SITA UK To Build Energy From Waste Facility

13 October 2010

Suffolk County Council has commissioned SITA UK to build and run an Energy from Waste (EfW) facility which will provide a cheaper and greener solution to disposing of household waste which cannot be recycled. The majority of the ash produced by the process could also be re-used in building projects.

Councillor Lisa Chambers, portfolio holder for waste with Suffolk County Council, said: "We are committed to recycling and composting as much waste as possible and are delighted that recycling rates in the county are improving. However, some waste simply can't be recycled and we needed to find the best possible solution for dealing with this waste.

"The signing of this contract takes us one step closer to that solution and represents tremendous value for money for Suffolk. SITA UK will pay for the £180m building and we'll get a government grant to help cover the running costs over the next 25 years."

David Palmer-Jones, chief executive officer of SITA UK said: "The facility will provide a sustainable and cost-effective way to manage 269,000 tonnes of residual waste each year, which will benefit council tax payers."

A decision on the planning application is expected by the end of next year and if permission is granted work will start early in 2012 and will be finished by December 2014. An Environment Agency permit would also be needed before the building could be used.