Analysis reveals that waste incinerators are as dirty as coal power.
New evidence has revealed that waste incinerators are now as dirty as coal power - raising new questions over the future of the Wisbech incinerator.
The UK has got better at recycling certain types of waste, for example food, which is now increasingly being sent to anaerobic digesters or to be composted.
This means that the type of waste being burnt by incinerators is increasingly made up of plastic. As this is ultimately made of fossil fuels, burning it is more environmentally harmful that burying it in landfill.
Previous calculations on the emissions of incinerators assume that the mix of rubbish hasn't changed in over 6 years. New analysis from the BBC on the current mix reveals that emissions are now on a par with coal - and around five times more polluting than the average UK unit of electricity.
The UK has phased out the use of coal in order to deliver on our commitments to tackle climate change, and we should now look again at whether further waste incineration is compatible with our commitments to protect the environment.
The Conservative Party Manifesto contained a commitment to prevent new waste incinerators being built, including those with recent permit approvals, revoking those where substantial construction has not taken place.
This was to recognise the impact on local communities and that increased recycling rates will reduce the need for incineration capacity.
I am strongly opposed to the decision to grant a permit to the incinerator this year, and remain committed to campaigning against this threat to our community.
For more information, see: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cp3wxgje5pwo
