Landfills remain unfilled due to the recession

The inability of some firms to successfully fill landfill on waste management sites may be down to the recession.

Landfills remain unfilled, with councils forced to extend contracts years into the future because of a lack of waste.

Filling the landfills is a costly and lengthy process.

General reduction of quantities in waste may be down to the economy – quite simply, because people are unable to buy and dispose of as much.

King’s Cliffe, a radioactive waste site in Northamptonshire, may be a victim of the economic downturn.

Market studies by King's Cliffe showed that general reduction in quantities of waste disposed of in landfills was down to a poor economy.

Last week, the contract at King’s Cliffe was extended by the county council for a further three years as expected levels of waste were not reached.

The contract, which was due to expire in 2013, has been granted an extension until 2016.

King's Cliffe waste site collects paint, contaminated soil and rubble from a decommissioned nuclear power plant.

Despite protests from some campaigners against the radioactive waste dumping site, the extension of the contract was deemed necessary by the local authority.

Those campaigning against the site claimed that they were disappointed but not surprised by the decision.

Augean Plc, the runners of the site, said that they were very pleased members of the Development Control Committee were able to support the application.

“There is a clear national, regional and local need for the extension to the time of the waste management operations at the ENRMF which has been recognised by the county council.”

Augean Plc is now able to fulfil the original requirements of its contract.

“The additional time that has been granted will enable the company to fill the existing void space, ensuring that agreed levels are achieved to create an appropriately restored landform," the company said.

Posted by Claire Manning