Heat generating waste plant set to reopen after shutdown

The "energy from waste" incinerator is in Aberdeen's East Tullos area

A new £150m heat generating waste plant in Aberdeen could return to operation within the next week after being shut down for nearly two months, BBC Scotland News understands.

The facility in East Tullos was opened in April last year but then closed in June.

Operator Indaver previously confirmed it was reviewing its future involvement in the project, citing "ongoing issues", and the incinerator is still not accepting waste deliveries.

Aberdeen City Council said it had been informed that Indaver had reached an agreement with EFW Ness Ltd, which will run the facility moving forward.

As a result of the shut down, non-recyclable waste from Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray has been being sent to landfill in Peterhead.

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: "The Councils have been informed that the two parties have reached an agreement that sees EFW Ness Limited running the facility moving forward, with a return to full operations shortly.

"Indications are that this may be within the coming week. Waste continues to be diverted to other disposal facilities in the meantime."

"Costs will be recovered from the contractor and residents of Torry won't see their energy bills increase as a result of the temporary closure."

It has led to some delays to bin collections over recent weeks.

The incinerator is used by Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and Moray councils for non-recyclable waste, to reduce the amount sent to landfill.

The project is also designed to generate heat that is used in thousands of nearby homes.

Indaver and EFW Ness have been approached for official comment.

Aberdeen councillor Deena Tissera said: "It is encouraging that the energy from waste plant is close to reopening following the recent dispute.

"However, the fact remains that the council was blindsided by the announcement - a situation that raises serious concerns about communication and oversight."

She added that "serious lessons" must be learned, and that any losses incurred by the council were reimbursed.

Landfill ban

In June, the BBC's Disclosure was told up to 100 truckloads of Scotland's waste would be moved each day to England once a landfill ban comes in at the end of the year.

The Scottish government is banning black bag waste from being buried in landfill from 31 December, but acknowledged that there were not enough incinerators to meet the extra demand.

The ban, which covers biodegradable municipal waste (BMW), will apply to almost all domestic and commercial waste.

Scottish ministers said any export of waste should only be viewed as a "short-term solution".

The ban was originally meant to be in place by 2021 but was delayed because of the Covid pandemic and concerns that businesses were not ready.