Why UKWIN Opposes Waste Incineration
See The Story Behind The Map for a simple explanation.
Disclaimer
While we endeavour to provide current and accurate information, we rely heavily on second and third party sources. As such, the information is provided "as is" with no claims or warranties as to its suitability for any particular purpose. Markers are indicative and may not always point to the exact site location.
All of the data contained within this website is under ongoing review with an intention to continuously improve the quality of information. If you are aware of any improvements or corrections, please contact the UKWIN Project Co-ordinator.
The map includes many sites that (we hope) will never be used for incineration. Other sites that may be considered for waste incinerators may not appear on the map at this time. You can improve the map by sending any updates to coordinator@ukwin.org.uk (please include sources of information).
Sources of information:
- All potential sites included in the map have been mentioned in either Local Authority / Central Government documentation (e.g. Defra PFI lists, EA spreadsheets, Partnership Waste Strategies, etc.), local or national media reports, and/or local campaign updates
Types of facilities on the map:
- We focus on the incineration of household waste, and the facilities that are part of this system.
- We have a fairly broad definition of what constitutes a 'potential site', ranging from sites where formal planning has been granted but the facility is not operational to sites earmarked for waste management facilities without incineration being ruled out. In a very small number of instances, we have included sites that have been 'withdrawn' but are of ongoing concern to local activists.
- We have included a small number of representative potential Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facilities that are proposed to produce a Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) or Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF). One potential MBT plants of this type is marked as a separate site, and others are referred to in the notes of the potential destination incinerator.
- While we have not focussed primarily on gasification / pyrolysis incinerators, we have included some prominent sites in cases where information has been supplied by local campaigners.
- We do not include any landfill or reprocessing sites for ash / residue, or sorting facilities (material recovery facilities) despite such facilities being part of the household waste incineration system.
Facility marker placement:- Existing facilities should have fairly accurate geo-locations (based on facility postcodes).
- Sometimes one representative site is chosen to mark a place for an as yet unselected (potential incinerator) site, in which case this is mentioned in the notes.
- Sometimes several potential sites are included even though only one will possibly be expected to host an incinerator, in which case this is mentioned in the notes.
- Where there is no known site location for a proposal, we have used the nearest Local Authority (Town Hall) for our marker.
- Sometimes a site is not specified or its precise location is not sufficiently well defined to provide an accurate geo-location. In such circumstances a best guess is made.
- Where existing facilities may be expanded (e.g. Eastcroft and Tyseley) we have slightly displaced one of the markers from the correct location to allow for a second marker to be displayed.
Individuals wishing to be put in touch with local campaigners or supported to form or develop an anti-incineration group should contact the UKWIN Project Co-ordinator.
Further Information
UKWIN's website is still being developed. A great deal of information will be stored in our Knowledge Bank. In the mean time, additional information can be found on the various excellent campaign websites, and within several Friends of the Earth and other publications, including:
Landfill Allowance Trading Scheme (LATS)
September 2007
This briefing outlines how LATS works and the best way for councils to meet these targets without incineration.
Up in smoke
September 2007
This briefing looks at the reasons why Friends of the Earth opposes incineration, and covers the waste of natural resources, the effect on recycling and climate change and the pollution from air emissions and toxic ash.
Dirty truths: incineration and climate change
May 2006
This briefing investigates the climate impacts of energy from waste and residual waste treatment and shows that incinerators that produce electricity emit more greenhouse than gas fired power stations.
Incinerators and deprivation
Jan 2004
Poorer communities tend to be hit hardest by environmental pollution, adding to the problems that people living in these areas face. This new research, which looks at the location of municipal waste incinerators in England, finds that these plants are often built in the most deprived wards.
WRAP report on domestic mixed plastics packaging waste management
June 2008
There is currently a "Catch 22" situation, with few Local Authorities prepared to collect plastic waste other than bottles, as there is limited potential for them to be recycled. However, this means there is a lack of such plastics available for companies to attempt to do so. Some Local Authorities already accept a wider range of plastics in their domestic recycling systems although the end markets are under developed in the UK.
Stop Trashing the Climate
June 2008
This report documents the link between climate change and unsustainable patterns of consumption and wasting, dispels myths about the climate benefits of landfill gas recovery and waste incineration, outlines policies needed to effect change, and offers a roadmap for how to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions within a short period.
Fuelling the Fire
June 2008
CEE Bankwatch report on how the European Investment Bank is financing the incineration industry.
Credits
Created by UKWIN in conjunction with and funded by Friends of the Earth, with special thanks to Michael Warhurst, Becky Slater and FoE's Regional Campaign Coordinators. Additional research by Rosie Dowen, Josh Dowen, James Gibson, Keith Kondakor and Friends of the Earth Waste List participants. Technical consultancy and bespoke software solutions provided by Josh Dowen.
| 
