Dewsbury recycling centre to move for railway upgrade work – BBC
Report on the Relocation of Dewsbury Waste and Recycling Centre in Support of Sustainable Infrastructure Development
Project Overview and Strategic Alignment with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
The Dewsbury Waste and Recycling Centre, located on Weaving Lane, is scheduled for an on-site relocation to facilitate a major national infrastructure project. The land has been acquired by Network Rail to advance the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade. This initiative is a critical investment in resilient and sustainable infrastructure, directly contributing to the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 9.
The relocation is necessary to allow for essential engineering works, which include:
- Construction of a new railway retaining wall.
- Creation of space for the installation of new tracks.
According to Andrew Campbell, a sponsor for the upgrade, these developments will enable the future operation of faster and more frequent rail services, significantly improving sustainable transport connectivity across the North of England.
Enhancing Community Facilities and Promoting SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The relocation presents an opportunity to significantly upgrade the public recycling facilities, aligning with the aims of Sustainable Development Goal 11 to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The new facility has been redesigned to improve service delivery and public access.
Tyler Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Highways and Waste, highlighted that the new layout will provide tangible benefits for the community, including:
- A more accessible, split-level design.
- Additional parking capacity.
- Improved safety and ease of use for residents disposing of household waste.
Fostering Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
By creating a more efficient and user-friendly facility, Kirklees Council is actively encouraging responsible waste management practices among its residents. This improvement supports the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 12, which promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns. An enhanced recycling centre is fundamental to increasing recycling rates and contributing to a circular economy at the local level.
Collaborative Action: A Case Study in SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
This project exemplifies the effectiveness of strategic partnerships, a core principle of Sustainable Development Goal 17. The collaboration between Kirklees Council, a local government authority, and Network Rail, a national infrastructure operator, demonstrates a successful model for achieving integrated development goals. This partnership ensures that progress on national infrastructure (SDG 9) is achieved in tandem with improvements to essential local services and environmental management (SDG 11 and SDG 12).
Implementation and Logistics
The transition to the new facility will be managed according to a specific timeline to minimise disruption to public services.
- The existing centre is scheduled to close on Sunday, 30 November.
- During the closure, all containers and operational facilities will be moved to the new location on the opposite side of the site.
- The centre is scheduled to reopen in its new configuration on Monday, 1 December.
A council spokesperson confirmed that public access will be maintained through the existing entrance, with updated directional guidance:
- Access will continue to be via Thornhill Road and Weaving Lane.
- Visitors will be directed to turn left after the entrance gates, instead of right, to reach the new facility.
Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The article highlights issues and projects that are directly connected to three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure: The core of the article discusses the “multibillion-pound Transpennine route upgrade.” This is a significant infrastructure project aimed at improving the railway network, which is a key component of building resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: This goal is addressed through two main aspects in the article. Firstly, the railway upgrade aims to provide “improved rail journeys,” which contributes to making transport systems more sustainable and accessible. Secondly, the relocation and improvement of the “waste and recycling centre” directly relates to municipal waste management, a critical service for sustainable cities.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The article’s focus on a “waste and recycling centre” connects to this SDG. By providing an improved facility that is “easier and safer for the public to access,” the project encourages and facilitates the proper disposal and recycling of household waste, which is essential for sustainable consumption and production patterns.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the information provided, the following specific SDG targets can be identified:
- Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
- The “Transpennine route upgrade” is a direct effort to develop quality and reliable rail infrastructure. The article states the goal is to enable “faster, more frequent, services,” which enhances the quality and reliability of the transport system across the North of England.
- Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport…
- The railway upgrade project, which aims to “deliver improved rail journeys,” is a clear example of expanding and improving public transport, contributing directly to this target.
- Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
- The relocation and enhancement of the Dewsbury waste and recycling centre is a direct action related to municipal waste management. The council’s statement about delivering “real improvements to recycling facilities” shows a commitment to this target.
- Target 12.5: By 2030, substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.
- The article describes improvements to the recycling facility, such as a “more accessible facility over two levels with additional parking,” making it “much easier and safer for the public to access the containers and dispose of their household waste.” Such improvements are designed to increase recycling rates and support the reduction of waste.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The article does not mention official SDG indicators by their specific codes, but it implies several qualitative and quantitative measures that can be used to track progress:
- For Targets 9.1 and 11.2 (Infrastructure and Transport):
- Service Frequency and Speed: The article explicitly states the upgrade will allow “faster, more frequent, services” to run. Progress can be measured by tracking the increase in the number of trains per hour and the reduction in average journey times on the Transpennine route.
- Infrastructure Capacity: The plan to “install more tracks” is a direct indicator of increased infrastructure capacity, which can be measured in kilometres of new track laid.
- For Targets 11.6 and 12.5 (Waste Management):
- Facility Accessibility and Safety: The article mentions the new layout will be “more accessible” and “safer.” Progress could be measured through user satisfaction surveys, tracking the number of reported accidents or incidents at the site, and monitoring visitor numbers to see if the improved accessibility leads to higher usage.
- Waste Processing Volume: While not stated, an implicit goal of improving a recycling centre is to increase the amount of household waste that is recycled. An indicator would be the tonnage of different materials collected and recycled at the new facility compared to the old one.
4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators (Implied from the article) |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure | Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure. | – Increase in track capacity (“install more tracks”). – Achievement of “faster, more frequent, services.” |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all. | – Delivery of “improved rail journeys.” – Increased frequency and speed of public transport services. |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including waste management. | – Implementation of “real improvements to recycling facilities.” – Creation of a “more accessible” and “safer” facility for public use. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through recycling and reuse. | – Increased ease for the public to “dispose of their household waste.” – Improved facility layout (two levels, more parking) to encourage higher rates of recycling. |
Source: bbc.co.uk
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