ENVIRONMENTAL Waste Controls (EWC) is doubling the size of its Knowsley Business Park operation, which will add 10 new jobs to the 50-strong workforce.

The waste management company is relocating its engineering division to a new site in Kitling Road and doubling the size of its materials recycling facility.

It is also introducing an auction site for the public to buy recycled and reusable goods.

EWC employs 400 people across the UK, operating 32 household waste disposal sites for six councils including Warrington, south London and Leicestershire.

The £25m turnover company also handles waste through private contracts with commercial premises, from retail to hotels to manufacturing.

Managing director Bill Shaw said: “Against the background of the recession and economic challenges, it is great news to be able to announce plans to double our presence in Knowsley and to announce the creation of new jobs.

“We are passionate about recycling and, unlike our competitors, we do not send waste to landfill sites.”

He added: “We believe waste is a valuable resource and our new facilities will help us increase recycling and re-use, benefiting the natural environment.”

EWC often manages to recycle more than 90% of waste at its municipal sites.

It also claims to be the market leader in compacting waste at source, significantly reducing transportation costs and, consequently, reducing the carbon footprint of waste disposal.

EWC does not own any landfill sites, which, it said, means its entire philosophy is to reuse or recycle waste.

In addition to operating public and private sector waste recycling services, EWC also sells and services machinery such as compactors, balers, shredders, bins and tippers.