Blog: Toxics

The recent European Landfill Directive will force the UK to reduce the amount of organic waste it disposes of in landfill sites. This is causing panic among waste disposal authorities, which have failed for years to address the question of what to do sustainably with our household waste. Local authorities in the UK are now stampeding towards huge incineration plants, capable of burning 200,000 tonnes or more of rubbish per annum, to meet the EU targets.

The incineration of waste is a subject of considerable public concern. In the absence of effective controls, harmful pollutants may be emitted to air, land and water where they may contribute to human health and environmental impacts, acidification and damage to the environment on a local and regional level. It is widely recognised that whilst incineration of waste - preferably with heat recovery - can form an important part of an integrated waste management system, strict controls are required to prevent adverse environmental impacts.

Pollution and health impacts of incinerating resources

Executive summary PCCD/PCDF and heavy metals in soil and egg samples from Newcastle allotments