A waste disposal facility and incinerator was on the site before the current building was constructed; having been built by Birmingham City Council and operated by them.

There was a 2-year handover period where the previous site was labelled as TWD but still run by Birmingham City Council, and plans were announced to replace the existing incinerator to comply with new European emissions requirements, being submitted in 1993.

[2] Once completed, the previous waste disposal site was demolished - including the controlled demolition of the old incinerator.

Veolia benefits from Levy Exemption Certificates for the element of energy which is produced from renewable sources.

The plant was opposed by Birmingham Friends of the Earth for contributing to climate change, causing air pollution and reducing recycling rates in the city.