The rise in incineration across the UK

Recent findings on waste incineration in Powys and across the UK have shed light on the environmental impact of this growing trend.

The revelation comes as councils nationwide grapple with the consequences of long-term contracts tied to incineration facilities.

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Despite efforts to reduce landfill waste over the past decade, a BBC Climate and Science investigation has exposed a troubling reality - incineration may not be the eco-friendly solution it was believed to be. The rise of "energy from waste" facilities, often concentrated in underserved areas, has led to increased levels of harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Communities near these incinerators have expressed concerns about the release of particulate matter, which has been linked to health issues.

The study has recealed that the amount of harmful greenhouse gases pumped out of England’s network of 52 major incinerators has increased by 40.4% in just five years – currently four times the amount predicted by the government, and tonne-for-tonne, the pollution from those sites has been on a par with coal in terms of emissions produced.

While Public Health England suggests that well-regulated incinerators pose minimal risks to public health, environmental organizations like the Green Alliance and UK Without Incinerators Network argue that continued investment in incineration hinders advancements in recycling and reuse.

The impact of incineration has prompted governmental action across the UK. Both Wales and Scotland have imposed moratoriums on building new incinerators, with discussions underway in England regarding the role of incineration in waste management.

In Wales, despite a higher recycling rate compared to England, the use of incinerators has grown since 2014-15. Data from single-tier authorities in Wales reveals a shift towards incineration, notably with the Viridor plant in Cardiff and the Enviropower Limited facility in Sheffield being key disposal sites.

The situation in Powys

In Powys, recycling rates have soared over the years, signaling a positive shift towards sustainable waste management. However, with incineration rates on the rise, questions linger on the long-term implications for both the environment and public health.

Back in 2015 Powys recycled 52.1% of its waste, landfilled 35.6%, and incinerated 0.3%.

But by 2023 incineration had increased by 26.6 percentage points to 26.9%. Recycling increased over the same period by 16.1 percentage points to 68.1% and In 2023 3.9% of waste was landfilled.

Current contracts, such as the one with Potters Waste Management valued at £2.3 million, highlight the challenges faced by local authorities in balancing waste disposal methods with environmental concerns.