A new waste services office – dubbed the most environmentally friendly council building in Three Rivers – has opened.

Built at a cost of £558,000, the new Batchworth Depot in Rickmansworth is the central hub for the district’s street cleaning, recycling, and waste collection teams.  

The energy efficient building includes an air source heat pump, LED lighting, radiant heating, solar panels and two electric vehicle charging points providing four chargers.

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Watford Observer: The new waste services office building. Credit: Three Rivers District CouncilThe new waste services office building. Credit: Three Rivers District Council

In addition, the building in Harefield Road has been surrounded by bird boxes, bat boxes, an otters holt and log piles for insects - all created from waste materials.

The new Batchworth Depot office in Harefield Road has been built next to the old “dilapidated” facility, which is currently being demolished.

Watford Observer: The old facility being demolished. Credit: Three Rivers District CouncilThe old facility being demolished. Credit: Three Rivers District Council

Phil Williams, who has environmental responsibilities at the council, said: “The environment remains a key focus for this council, so whenever we can make improvements to our energy efficiency and promote, protect and support our local environment we will. The new Batchworth Depot is a prime example of that.

“The depot is a vital facility, from which the massive undertaking of daily recycling and waste collection for all our homes and businesses happens."

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Watford Observer: Refuse lorries at the depot. Credit: Three Rivers District CouncilRefuse lorries at the depot. Credit: Three Rivers District Council (Image: Three Rivers District Council)

Cllr Williams added: “This new facility will ensure that we keep providing the best possible services and do so in the most environmentally friendly manner we can.”

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