close on 31 October.
“We will see a big reduction in traffic and an improved quality of life for residents and that is something I have campaigned for over a long period of time.”
Neil Plummer, Cornwall Councillor for Stithians, said: “The closure of the landfill has been my top priority since being elected to represent Carharrack, Gwennap and St Stithians.
“The site will then be landscaped and returned to a more natural green appearance with tree planting to blend with surrounding green areas.”
Kevin Furnish, Chairman of Gwennap Parish Council, said: “This is the confirmation that our residents have been waiting for, for a very long time. We appreciate that there will be a requirement for some continuation of transport whilst restoration of the site takes place, but the overall reduction in traffic will be most appreciated by our residents in the Corfthandy area.
“We now look forward to working with SITA in drawing up the restoration plans which will include the eventual reinstatement of Public Rights of Way.”
Phil Rudin, SITA UK’s Regional Manager for Cornwall and Devon said: “These are busy times at United Mines as we prepare for the closure of the landfill and make plans for the alternative provision of services. The new sign will help us reach a large number of people and businesses who use this facility every day and confirms our commitment to close the landfill later this year.”
