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Alderney’s States Works Department has contracted Somerset-based recycling machinery specialist Middleton Engineering to supply and install a new closed-end, semi-automatic baler at its Glacis recycling centre to bale a full range of waste streams prior to shipment off island for processing.
This is Alderney’s second baler procurered from Middleton Engineering and a direct replacement for an earlier machine installed back in 2006 to improve the efficiency of storing and transporting waste.
The third largest and most northerly of the Channel Islands, Alderney has a resident population of around 2,400, peaking to more than 4,000 during the summer months. Like other island communities, a zero waste to landfill policy means all waste recycling is sent off-island for processing.
Containerised transportation is a major expense, so the ability to produce consistent high-quality and compact bales to optimise storage, container loading and shipping costs is key for the recycling team. Currently, Alderney sorts and grades between 12-15 tonnes of mixed recycling per week. This includes refuse derived fuel (RDF) and waste paper, card, plastics, cans and tyres.
Under the contract, Middleton Engineering has supplied and installed a new ME80 semi-automatic baler, at the same time refurbishing an existing feed conveyor supplied with the original machine, including new bearings and belts.
The baler handles a wide range of waste materials and, with its 80 tonnes press force, produces highly-compact mill size bales with a throughput of two to three tonnes per hour.
Commenting on the contract, Aaron Bray, States Technical Services Officer for Alderney, said: “A reliable baling solution to help drive storage and container shipping efficiencies for the island’s recycling is a crucial factor for us. Middletons have supported us over several years and with the existing machine at the end of its working life choosing them for a replacement was an easy decision. It’s a well-engineered cost-effective solution, but good family business values, great service, training and support plus a clear understanding of working with a remote community, are what make the difference.”
You can find out more about the ME80 semi-automatic baler and Middleton Engineering on the company’s website.
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