27-Jun-2002

Radical action needed to tackle Rubbish Mountain

Incineration of waste by local authorities could more than double over the next ten years, despite Government efforts to reduce incineration and encourage other methods of waste processing, new research by Alan Whitehead MP has found. If no further measures to discourage incineration are taken this rise will have a knock-on effect for climate change targets and the targets to minimise waste levels.

Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, says,
"The conclusion from the research that I carried out on plans for the disposal of rubbish shows that more than 78 per cent of the population would live in areas where incineration would take place by 2012. This has serious consequences for the meeting of targets which would divert waste for re-use or recycling."

ENDS

Notes to editors
- If you would like a copy of the report please contact Alan Whitehead's constituency office on 023 8023 1942 or 07855 328914.
- The report is based on a letter was sent out to all Waste Disposal Authorities (WDA's) in England, Wales and Scotland. More than 96 per cent of WDA's responded.

Contact
Mike Collins in the constituency office on 023 8023 1942 or 07855 328914