A waste-to-energy plant is expected to be operating in Melbourne’s west within three years after being approved by the Environment Protection Authority.

The $150 million facility in Laverton North was granted planning approval by Wyndham City Council in March last year. However, the project – which would convert household rubbish currently sent to landfill into enough electricity to power up to 20,000 houses – could not commence until the EPA had given it the green light.

Recovered Energy Australia director Ian Guss with a model of the proposed waste to energy plant in Laverton North. Credit:Justin McManus

Recovered Energy Australia director Ian Guss said the EPA works approval was the final regulatory hurdle the company needed to clear before it could proceed with the waste-to-energy plant.

The EPA issues works approvals when it is satisfied measures have been put in place to protect the environment.