Andy D'Agorne

In October City of York council agreed to press ahead with a deal to enter a partnership with N Yorkshire CC for a 25 yr PFI  funded waste treatment plant. So far no site or technology has been decided, although this should move a step closer in 2008. Recycling rates have increased to 40%, although the roll out of kerbside collection has slowed as the terraced streets and flats (13% of households) present more difficulties. However by Dec 2010 government legislation requires all properties to have at least two categories of recyclates collected - so why is it that our target has been set at only 46.3%for 2009/10 and the same for the following year? Could it be that recycling facilities will be cut once the new treatment plant comes on stream, demanding more of our rubbish to burn? What is the economics of separating out rubbish by hand when there will be a shiney new plant that takes everything and burns anything combustible?

If we are to have a treatment plant, the site is likely to be remote from major centres like York, where the waste heat could most efficiently be used. Sheffield, for all its lack of recycling, does at least have the incinerator close to the city centre providing heat through underground pipes to offices, shops and a leisure centre. So will the villagers of Tockwith welcome the idea of waste heat and 'Energy from Waste'? I wonder!