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Waste Incineration: Permit Variation

01 December 2022

Lead MP

Elliot Colburn

Responding Minister

Rebecca Pow

Tags

Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 10173
Other Contributors: 3

At a Glance

Elliot Colburn raised concerns about waste incineration: permit variation in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

Colburn calls for a mechanism to ensure communities have greater influence over repeated major permit variations. He also requests conditions be added for permit variations such as metal detectors and magnets to extract harmful metals before burning, and support for efforts to prevent gas canisters from ending up in bins. Additionally, he advocates for clear recycling targets for operators.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Opened the debate
The Beddington incinerator in Elliot Colburn's constituency has faced numerous issues since its commissioning, including breaches of emissions limits, delays in restoration projects, road damage due to waste vehicle movements, nitrogen dioxide emissions from gas canisters, and a decrease in recycling rates. The operator Viridor submitted an application to vary the environmental permit to enable enhanced operations at the site, which would increase annual processing capacity by 26%. Colburn highlighted that there is extremely limited community engagement and influence over these processes.

Government Response

Rebecca Pow
Government Response
Provided an overview of the government's stance on waste incineration, addressing concerns about air quality, public health risks, and the future of energy-from-waste plants. Emphasised that modern incinerators are not a significant risk to public health when well-run and regulated. Stressed the importance of reducing residual waste through recycling schemes. Reiterated that DEFRA has no plans for a moratorium on new energy-from-waste capacity in England, as the market will determine future infrastructure needs based on economic viability.
Assessment & feedback
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.