GMB Calls on Veolia to Release Waste Flow Data to Prove They are not Burning Recycling Waste

A clear conflict of interest makes Sheffield recycling an easy target for profiteering says GMB

GMB, the union for recycling workers, has called on Veolia to release their waste flow data and prove they are not burning recyclable waste.

Leaked emails released by GMB last week suggest Veolia bosses are diverting recycling to their incinerator as Sheffield’s recycling rate plummets. Veolia claim they haven’t instructed any contractors to divert recyclable waste to their incinerator.

But GMB has received dozens of reports from Veolia workers who say skips at the recycling centre are left full, meaning the overflow skips fill up quicker.

These overflow skips are then sent to the incinerator plant (ERF).

GMB has repeatedly demanded Veolia release waste flow data which would show the skips are being kept at capacity, but so far Veolia has refused. GMB will raise formal questions about Sheffield’s Waste Management contract at the next full Council meeting on August 2.

Peter Davies GMB senior organiser, said: “Of course it’s easy for Veolia to play about with words and claim they have not instructed their contractor’s to divert waste. “They don’t have to ‘instruct’ anyone because they have a total monopoly on waste management in the Sheffield.

“If they decide to starve recycle sites of recycling skips in order to fill their overflow skips which then go to the incinerator, then that’s entirely their management choice.

“If that incinerator has to switch to gas due to a lack of fuel it’s Veolia who have to foot the bill, and we know they are struggling for materials so this is a clear conflict of interest. “It makes Sheffield recycling an easy target for profiteering.

“It’s the waste flow data that they are hiding that will show these diversions and Sheffield City Council need to get hold of that and act now."

Lee Parkinson, GMB organiser, added:

“The game of words is up for this company. “Veolia and Sheffield City Council need to stop scrapping it out and sort this mess of a contract out once and for all. “That was supposed to be happening now but no one wants to step up to the plate and take responsibility. “GMB will be raising formal questions about the leaked email at the full council meeting on August 2.”