High tech solution to waste problem

WARRINGTON looks set to seek a high tech solution to its looming waste disposal problem.
Members of the borough council’s executive board are to be asked to approve a search for technology providers so the authority can examine solutions which are “technology neutral.”
The council will not indicate a preferred waste treatment technology but will consider proven solutions of any type.
Warrington’s current waste disposal contract is with Waste Recycling Group (WRG) and expires on January 31, 2013.
The borough is sending less waste for disposal as a result of various recycling initiatives. Household waste sent to landfill has fallen from 82,922 tonnes in 2004-05 to 53,538 tonnes last year. By contrast, household waste recycled has increased from 13,244 tonnes to 22,001 over the same period while household waste composted has increased from 5,020 tonnes to 17,884.
But sending waste to landfill is becoming an expensive option, because of landfill tax.
Currently, Warrington pays £56 per tonne and the level will rise by at least £8 per tonnes per year until 2014. The Government has not indicated what level the tax will be after that.
But it wants to see the amounts of waste collected by council reduced and diverted away from landfill towards the generation of energy.
If Warrington were to continue to dispose of the existing tonnage to landfill, its landfill tax costs would rise by about £400,000 a year
A report by executive member for environment and public protection Cllr David Keane (pictured) says it is unlikely Warrington will be able to find a suitable site for a non-landfill facility within the borough and there are no plans for one.
However, providers from locations further afield may well be interested in taking Warrington’s waste.
There are not many in the North West but facilities exist or are planned at Runcorn, Widnes, Northwich and Leyland. There is also the possibility of a site in St Helens and more may come to light when a procurement process commences.
Cllr Keane is recommending the executive board agree to seek expressions of interest in providing a disposal solution for Warrington’s collected municipal waste.