Future of Mile Cross recycling centre in Norwich uncertain

The Swanton Road recycling centre in Mile Cross, previously the main one used by people in Norwich, closed its doors in 2021. 

Norfolk-based charity The Benjamin Foundation took on the site to house donations such as furniture and children's toys, but made the decision to shut the centre in October last year. 

Norwich City Council, which owns the building, has said it is yet to secure a new tenant long after the charity left. 

The former Mile Cross recycling centre (Image: Bill Smith) The centre sits empty while businesses struggle to get rid of rubbish due to changes at Norfolk's remaining recycling facilities. 

Norfolk County Council has decided to close tips on Wednesdays to save money and will now calculate the cost of trade waste disposal according to the size of vehicles and how full they are, rather than per bag. 

The authority is also introducing a new system to require people to have booked a slot for their visit beforehand, either online or by phone.

READ MORE: Fury over cost changes to get rid of waste at Norfolk tips (as traders turned away)

Critics fear these measures will trigger an increase in fly-tipping. But County Hall leaders insist this will not happen and point out Suffolk and Essex already have similar booking systems in place.

There are 19 recycling sites left across Norfolk following the closure of the Mile Cross tip in 2021, which was replaced by the new Norwich North centre at a cost of £2.75m. 

Norwich North recycling centre (Image: Sonya Duncan) The Benjamin Foundation, a charity which supports children, young people and families facing difficulties, took over the site in the summer of 2022. 

People had been able to take items such as furniture, televisions, children's toys, books, bric-a-brac, sports equipment and electrical items to the centre.

It took in more than 10,000 donations, with more than 100 tonnes of items reused as a result.

Its operations at the site paused in October last year and the charity confirmed it would not be reopening in February. 

A spokeswoman for Norwich City Council said: "Since the Benjamin Foundation vacated the property earlier this year, we have been marketing the site on Rightmove and we are currently in talks with a potential new tenant."