Our preferred options for managing waste are as follows:
- Reduce the growth in waste through the use of waste reduction and minimisation programmes.
- Increase the current level of recycling and composting towards our target of 45 per cent by 2010.
- Treat the remaining residual waste to ensure that North Lincolnshire meets yearly UK Government landfill targets between now and 2020.
- Provide sufficient future landfill capacity for any waste which is either unsuitable for recycling or treated to recover value from it.
Working together
North Lincolnshire Council is committed to encouraging as many people as possible to reduce the amount of rubbish they produce. We will continue to work in partnership with community and other regional groups to reduce waste and promote re-use, including support for home composting and community waste reduction initiatives.
Throughout the development of this draft strategy, we have been talking to waste management industry representatives, central government, nearby councils, local process operators and several other stakeholders about the feasibility of a number of possible options for dealing with waste. We have also started the process of procuring a replacement service contract to commence in April 2011. Such a contract could lead to significant benefits, but we must remain flexible in our approach to waste management solutions for the future.
Summary
In order to both achieve our strategic aims and make a contribution to sustainable waste management, the council recognises the need to deliver a proven solution for treating residual waste in a timely manner.
The environmental options appraisal has shown that sending the residual waste to a local energy recovery facility would be the best option for treating it in order to meet our landfill diversion targets. This is because the electricity produced by this facility offsets fossil fuel use and thus reduces the generation of greenhouse gases. However, this option may not be open to the council because of the limited number of suitable sites available. So, the council may well have to consider other options, including the use of new technologies for treating the waste that can no longer be landfilled.
More information
For more information on the issues raised in this consultation document please phone 01724 297000 or complete our online feedback form.