CWM Environmental’s new Resource Recovery Facility at Nantycaws has reached another major milestone, with the build now entering its commissioning phase, with full operation expected at the end of May.

The multimillion-pound development, which will process up to 80,000 tonnes of source segregated and dry mixed recycling each year, represents a significant investment in Carmarthenshire’s Circular Economy infrastructure.

Following the completion of key construction and installation works, the facility is now moving into a four-week commissioning window. This important stage will see the full plant tested, calibrated and prepared for live operation. Recent milestones include the completion of building works, electrical and plant installations, fire suppression infrastructure, equipment delivery, twin ram baler installation, and sorting line completion. With these core elements now in place, the focus turns to ensuring each system works safely, efficiently and effectively as part of the wider facility.

The facility brings together a range of advanced sorting, separation and safety technologies designed to recover valuable materials more effectively. This includes,

Optical sorters
Ballistic separators
Magnetic belts
Eddy current systems
Bag splitters
Twin ram balers
AI software
Automated bunkers
Advanced fire suppression systems

Together, these systems will help identify, separate, process and store recyclable materials more efficiently, improving the quality and consistency of recovered outputs.
Commissioning will involve a detailed programme of testing across all key areas of the RRF. This will include conveyors, optical sorters, fire suppression systems, control systems, balers, bunkers and associated safety equipment.

The process will include dry runs, calibration, staff training, trial loads, performance testing, quality checks and environmental compliance checks. This will allow CWM Environmental to fine-tune the facility before it moves into full operation.

A CWM Environmental spokesperson said:

The new RRF has been designed to improve how recyclable materials are handled, separated, and recovered. By investing in modern sorting technology, CWM Environmental aims to increase the quality and quantity of materials recovered for recycling, supporting a more sustainable approach to waste and resource management.
As the facility enters this final phase before full operation, the project marks a major step in the continued development of Nantycaws as a key Circular Economy site for Carmarthenshire and wider Wales.
Full operation is expected to begin at the end of May, following the completion of the commissioning programme.