We are motivated by a European
Union directive to reduce the use of unsustainable landfill sites and,
in particular, to drastically reduce the amount of biodegradable* waste sent
to landfill.
The Government will impose fines on all councils that send more than their permitted
allowance to landfill. If we fail to take action these fines will make a very
real impact on council finances so there is an urgent need to find workable and
cost-effective solutions. We believe that working in Partnership offers economic,
environmental and social advantages such as:
Maximising economies of scale;
- Minimising environmental impacts;
- Minimising transport requirements; and
- Providing best value for the tax
payer.
As neighbours, the Councils are working together to resolve these issues.
Joint working is an efficient way to use resources for services and
facilities which
cross local authority boundaries.
Waste experts are looking at
a range of technology
options which
present viable alternatives to landfill. At the same time, planners
are preparing
a document
which will describe in detail how locations for new facilities
will be found and where these may be located. It will be a long
term plan
for
where waste is
managed in the West of England.
The project team aims to balance three main issues: environmental considerations, the proven effectiveness of the technologies, and affordability for Council Tax payers.
* Biodegradable - rubbish that decomposes or rots over time. |
Why are we doing this