House of Commons · Westminster Hall
03 April 2025 · 15 other contributors · 13,461 words
Opened by Baggy Shanker Labour (Co-op) Derby South
Responding minister: Mary Creagh
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Baggy Shanker raised concerns about waste incinerators in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key points
Key requests to Government
The MP urges for a reduction in incinerator use and an increase in recycling rates towards achieving a circular economy. He calls for cleaner, safer alternatives for waste disposal, emphasizing the need to prioritize community health and environmental well-being over operational concerns.
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The MP highlights the issues faced by residents of Sinfin, Osmaston and Normanton due to a proposed incinerator. The community has been living in fear for over 16 years, enduring noise pollution from trucks, fly infestations and concerns about health impacts. Incinerators are described as harmful to both local communities and the environment with BBC analysis indicating that burning household waste is one of the dirtiest ways to generate power.
Opposes two proposed waste incinerators in Huntingdon, expressing concerns about local impact, health risks, and the overriding of council rejections. Asked whether Cambridgeshire is in an undercapacity region for incinerators and about the minimum distance a village can expect to be from an incinerator.
Supported her neighbour's call for exploring cleaner alternatives, citing the failure of the Sinfin incinerator which has cost £150 million and failed to operate despite promises.
Discusses the relevance of the waste hierarchy and highlights that incineration has higher emissions compared to coal and gas. Advocates for a strategic approach towards reducing reliance on incinerators in favour of cleaner technologies.
Agrees on the importance of understanding regional demand versus supply for waste management infrastructure.
Joined forces with right hon. Member for Chingford and Woodford Green to oppose the expansion of the Edmonton incinerator due to pollution, location in a poor area, and importation of waste from Europe. Asked about the inconsistency of recycling systems across different boroughs and difficulties faced by people living in flats to store waste for weekly collection.
Addresses concerns about an incinerator project in Calderdale, noting over 900 objections and legal manoeuvres by the company to circumvent local opposition. Emphasises the need for MPs to support local communities against corporate interests.
On 8 October 2021, a fire broke out in a warehouse at an industrial site near the villages of Cargo and Rockcliffe in my constituency. The proposed gasification plant raises concerns among residents due to potential health issues and environmental impact.
Raises concern over an approved incinerator site in Corby, questioning the fairness of the planning process and lack of community funds.
Discusses the negative impacts of an existing waste transfer station in Spelthorne, including noise, air, and water pollution. Urges for better management of food waste to reduce landfill contributions.
Thanked my hon. Friend the Member for Derby South for securing this important and timely debate on the impact of unproven technologies on local communities.
Incineration is a necessary but imperfect solution for residual waste. The Liberal Democrats advocate for reducing waste through incentives like deposit return schemes, eliminating non-recyclable plastics within three years, and improving food waste recycling.
Explained that mandatory food collections will be introduced on 1 April 2026, addressing the issue of different recycling systems and improving rates. Also discussed issues related to waste storage in flats. Discussed the role of local planning authorities, proposed aligning ETS with extended producer responsibility for packaging waste management, and highlighted efforts in recycling and circular economy initiatives. Mentioned a £15 million food waste grant and the establishment of a circular economy taskforce.
The hon. Member for Keighley and Ilkley strongly opposed plans for an incinerator in his constituency, the Aire Valley incinerator, which received approval from Bradford council and the Environment Agency. He praised local campaigners for their work against the project.
Highlights waste management challenges in South Derbyshire and the failure of existing incinerators, leading to long-distance transportation of waste. Questions the benefits of a proposed new incinerator that promises economic investment but does not solve waste problems or align with sustainable practices.
Highlights that an application was rejected nearby but developers increased size to avoid local rules. Cites Government figures showing existing capacity exceeds projected future needs, questioning the need for new incinerators. Asked about the Government's expectation regarding waste incineration capacity and its sufficiency as recycling increases, urging for clarity on future incinerators.
Government Response
Mary CreaghThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Minister acknowledges the importance of incineration processes across the country and discusses progress on recycling reforms and circular economy ambitions. They commit to setting out comprehensive environmental assessments when considering recommissioning waste treatment facilities. Responded to concerns about waste incineration capacity by stating that sufficient residual waste capacity will treat forecast municipal residual waste arising. Discussed the UK emissions trading scheme's expansion scope to include energy-from-waste facilities, emphasizing the importance of transitioning to a circular economy.