Ever wondered what happens to your waste when it is taken to the Javelin Park incinerator? A new animation explains exactly that.

The short video explains how the Gloucestershire Energy from Waste Facility operates, detailing the energy from waste process and how electricity is generated.

It is available to view on the Facility’s website.

The animation describes the journey household residual waste undertakes. Once at the facility, residual waste is burned at 1,000 degrees Celsius and the energy is used to turn water into steam.

Under pressure, the steam drives the turbine and generator to create electricity for the National Grid.

The residue after combustion is called bottom ash, and is used to make new roads and buildings, but first any metals are extracted from it and recycled. The emissions from the process are also cleaned and monitored.

The facility has faced controversy for years from campaigners, and last year the Court of Appeal dismissed a legal challenge from a community group over the awarding of the Javelin Park contract.

Stroud District Council leaders previously called it a 'disaster' that would undermine their aim for the district to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Dan Pearson, general manager at Gloucestershire Energy from Waste Facility, said: “We’re delighted with our animation. We get a lot of questions about what we do here, how we turn waste into energy and, ultimately, how it is helping the environment.

"It is a complex process so we are pleased that this video provides a resource that simply and effectively explains the process.

"Each year, the Facility generates enough electricity to power the equivalent of around 25,000 houses across Gloucestershire, saving carbon in the process.”

Cllr Nigel Moor, cabinet member responsible for waste at Gloucestershire County Council said: “It’s great that we have a visual way to show people what happens to their waste while we are unable to open the Visitor Centre.

"Gloucestershire Energy from Waste Facility treats the county’s waste that can’t be recycled, ending the council’s reliance on landfill, and cutting our carbon emissions significantly. It’s also another useful reminder for people to recycle as much as they can.”

The video, created by Gloucester company Bexmedia, will also be used for tours and visits once Covid-19 restrictions on welcoming visitors to the facility can be eased.