Interesting article on waste disposal issues in the UK

Local authority opposition to planning applications for energy-from-waste facilities is creating a "time bomb" for the UK's long-term ability to divert residual waste from landfill, the chief executive of one of the UK's largest waste company's has warned.

David Palmer-Jones, of SITA UK, today (August 17) called for a "shift in mindset" from councillors to understand the energy potential of waste after his company issued figures showing that, between 2007 and 2009, only 35 out of 68 planning applications for energy-from-waste (EfW) facilities were approved.

Short-termist views from councillors on often three year mandates put at risk long-term planning on a strategic direction of waste management that needs frequently a 25-year view

David Palmer-Jones, chief executive, SITA UK

According to SITA UK, the remaining 33 were either refused or are still pending a decision, and the company claimed that many of the rejections came from authorities where projects had been recommended for approval by council's own planning officers.

"There is in effect a time bomb building up for the UK's ability to deal with the waste currently going to landfill," Mr Palmer-Jones said.

"What is needed is a shift in mindset to understand the 50 million tonnes each year going to landfill is an alternative energy resource that can be tapped into."